My Take: “The Forum” on WNOV is no more. But it did mattered to Black Milwaukee, and also others that had to listen.

Check out @TheForum860’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/TheForum860/status/1023248092425019393?s=09

July 28th, 2018.

Mark that date down that many in Black Milwaukee will not be happy to hear. The reign of WNOV’s The Forum segment has surprisingly closed. Due to this decision was not “mutual” or irreconcilable differences. By now at this hour, you’re just listening to the hours between 9am – 12pm and no Sherwin Hughes on the microphone. No Forum. No more “Bye Felicia Awards”(the awards that got you locked out with bad remarks) and no voice here. But the voices are still out for more.

What will actually be a factor to enhance the voice of concern to the African-American Audience of Milwaukee? And second, if those had been following The Forum for all or most of the six years, is the due season coming for the next level of hosts? When I was listening to the radio today this morning, nothing but music in the 9-12 hour slot. Nothing but R&B, Rap & Hip Hop. Nothing but that. Of course the show at the previous hour was on during the slot but many like me, didn’t hear that voice to talk about the issues and happenings of the day. Yeah, that was missed! Was there friction between the management and host? What really let to the dismissal? Most of us reviewed the comments of the listeners online via Facebook when the story broke, and many found it like: “WNOV made a huge mistake of this decision”. “That’s jacked up”, or “Why during the midterm election season going on” (shades of 1290 WMCS being cancelled), and many also did appreciate the value of the host for his political viewpoints and raised an idea to get back in the game by using a different platform like podcasting .

I will admit, the Monday of today is not the same as last week. It’s a different week. And I don’t know how the radio works in terms of broadcasting or getting your messages out to the mass folks that are listening with management and experience. Hopefully, we’ll get to the real bottom of this and actually get a real conclusion beyond the “irreconcilable differences” in Milwaukee Radio. Not trying to speculate anything, but many may ask, why this dismissal was necessary in 2018?

“The Forum” ran for 6 years. And yes in those six years, we heard many topics. And to me, it mattered to Black Milwaukee and the listeners alike because we needed a fresh prospective from an angle that was never given before. I think also we needed a fresh prospective from the Generation X point of view because its clearly thought that the older generation was listening and learning. Many look at Generation X being all slackers and can’t do nothing right. Well that’s a load of BS. That’s not in part of the truth. And I’m part of the 1965-1981 crowd of the generation. And another reason why it mattered to the black community and it’s an obvious one, we need to keep and maintain our issues, our conversations, happenings, health stories, finance, lifestyle, creations, education and dozens of topics at hand everyday! Even yes addressing crime and racism. The three hours were just a spoke on the wheel, but the reality is that must keep the voice of the community on point and visible all the time. And that is why partially, the voices in the black community must be more than just one. It must be many!

What were my top moments in The Forum’s history? Let’s go into that right now. But first, I’ll dig into the crates of my blog stories that can support the story.

Going back to 2013, I remember a segment about opinion polls:

Now I’ve been heard about the recent Marquette Poll, or the Raussman Poll. This percentage of citizens this and this percentage of that. And mostly I’ve heard the question on black radio stations like WNOV, and asking, “Were you polled?” or “I was never polled on this topic.” Most of the folks in my opinion who do these polling statues, are white. Think about it. I’m just saying. And check this, how many of these polls in Wisconsin were done by African-Americans? No matter which side they see? AGAIN: there is 6% of African-Decent living in the Badger State.

 

2014: During Black History Month….

I was listening to WNOV today. Yes The Forum with Sherwin Hughes. He had on a guest of the name Oshi Adelabu who really dropped serious knowledge on why Black History Month is around. He also dropped real serious topics about us black folks don’t really know our history as much as the other ethnics. If anyone in America, or in Milwaukee had a chance to listen to him, you probably got lectured on a different level. And he did address the concerns of those who are our children who don’t care about the history. And the reason being, partially many of the adults don’t really go into the deep reason of the hidden stories of lynchings, hangings, inside discrimination, the first Egyptians being black (in which they were) or telling blacks not to go into the doors that whites used to go. I think our generation (the lower half of Gen X, Y, Millennials) were and are shielded from the extreme part of it and many of us don’t care. It’s sad to say but it is. Want a prime example: go to the Instagram and look at those bogus pics like, “Pookie and them were the first blacks to get turnt up in the club drinking Hennessy.” You mean to tell me that we would poke fun at those who have blazed trails, set new foundations, and declare holy hell on those who feel that this occasion that was started in 1926 is a joke of a failure? No its not a joke of failure because those who made the joke or the bad assumptions felt cheated because we haven’t learned the deep gist of the occasions. Of what it supposed to be. Yet, many years ago, I didn’t understood a lick of why black history month exists. But as I grew older and to appreciate the value of our summarizing our ancestors, and what is going on now, it has become to me a staple. More like a centerpiece celebration. I mean “every occasion” has a centerpiece.

2013 when Harley-Davidson was 110 years old. And the black community was almost left out, and yes even the late Polly Williams weighed in:

Recently up until the days and weeks before the start of the celebration, there was almost a concern. A concern about the African-American Community being left out of the celebration with nothing on the program. I read the Harley Bikers Guide courtesy of Visit Milwaukee, in which almost every organization or company had sponsored the event, but I didn’t see ANY representation of the African American Community that either was on the cover, nor in the ads! Come on, now! Just a thought that African-Americans do ride motorcycles, and are apart of the biker culture and network. But until recently, the organization of the MLK Street Jam folks have added a line up, vendors, and live music for the 110th. Originally, “The MLK Street Jam BBQ” was the name in the Black Community and yes 5 years ago, it was a listing among the Brady Street, and other Street Jams for the Harley Riders and non riders alike. I was listening to WNOV last Monday about the concern, and about the concern of the black bikers not having a connection for the 110th in which the black community, I think I may have heard that, in means of where to go, and having black businesses to engage the support of the event. Personally that almost hurt. Did some businesses or connections from H-D or Visit Milwaukee, ever talked to the Milwaukee black community, or those along MLK Jr. Drive about hosting a spot for the 110th Anniversary ahead of time? Did anyone who is African-American that works for H-D in the Greater Milwaukee Area asked those in the black community or inform of the 110th events beforehand? That is a question I want to know. Maybe Harley-Davidson needs to have Inner City Sessions on jobs, or outreach. Or have a parade to route along MLK Drive or Sherman Boulevard to Milwaukee’s Washington Park for a fellowship. I heard that portion on WNOV.

Just to add: in the days after this segment, Jammin’ 98.3 held a Iron Elite Black Biker Jam at Uihlein Soccer Park in which displayed the different motorcycles, vendors, The Kevin Hayden Trio Band and several famous faces like Willie G, whom we all know is a descendant of the company. And even film director, F. Gary Gray. Whom also did a special documentary of the Iron Elite and the history of the African American Harley-Davidson Riders. Food for thought. And no, it was not racist.

Elsa’s on the Park and the issue of racism and this was my “introduction” to The Forum in it’s inaugural year of 2012:

This story has been non-stop. Even on the radio has been non stop. This morning, I was listening to WNOV 860AM, and there is a new segment called “The Forum” with radio host Sherwin Hughes. By the way the radio station is now online at http://www.wnov860am.com; and as well on the radio. Plus you can listen to the station via the Apps on Android, Blackberry, and the I-Phone. “The Forum” is a hard hitting segment in which the topics of political, civil and many other issues that seem and gain the thought in the African-American Community; that will you will not find like on WTMJ or any other station that most don’t address issues like this in Milwaukee. Sherwin voiced his liberties in terms of the incident at Elsa’s as of what happened. Apparently, the information given was from of his close friends in which was the victim of the incident that took place. Sherwin and those like him will never set foot in a place that doesn’t feel “welcomed”. But he also said that there might be folks who would still support the establishment and spend their money! Hold up. Why would ANYONE would continue to support any organization or company that has or had bad experiences that dealt with racial problems concerning African-Americans and not everyone else?  It’s the same thing with Milwaukee’s clubs on the East Side. Some of them had negative experiences with black folks too, as in terms of not letting them in. If I was a customer per say, and this went down, GOODBYE! No more Elsa’s. Go somewhere that can be appreciative to me,and fair quality of service. Like Black-Owned Businesses. And for the record, I have some members in my family that do own, operate, coordinate, and direct their own businesses. And they’re African-American living in Milwaukee. Yes, I know that this experience is well “sensitive” to most, BUT it is a concern that must be addressed. Everyone around the country that knows about Milwaukee’s Segregation problems, I can them saying, “you need to talk!” NO MORE HIDING! It’s either “put up or shut up.”  We have too. Matter of fact, we Americans have to address this issue of race as well instead of running away to other cities and countries just to get away. I’m just saying.

2016: The year we lost Eric Von.

When the day of September 8th came when Eric’s death came up: it was like a shock. I kept reading my Facebook Newsfeeds to see if this was real. When you get those notices of a well known figure around your community that died, usually it’s a hoax via Social Media. BUT……this was no hoax. Eric Von really did die at his home in the Sherman Park Community. The next day, WNOV was really focused on him, his life and work. I was listening to his segment and The Forum and let me tell you: it was sad, but it was a time to celebrate him of what he brought to us over the years. No matter if it was his days at 1290, or WNOV. The callers kept calling the station to offer their condolences and sympathies. Even former 1290 Personalities that called in to do the same thing. And those that used to rival WNOV were also called in to equal the messages of those offering condolences. I will admit, it will be hard to replace him on the radio. But I think that with all of this, the WNOV Family; no, the remaining WNOV family will be fine. It will take time, but still will be fine.

Also with that, there was radio broadcast about Sherwin commentating about his then-health problems in terms of him going under an examination. Which also led him to get an colonoscopy. He was very expressive about his health in terms of what he had and was able to still do the show. In the lessons followed, yes he still addressed the medical issues that many of us in the African-American Community don’t go to the doctor. Specifically us African-American Men! This was an eye-opener and yes, I’ve been woken as well. It’s a life saving issue that many must not cover up nor ignore! Speaking of colonoscopies, the age limit for that, is still in the 50’s, but there might an age reduction to about 45 and up because now many of the those in that age range may have to get checked for that detection! Either way: GET SCREENED! I would say this to the men, but women you too! Of course you already know that.

Also in 2016: The aftermath of picking 45 and questioning whom to look next.

Sixth: I was listening to WNOV this morning. And there was question about who will represent the Black Community in the Trump era? Black folks: Look to our Senators, Our Congressmen or Congresswomen. Our Alderpersons, regional leaders whom are black. Here in Milwaukee: We got just to name a few, Senator Lena Taylor, State Representative Jason Fields, Congresswomen Gwen Moore, Alderwomen Chantia Lewis and Milele Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Khalif Rainey, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Russell Stamper II, County Supervisors: Marcelia Nicholson, Supreme Moore Omokunde, and Willie Johnson Jr. And no, I’m not putting Sheriff David Clarke on the list because I think now we in the community are waking up with the real truth about him. He’s not what he says he is. He don’t qualify.  Other black leaders like Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Shelia Jackson-Lee, and other well known black officials must not be overlooked either that can be viable to represent.

 

Let’s see, another highlight I remember: Building an African American Community Center in 2013.

Let me go in on my home of Milwaukee for a bit. I have to blog about this story that is very dear and I think important to think about for the African Americans for our city. Recently this week, I was paying attention to Milwaukee Black Radio, namely WNOV about a comment of a potential (idea-wise) African Community Center. As many of us Black Milwaukeeans know it was supposed to be built near the Milwaukee County Transit System Headquarters, which is near 17th and Fond Du Lac, years back. But however it never got built. Many were and still asking why.

Just yesterday and today, I listened to WNOV’s Sherwin Hughes, with guests Mikel Holt, former Alderman Fred Gordon, and Troy Shaw,  and in a twist of that thought: It had something to do with that project and the Italian Community Center. From the commentary, one of the then-Milwaukee Alderman’s Mike D’Amato had a problem with that. In regarding that project of the African Community Center, that would give dilemmas for the Italian Community Center. Say what?!!! When you really think about that, Milwaukee has Community centers of the Irish, German, Mexican, LGBT, Spanish, Asian and Italian. But not a African Community Center, based on this absent minded thought? Really?

Now I know that others who are non-black and reading this blog and from the Greater Milwaukee Area are probably might come out and say, “Oh that racist! Why does he have to write that? We are all Americans. We should be equals.”  Oh Shut up! I’ve heard that so many times. I get it. Remember when I said that I’m embracing my African-American side, while expressing my slice of Americana? This is what I’m doing right now. I’m expressing my freedom of expression as an American, while honoring my African-American, or American of African decent laurels. Period. If WNOV’s “The Forum” can do it, so can I.

Just to clarify currently that the site of the former America’s Black Holocaust Museum that the late James Cameron founded was torn down, but as of this year on Juneteenth Day, it was resurrected in a new Museum with Apartments. It’s called “The Griot” and it sits near the corner of 4th and North Avenue in the same area. Hopefully this can be a new start of getting OUR African Community Center started up to educate, entertain, inform and summarize the news and happenings in the Black Community.

From last August: Confederate Monuments in Wisconsin.

Most recently, I was tuning into a radio broadcast of WNOV, yes the black station in Milwaukee. And it featured a story that had a Confederate monument in my homestate of Wisconsin. I’m not joking. You might be saying to yourself: WAIT, WHAT? Wisconsin had a Confederate Monument?! Really? Here is the featured story, from June of 2015. As we all know that Wisconsin was a Union state during the Civil War. Check out the site called “Iron Brigader”, or do a search called, “The Confederate Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin”. I’m reading this article for the first time. And the thing that struck me out of the story was the fact that I had no idea, no iota that this existed in the state of Wisconsin. Never in my near 41 years living in the Badger State I knew that. The story summarizes that the use of the Cemetery was the burial place of the Union Soldiers that died in the Civil War. It also summarized that part of the Cemetery was known as “Confederate Rest” in which that 140 of the Confederate Soldiers whom were POW’s was buried in the area. Before that, majority of the Confederate Soldiers (approx. 1,000 plus) that were captured, were sent to Prairie Du Chien, and then to Madison. Many of them also were diagnosed with Measels, Mumps, Pneumonia, not enough food or medicine for the prisoners and many died because of it. Also some the prisoners were transported to Camp Randall (the same Camp Randall where the Wisconsin Badgers play on the UW-Madison Campus) for medications and supplies to receive treatments. Additional before Camp Randall was the house that many of the Big 10 feared, it was a training ground for the then Union Volunteer Soldiers during the Civil War. Now you wonder why Camp Randall Stadium is a “battleground” on Saturday afternoons! The story also summarized about a woman, Alice Waterman who was southern born that moved to the city to care for the Cemetery that housed the dead soldiers. She put her own financial needs to care for the graves and markers to maintain them. She is also buried at the cemetery towards the front of the site.

And to add, like other Confederate Monuments in America, that too was removed.

2014 when many got so “sensitive” about Black Milwaukee Radio. Like really?!

And check this: even Sheriff David Clarke had to call in and say “It’s David Clarke. Tone it down.”

I want to make a comment about this. I want to tell all the folks, the hyper sensitive folks something. Just my opinion: THIS WILL NOT BE TONED DOWN ON ANY FRONTS! NONE! Many times I said that Milwaukee is the most segregated city in America. That is a fact. Even if those live in the North Shore area gonna learn today. Obviously, most are afraid. They are scared. When I listening to the entire 3 hours, Sherwin had made strong references that many agreed about the understanding of black and white citizens. Even a black Vietnam Veteran! Where’s Sheriff Clarke on that? No where. Where are those who had to gall to call the station, after not what they want to hear based on strong and TRUE references? I said this on the MyFoxMilwaukee blogs that many will get mad when the truth comes out. Even if an owner gets all hyped negatively about a McDonald’s harboring Drugs and Mary Jane!

Speaking of Toning Down: Where is the “Toning down” of prevention of drugs in businesses?

• Where is the toning down of high unemployment among African Americans IN Milwaukee? WHERE YOU AT CONSERVATIVES?!!!!!!
• Where is the toning down of admitting the fact that this region and state is still segregated? And having Transportation issues of getting to the jobs? Hello, folks!
• Where is the toning down of preventing teen pregnancy, not being in the poor category IN Milwaukee? EXCUSE ME?!!!!!
• Where is the Toning Down of Drugs being going into the suburbs and while many get off easy, but hard in the larger metro areas?
• WHERE IS THE TONING DOWN of the so-called others who thought that a school like Malcolm X shouldn’t be an Community Center after it was legally PASSED by MPS?!!
• Where is the toning down on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Comment folks who blast things that they don’t and get a freaking pass? Such as one JSOnline commenter at one time had talked about that an officer should have punched Jeanine Tracy harder while being handcuffed in a squad car!
• Where is the toning down on these Conservatives Radio folks like Mark Belling who labeled Derek Williams a thug after being handcuffed in the back of a squad car? Couldn’t breath in all. Neck broken. And died on the scene.
• Where is the toning down of the Hilton Garden Inn, and Alderman Bob Bauman, about the accusations of black nightlife like 618 on Water, and many other clubs that mostly cater to African-Americans,and Urban Hip Hop Music?!!!  And having those NOT LIVING in Milwaukee had to jump in? UM, EXCUSE ME?!!!
• Where is the toning down of the State of Wisconsin that is getting sued by Talgo because of the refusal of the High Speed Rail project, that many of the leeches of the Tea Party Wisconsin based, plus Scott Walker shutting it down? Hmmmmm………don’t see it here!

What’s up with that? Milwaukee County Residents?!!!!! You all getting all hyper sensitive about a black man’s strong truthful reference, and don’t want to admit it. Folks like Sheriff David Clarke needs to understand that he is going to get talked about. Period. I mean, if various folks can talk about Chris Abele, Tom Barrett, Scott Walker, Senator Lena Taylor, or any other official, so Clarke is off the list? REALLY?! But if Sherwin is wrong of what he said about him, maybe the second black Democratic (but mostly REPUBLICAN supportive) Sheriff needs to be a man about it and defend his record!

 

And what about being “Church Hurt?” From this year in January!

Last week on the first Friday of the year, I listened to WNOV’s The Forum Program. And the full 3 hours of the program was about those who have been “church hurt”, or being hurt by the church. It was based on the article that some folks read (mainly younger black folks) about the reasons why they don’t attend church. And I’ll bet it came from those who haven’t been there. It also featured those whom have had history in the church ranging from bishops, ministers, and members whom have those vivid memories but mostly it was NEGATIVE! As I was listening to the program, it was coming from those who say it was a scam, the black church don’t allow the LGBT no love, and other negative factors. Oh the issue of money was conversed. I want those being effect by this “church hurt” thing to hear me out on this. Yes, there are pastors, bishops, deacons, and many other church leaders that did things negatively on the value of money. Yes, it’s true. BUT: don’t assume that it’s all of the Churches! Not all the churches are about MONEY. Not all of the church are about kicking out the LGBT. Not all the Churches are about the erasing the thought of supporting young folks. Not all churches are about hating on someone who is in need of coming in to keep warm from the freezing cold! Not all CHURCHES are the same! WAKE UP! If that were the case, I wouldn’t be in church now! I’m sorry you’ve been hurt. Church hurt. But many of you members who haven’t been to any the services in a minute, and you’re complaining, why haven’t you come forward? Ok, maybe you have been working. Raising families. Taking care of a senior person. Or sat out and did nothing. And you complain. If you complain and not attended the services, you need to go! If you are on the membership roll that haven’t been at the services, meetings, events, activities or there special outings to support or donate, then you need to retool and revise your membership! Hate to say that.
Don’t always assume that the church is ALL evil. What is evil is being put or driven by those who spoil the bunch. That is EVIL! Hell, I wouldn’t stepped into a 4th Generation family tradition that I wouldn’t be able to work, earn scholarships, utilized groups (both men and women), photograph archives, record sermons and still raised almost 28 years later! That’s right, this June will be my Church Anniversary of coming in as a full member through conformation class. That’s a joy. And that’s positive. And the Church NEEDS MORE POSITIVE OUTLOOKS! Not just hearing the music or the sermons. And also the biggest issue that many have against the church besides the money and pastor, is when we get done hearing the sermons, we go out to eat to Red Lobster or a local restaurant. Church folks got to eat too! There are 168 hours in week. The Average hours on a Sunday morning Worship Service is like what, 2 hours? So in those two hours of Church, we go to the restaurant and chow down for about 1 hour or so. And we go home. BUT THE WORSHIP WORK in the week goes on. It goes on at your job. Your community centers. Your activities of recreation, homes, the elderly, Your Sorority, Fraternity, Veterans Groups, Peace Groups, Activism, Alumni Associations, etc. Even when you help folks to Vote! That is your Worship Work in the continuation of the Church! Think about that. If many more folks in Milwaukee who were listening to that broadcast would actually get it, they would actually get it. I know some understand.
I say this mainly to Milwaukee. After all, it was a Milwaukee Black Radio broadcast of WNOV that commented on this. We know what the host said. We know what the guests said. And we know that. But look here: it’s not perfect. Many of you go to clubs on Saturday Night, partying in all. Being catered. Which is nothing wrong at all. But also, like the church at times, there are members of the clubs whom can be hypocritical of the DJ, the clothes, the set up, the bar, the drinks, the food, the parking, and the security. Just like your jobs, groups and etc. You don’t hear me! We’re trying. We know it’s hard. After all, being a Christian or a every Sunday church person is not just happenstance. It’s a hard job. Period. But with God’s grace, we’re up for the challenge.
Amen.

These are just a sampling of the highlights while listening to the program for those 3 hours. And 6 years. And the things I mentioned here, serves as a lesson to engage and take it out to the world and educate our minds and thoughts about the concerns and joys per se to commence. A lot of this, I do credit “The Forum” for allowing me to express my viewpoints here and summarize them to all of you. Mainly for those whom haven’t been to Milwaukee or have not seen Milwaukee in ages! And to think that, it was not a surprise in coming. And the host has seen this blog before, so I say to that thank you!

However, why I talked about this? It goes all the way back to February 2012, when there was a rally on King Drive in about “We stand for our men for Jobs”. The very same rally that former Wisconsin State Rep Elizabeth Coggs formed. And the guest MC you asked? Homer Blow. He also expressed that morning about that we must continue to tell about what’s going on in Milwaukee. If we take pictures, blog (like I’m doing now) or whatever, this is what we have to do. So I’ve been doing this since 2005 by doing this blogging thing that may not be noticeable. But based on this and the good highlights I’ve written about in the past, my voice along with my brain, is paying attention. If this blog had not existed, I wouldn’t be telling this now. Not about anything that pertains to Milwaukee or Black America. That would be in the interests of the Newspapers or journals that rely on the sources all the time. But what happens when the sources don’t get to the source we want? That is why that blogs like this and many others need to fill in the gaps of what we know to continue the conversation. As I said before, this is not for a job thing, this is a personal thing. And the personal thing to me is to help correct the wrongs that I went through growing up to be added on to the masses of research and homework assignments. And yes, WordPress camps.

The guests over the years comprised of politicians, business owners, activists, educators, historians, young men and women, Gen X’ers, Baby Boomers, Millennials, and organizers all stopped by to lend their viewpoints of the subjects at hand. Even guests like Officer Jack, a former MPD Police Officer that gave the audience about scenarios in regarding police work and also what to do regarding law enforcement and the understanding the law. Former Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Darienne Driver (who recently resigned this year) was on the show usually on the first Fridays of the month that gave us statuses about the conditions and happenings in the Schools.  Others from Mary Burke to Lena Taylor, to Gwen Moore, and to Mahlon Mitchell, same thing. Speaking of Mary Burke that many didn’t realized that when she was campaigning for Governor (and later lost to Scott Walker)  she appeared on the show more times than any other Republican Representative. Even more than Scott Walker whom have not appeared once. Something should have told you there. And yes, even the former Sheriff David Clarke stopped through as well wearing a Trump Shirt. The callers you asked? They ranged from everyday folks that know the city very well, even a black Marine Corps Veteran that the host ALWAYS acknowledges every time!

So guess what, black people and those others wanting to know? “The Forum” was only the spoke on the wheel. But, there is so much work to be done. Even telling our stories continuously. You will not hear this from WISN 1130 or 620 WTMJ. Or any other progressive format. Nope, not here! Not happening! Oh, by the way: for those of us that couldn’t get past the emptiness of The Forum, the show recorded 832 segments in it’s 1,000+ shows. Check out The Fourm 860’s Website for all the references.

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America goes 242. And yes, like before: The Struggle STILL Continues.

Oh, is it Independence Day? The day of the 1776 that many were “partying?” Oh yes, it’s July 4th. The 242nd Anniversary of the Independence. And yes like before, we can celebrate in all. Plus I dare say to comment this: The Struggle Continues!

Why do I keep saying, The Struggle Continues? I keep it as a reminder that no matter what happens in life and in our daily lives, the struggle of the ideas, objectives, faith, financial, manhood, womanhood, your sexual preference, voting ideas, marital status, and other things we hold dear like a musket still continues with this struggle. Even being black and conscious about our black-selves is a struggle EVERYDAY.

Black folks: we know that already that a day like this may or may not favor us likewise. When this day of Independence was established as we know, our people was not partying like everyone else. Others may ask why, we know that SLAVERY and BONDAGE were a factor of us not celebrating the fireworks. It took 89 years, (that’s right 89 years) for us to have our share of freedom when Juneteenth Day was created. For you the non-black audience this is part of history that many (and MANY) slept over. We get caught up in the hype and we forget that there were cracks in the ground that didn’t get covered. Think about this, the next 4th of July Holiday will be in 2019. The same 2019 when we will summarize the last slaves arrived from Africa in 1619. We’re talking on the real: 400 years. We will be saying 400 years alot next year. But when that happens, we’ll recognize it and surely it will be summarized that will make 45’s hair snap out! We can talk about the use of Patriotism in the country. But for us Black folks here me when I say this: We are Patriots too! When someone on our social media folks says that black people aren’t patriots, they are lying. We are patriots due to the speaking out of Police Brutality. We are patriots speaking out on our Black Lives Matter every time! We speakout on the hate on us being denied of jobs, homes, assistance of medical and finance, where to shop, having our say of education, voting, innocent lives getting killed, and many others with the moniker “Amerikkka” in all in the addressing the thought and issues and concerns about this country that really affects us! We have to address it! And the reason being because is if anyone is not going to address our issues, we have to do it. That is OUR patriotic duty as citizens to upkeep the words that Dr. King once said as an example: “Be true what you say on paper!” That is just not being patriotic in our way, but it’s also being held accountable for the things and issues that get put out there! Yeah, we have a patriotism in our own right. And you don’t necessarily have to wave the Red, White and Blue all the time. The real patriotism is in your heart and your viewpoints. I just had to say that.

Frederick Douglass even questioned that when he asked, “What to the slave is the 4th of July? Martin Luther King even ask that question more than just “I Have A Dream”. Rosa Parks even asked about that question when hanging a banner about those being lynched. Malcolm X was questioning that very often about the formality of Black Excellence/Nationalism being questioned along with peace and freedom. And many countless others said the same thing whom were and are African-American and having the balls to do it. In his last 4th of July as President, Barack Obama commented about “imperfections in our union”. And he was right. And still there are imperfections today that still need to be tackled right now.

Currently, we are still speaking out. Even Rep. Maxine Waters of California still criticized the antics of Donald Trump. Yes, Auntie Maxine is speaking the truth like it or not. And many can hate all they want. Even some Democrats need to shut up and listen of what’s really going on. And oh, they and others want to her to stop talking that jazz and having civility. You want to talk about civility?! And all that talk about her inciting violence? What a joke! The real joke is the 45 acts of stupidity. The real joke of seeing that stars and stripes side by side with the North Korean Flag which almost make me puke. The real joke is hating on Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for the criticisms about this American made product that is Milwaukee Born being some of the jobs being shipped overseas and of course some of the employees probably favored Trump. Plus would this act stains the 115th Anniversary? And even rolling back the ideas that Barack Obama placed regarding the Affordable Care Act, College Admissions and others were classified as a joke for Trump. And all that so-called “Make America Great Again” stuff is nothing more that a fake revolution to bring to light. It’s a farce! Even separating families at the border for no apparent reason. And black folks we know the feeling of separation as many times explained how our people were on auction blocks being sold into slavery. And generations in the future are putting the links together to assemble our family trees.

Why I am saying this on a day like today? Why many are saying, “Stephen this is our country’s birthday. Leave it alone”. WHY?! Come on, now! I am like a Patriot that is addressing the concerns that many are afraid to touch just like everyone else. And no I’m not hating the Vets like many of you. My father served in the Vietnam War, an UNPOPULAR WAR mind you that was hated by many. This year would have reflected 50 years since he came home from Vietnam and when he got back, he like many others were disrespected by being called “baby killers” from the same folks who probably then waved the flag for support. Even though that the Vietnam Vets that I know and knew served in the was that wasn’t all that, they still served, period! And now 50 years later, they are just getting their just due for service. Well, I need to ask where was that love for them 50 year ago when they returned? I’m just asking and saying at the same time.

Despite of all this, yes we are lucky to have this time. But however we also recognize that it has not been easy. We have to grind every time to get to our objectives and goals. We can still be bold of our Independence but we still have alot of work to do. Even with this crazy So-called President that many right are realizing that Hillary might have been a better choice. There are many of us have been saying it. But……like Roland Martin says on Twitter: #WeTriedToTellYa!

So with all that, we still got work to do. We still got to weed out the wickedness that plagues us very badly. What that means is we got to do better. Like former VP Joe Biden once said that America is a better country that this. We can be better and will be better. Not just with a catch phrase. But with the actions behind it.

Well, as they say: The Struggle Continues!

#Happy4th

#IndependenceDay

#242

Scratching my head all this time: The Father’s Day Edition.

As the day comes for the Dads, we know that many will celebrate the men that gives us love. We also realize that Father’s Day for the church side is going to be less than Mother’s Day in which we know already. Plus yes there will be women that will moan and complain about the father’s not being there for the kids, not doing nothing for the kids, community, etc. And yes, even the fathers whom are missed in death will be everyday reminded that their ongoing spirit still lingers on. And we have to face the wacky events. And I’m scratching my head again.

Ok, ladies. Let’s be real. Why will some of you will complain about the fathers of your kids this Father’s Day?

Will all the men wear some sort of blue like the baseball teams on Sunday? It’s to recognize prostate cancer awareness.

So after 60 years in the game, IHOP or the International House of Pancakes, will be now known as the International House of……..Burgers?!! Seriously?! Will Pancakes be still selling?

Black folks: June is Black Music Month as we know. Are we educating the masses who love our music in all?

So far the hype of the Milwaukee Streetcar is gaining steam. Plus you realize it’s only 5 months away until it fully debuts, right?

Right now on the election watch here in Wisconsin, August 14th will arrive before you know it. Still voting, right?

Milwaukee: Summerfest will be here. You ready? I got tips!

Why is 45 having issues with Canada? Particularly with the Prime Minister?!

The Brewers still own the NL Central so far. Is it real yet for the Craig’s Crushers?

They say that one of the introverts’ nightmares is job fairs. Career fairs, etc. Is the prophecy true? Do we Introverts need our OWN job fairs?

For the All Black American Legion Posts in Milwaukee/Wisconsin: why do you NOT have any Sons, Auxiliary or Legion Riders Groups? I need answers!

It’s been 20 years since James Byrd, Jr was murdered. By racists in Texas dragging him to his death. Did we forget this, America?

The Milwaukee Bucks’ new home will be opening in a couple of months. Who took the tour so far?

Here in Milwaukee: the Milwaukee Police Department is rocked with pain of the death of Officer Charles Irvine, Jr. We all know what happened yet again and I know many of us are still mixed by the feelings overall by the Police: Racism, Brutality, etc. We all know. Even harassment. Even the unacceptable stuff of the moniker copied of “Blue Lives Matter.” We know it. After Officer Irvine is remembered at his funeral on June 16th, what will the attitudes of us and the Police change for the better?

Sidenote: Reference the Milwaukee Bucks Basketball Player Sterling Brown after he was tased 18 times by the MPD.
CALLOUT: For us in the United Methodist Church, specifically in the Black UMC’s and BMCR: Why are we being attacked? Seriously ask this question at the Annual Conferences! Let them know how you feel.

This needs to be asked: why there are not hordes of Harleys in Milwaukee that do parades for Juneteenth Day? Yeah, I’m asking this that needs real answers!

Anthony Bourdain passed on due to suicide. Why did he go that way?! Man! And also Kate Spade went the same.

Here in Milwaukee: what will it take for the MPS Alumni to continue the “machine of reaching out” to the former students? Besides social media? And what will it take for the Alumni of all High Schools to be FURTHER engaged?

Is there a real reason why many will celebrate Juneteenth Day and or the 4th of July in the Black Community more or less?

In two months: Harley-Davidson will be 115 years old. Black Community: WE NEED TO BE READY WITH THE IRON ELITE – BLACK BIKER JAMS! Can we do this? Last time, we were late, but on time! White folks, do not get upset about a black biker jam in Milwaukee. You know what you said 5 years ago on Facebook!

Milwaukee: who will be the best Sheriff for the County? Richard Schmidt or Earnell Lucas? Make your choice on August 14th.

Of all the field of Wisconsin Democrats for Governor: I think that Mahlon Mitchell is the underdog. Can this underdog be the man? And oh, Wisconsin never had a black governor in its 170 year history!

Why is Sheriff David Clarke still talking on Twitter? Oops, I’m sorry FORMER SHERIFF David Clarke!

Is the time for Scott Walker up? Is this is the end?

For the Fourth of July, should many design a shirt that has “The Struggle Continues” draped in Red, White and Blue? You designers need to be ready now.

So I’m reading about this extended warranty about CarShield. I like many others are tired to pay high costs in car repairs in all. Is this CarShield thing a real good deal to have? I need answers. Real answers!

For my Pride Readers: How is your Pride month doing? Now for those wondering, Stephen’s Spot on this WordPress does NOT discriminate against anyone based on race, creed, class, sexual orientations, etc.

Class of 2018, congrats. Now what? Expect a blog letter!

During the Pridefest weekend in Milwaukee, Harley-Davidson had the “Ride with Pride“. You know Harley attracts all kinds of folks, right? Even the LGBTQIA folks.

Should the Milwaukee Police Department go back and hand out Baseball Cards like they did back in the 80’s? Way before you Millennials and Gen Z folks.

Final overall question before I ask about the Dads: Has the Golden State Warriors whom just now won a back to back championship over the Cavs is considered a “Dynasty?” If you win more Championships in lets say 4 years in a row, then you can call yourself a Dynasty. Not yet, Dub Nation! Even though you got stock of weapons. Just saying.

Now: this is for all the fathers. Ladies chill out. Don’t say a word!

How many Fathers didn’t have a father go to, became a father to go to?

What is the main reason why Father’s Day is so less than Mother’s Day when it comes to church?

My father mattered. Anyone else’s father mattered when they were living? How do we continue to legacy on the real tip without having the hassle of breaking traditions? And knowing each other besides going to Reunions and FUNERALS?! That seems to be the theme for generations. It’s time to break the cycle! Seriously.

For the first time fathers: how will you really support the toughest job of backing your son or daughter?

Since when Target had the “Baby Daddy” cards out? Did I miss it? Nah, Pass.

For the seasoned vets of fathers: you know the game. Is there a father to be that you are training right now to be a great dad?

For us who don’t have children and are men and not fathers: How can we support the kids in the community with the families that need the extra assistance? Always remember, it takes a village!

For us the families that never had an experience of growing up without a father, how have our Uncles, Grandfathers, Older Cousins whom are Dads, still play a role in getting that ultimate objective in life?

I dare to ask: why there are moms “now just blaring the thought” of seeing Father’s Day Cards for Mothers? Like in 2011 in Walgreens!

For the fathers whom are behind prison bars: I know that this is a hard question to ask, but do you really have the heart to see your kids?

For the fathers that have been missing for over 20 plus years from your kids, why did you leave them?!

For the fathers that have been reformed and out of jail, was the lessons learned for the better?

For the fathers that are legendary, are you inspiring the next era to step up?

For the fathers that are still in the fight and hard working, are you quitting or not? Do you still have the fortitude?

And for the families of fathers that keep it real: what is next?

On the real tip though, listen up:

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers!

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers who read my blog.

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers who are changing lives.

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers who are staying in the fight!

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers whom are missed and remembered EVERYDAY!

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers who are reclaiming their time. RECLAIM YOUR TIME DADS!

Happy Father’s Day to the fathers who aren’t always living foul!

To the non-Fathers that take care of folks on the fly, (like Godfathers) even though that this day is not really for you, but you act upon on being a father in general!

Lastly, even though it’s Father’s Day, don’t single out the Mothers that support. Please don’t. All Fathers Matter! And the Mothers (especially today’s MOTHERS) need to recognize it. Mothers you had your day last month. But today: Happy Father’s Day!

A Stephen’s Spot Exclusive: Men’s Health Month of Blood Pressures and Diabetes.

As many know we are in the month of June. The 6th month for me is I’m looking at 6 more months towards age 42. Hard to believe. It’s also the month of Summer, Juneteenth Day, Father’s Day, the Wear Orange for Gun Violence Awareness, Black Music Month and of course, Pride Month for our LGBT community folks.

On the health tip: Men it’s our health awareness month. Start wearing the blue. As usual for this I’m here to give you a summary report of my health condition. Going back to January, I went to the Eye Doctor for a long awaited Eye Exam. My vision at the time was very well overall. But the one thing had on my mind was the then blood pressure. At the time: 152/74. That’s like in the red area and screaming to go to the ER. The second option of this was the obvious one: get checked! So the same day, after realizing stress and not so baked foods can be a factor dealing with death, I made an appointment to go back to a Aurora Health Care clinic in Wauwatosa. So it came, and I chose the week of February 19th for a strange reason. It was the same February 19th that I saw my late father alive in 2017. 4 and a half days later, he died at 69 years old. After that was set, I began to do a four week exercise thing in which I changed my diet, and my weight began to go down slightly. It worked for a while. In February, after I had the physical done, I took a blood test to see where I was in all. Most was good. Even my blood pressure improved. But the next day, I got the worst news of my life about being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. In the same week that my Father passed a year ago. My glucose reading was at 237, with a 9.6% rating. That right there, was Diabetes status. And like many who got it was not a happy camper. And I’m still not a happy camper. Since then, I’ve been going back to the doctors and registered nurses to talk about the status and also trying to manage the symptoms. First I was prescribed with medications like Metformin and Atorvastatin to help reduce the numbers. Plus also I had to exercise yet again at least 30 per day along with a steady diet. Biking, Treadmill, and regular walking. Most of this was relatively new. And some old. Also I had to track my weight daily along with additional blood pressure checks. I keep a list of blood pressure numbers DAILY! Not once in a blue moon. And I use the Color Doctor to examine and review my blood pressure. It really works.

Around April 20th, (aka 4/20) I had to go back for an another appointment to see how I was doing. It was more of a repeat of information that I explored in February. Most of the tests were normal including my prostate and liver. Plus I had to get a Tetanus Shot that hurt like you know what. For prostate checks, Men don’t overlook that. They will do blood checks on those.

Then came May 21st of checking my A1C. Went in, had the blood drawn out with urine samples and waited for 24 hours for the results. Here is the shocker: At around 5:00 in the afternoon, I got a message from my doc’s office and my A1C was reduced (REDUCED) from the 9.6 to 5.8!!!!!!!

I was shocked that with all that grind, prayers, positive music of Hip Hop, Rap, and Rock that woke me up, the stuff worked! Even though that I still have the diabetes, but I felt this was a “small” victory.

Now why I am saying this? It took an act of a male second opinion to go to the doctor. I know us Men don’t like this because of a level of trust. We’ve heard this before. Just to think that I was reading an article about Black Men getting blood pressure checks in Barber Shops. Many of them said they didn’t trust the physicans, worked at least 2 shifts due to the demand of the work they do. But when like me, had their blood pressure checks, it was a wake up call. A wake up call to eat the right foods, get plenty of exercise, take the required medications to ease the diagnosed problems and repeat on point every single day.

Yes like every family member, you think about those whom had diabetes, some other diagnosis, and others, it began to wonder on you like really?! I had a classmate that I knew since high school died at age 39 years old. He was a big dude! But I think his health wasn’t that normal seeing my friend in a oversized casket. And yes when it’s male family members whom passed at 53 or 69, many might look at them being young. My father, at the result of his passing was heart related. His final diagnosis was Coronary Heart Disease and he had that for several years. What led to that, was Type 2 Diabetes. I had an uncle who passed in 1999 unexpectedly at work with a massive heart attack. And he was a type 2 diabetic . This was around 6:30am in the morning!

If that didn’t woke me up going to the medical folks, I don’t know what will. They say that stress, going back and forth between houses, extra difficult work could lead up to issues like Diabetes or other disorders. Mainly that can happen to anyone, but specifically, us Men! Why? It’s in our families. Our history, etc.

Even though that yes Men who like reading my blogs, we don’t at times like doctors. I think they suck. However in fairness, we have to stop this feeling of being scared. Or like, “that ain’t gonna bother me.” What if it did? Then what?!

We know the women will push us in going back. They will. But I feel that us MEN need to talk to other MEN about going to doctors. My Eye Doctor did the same to me. Just us Men. Not only Women. When we are at our Men’s meetings, Golf Outings, Fraternity Meetings, or any other Male thing out there, I know that when stuff like this comes, we want to be there for our kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, or our young dude or girl looking at us. Specifically our boys.

Health is wealth, Gents.

Dudes: we know this sucks. And I hate this also. But like NFL Hall of Famer and Packers Legend Jerry Kramer said earlier this year, “If you want to go to a ball game……..get checked!”

Get checked and screened, gents. Not just for Men’s Health Month, but for any month on the calendar! And take your boys also.

Scratching my head all this time: The Post Memorial Day Edition.

While many of us were taking the day off from work and school, the infamous Memorial Day Holiday returned as well as the “unofficial”start of the summer season. You know that is when many will start to travel alot? Yeah that one. This is also the same Memorial Day when many of us in the black community will remind the country that it was black folks that made the holiday. Long history of that missed! And also, it appears that the sacreligous saying of “Happy Memorial Day” is dumb. But however, I’m scratching my head again.

Like last year and this year and the year before that: WHY ARE WE SAYING HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY?!! It’s not for the living!

I need to ask this: does the African-American Community gets to be honored on Memorial Day when many of our black servicemen died or KIA in battle? Even while serving when the country didn’t give them love?

The month of May is Military Appreciation Month, which military member should be given love each day?

The Second Milwaukee Streetcar arrived this month, and in June, the Open House begins. Is June 8th still on your calendar, Milwaukee?

Starbucks was closed for one day after Memorial Day. You know what it means?

Has anyone really adapted to the full blown downside of Tinder?

If Call of Duty is not Nintendo Switch material, can Wolfenstein II be that combat game to become the best ever?

Next month is June: Black Music Month, Pride Month, Month set aside for Fathers, Juneteenth, The First Day of Summer………oh, you know us men realize that it’s also Men’s Health Month? Wear light blue!

It’s really apparent that the celebration of the United Methodist Church’s 50 is catching on. But after the celebration is one and done, what’s really next?

Why many ask those whom are single and no kids: “what’s wrong?”

Why many ask those whom are introverted that are “anti-social?!” Knowing its not the people, it’s really the connection.

Hold up: Noah’s Ark got a new water slide in Wisconsin. Hint it’s a snake ride. Not as you think. Wanna know?

Can the American Legion go to the inner city schools/events to assist them about black history war figures? Along with the Auxiliary, Riders and Sons? This is a serious question here. Not knocking the suburbs.

So many people think that the NFL is being unfair (still unfair) about Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling. Many have said that it’s unfair for him that he’s not signed to a team. NOW the NFL has made a rule that if a player doesn’t rise before the anthem, the team will be penalized 15 yards. There was a time that the NFL players were in the locker room while the anthem is played. Like 2009. My question is, why did 45 had to bust out saying that those who didn’t recite the anthem shouldn’t be in the country?!

Oh my God! Roseanne’s reboot and reruns has been cancelled due to a racist tweet to one of former members of the Obama/Biden Crew: Former Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett. For you Roseanne fans: so who’s the snowflake now?

Wisconsin: we turned 170 years old this week. What about the 8% of African-Americans living in the state for opportunities?

Additional School Shootings in Santa Fe, Texas and also after a High School Graduation in Atlanta, Georgia. Now I need to ask yet again after the “March for our Lives”, why are we are NOT getting the message?!

Was this a great decision by Mayor Tom Barrett by NOT running for Governor in Wisconsin in 2018?

I’ve seen Graduations of older folks in their 90’s graduating from College. You know it’s not too late, right?

How will Juneteenth Day 2018 turn up?

This is an interesting article: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a story about skills being important as degrees. Should this an idea to get folks back to work in a new way? And I know this needs to be asked: if you have a Bachelor’s Degree and you’ve been working low wages for a while well after college, and you want a newer BETTER JOB, why is this being blocked for those whom have a 4 year degree?

MSNBC had a Town Hall Meeting about Everyday Racism in America. Mainly with the now concerns of racism at Starbucks, Yale, etc. Was White America as well as any other naysayer American was paying attention?

Black Men: when we are stopped by the police or had been stopped by the police, do we feel a sense of concern like they are going to get us? And could this be one of the reasons why an interest in Police work is not out of the question?

And the Final question: Has EVERY American get this?

Coming in June: two things to write about – A Traditional Stephen’s Spot Blog about Graduations. And MEN – I have a serious blog to write about Men’s Health and you need to listen, er read what I have to say. Especially Black Men! Blood Pressures and Diabetes.

Scratching my head all this time: The Mother’s Day edition.

It’s been noted, that mother’s day is coming. Actually, it’s already here. So shout out to all the moms in the building, even if you have to play a mother to be a mother. But like many everyday values in stuff, dealing with politics and absent minded opinions meaning absolutely nothing, I’m scratching my head again.

On Facebook as we know, there will be those who will complain about not enough love for Dad’s in all. So will we be surprised after Mother’s Day 2018 is long gone?

Admit it America: has Childish Gambino told the truth in his video?

With Graduation Season College style is now in full swing, why are some black students getting “ushered” off the stage after a dance?

So I guess college students, excuse me Black College Students can’t sleep in college areas where folks can study? And get the treatment from the campus police?

Why there are white folks calling the police all because black folks barbecuing?!

It seems that Kanye West….oh what was that statement again? Nevermind.

How many liked Cobra Kai on Youtube Red? Admit it.

I will ask this: you’re in Church. And it’s Mother’s Day. Why is this day will be higher than Father’s Day?

Will Tyler Perry’s Haves and The Have Nots for this season will be the best banger ever?

Thursday Nights on TV will be not a Scandalous as in the past. Am I not the only one that misses Scandal?

This needs to be asked, why is BET and OWN allowing some graphic language? Oh, it’s cable. Nevermind.

Will the Nintendo Switch get a deal with EA sports for Madden?

Oh, when is Bayonetta 3 coming out for the Nintendo Switch?

I am seriously thinking of cutting my DirecTV Serivce for Streamline TV like DirecTV Now. Good deal or nah?

Can AT&T Prepaid get a deal about 32GB Android Cell Phones? Not just Apple!

Attention United Methodists: we are 50! But what are doing everyday for our churches to grow and be an example for others to do things the right way?

OK, I need ask this: with all this going on about Bill Cosby going to jail, about the queludes and sexual advances, and all his accolades being stripped, did Camille Cosby ACTUALLY knew this?

Heard that ZTE is facing serious trouble. What will that do for those who want to pay for a prepaid phone and save serious money?

So the 45 land crew had spouses to coming out the White House in regards to the military. Um….I have to ask this question but where were the black folks?!

Oh, yes. Every Republican fan and representative is out in fear and full force in a way to promote the good side of the red squad. Um……What good things?!!

Which song is the best Mother’s Day song we know? Is it “Mama” By Boyz II Men, “Always on the Run” By Lenny Kravitz, “Dear Mama” By 2Pac. Or others?

How many of us who don’t have a mother to go to, became that mother to go to?

For all the mothers whom are no longer with us, how will we honor their memory everyday?

For you up and coming mothers, what is your path right now?

Big questions, many will critized fathers living foul, but what about the mothers living foul? Not saying all mother’s here!

They say the Big Mamas are gone. Who are the new Big Mamas?

Show of hands: who did not know about Mr. T rapping in the 80’s about Mothers?

 

I see many Baseball Players will be wearing Pink for Mother’s Day. Yes, does Susan Komen count today? Like every October?

Milwaukee will finally get a Black Festival! In the month of August. What will this festival promote to the masses that miss African World Festival?

I see that the City of Milwaukee will get it’s Second streetcar this month. And this is only a test, right?

Wisconsin NEEDS a Trikke Shop, a Trikke Store, a Trikke Specialist, and a Trikke Advisor. What I’m talking about is a Trikke, a three wheeled Carving Body Powered Vehicle. I currently own one since the early 2000’s and I’ve used it to turn heads. It’s a Trikke 8. The Original one. Can Wisconsin get on board with this like the Segways?

 

 

What about it, Wisconsin?

 

 

And the last thing on the menu: And this is for Milwaukee; Did you really enjoyed the 3rd Annual MPS Alumni Reunion?

 

Real side note: Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers!

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who read my blog.

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who are changing lives.

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who are staying in the fight!

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers whom are missed and remembered! ALL DAY EVERYDAY!

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who are claiming their time.

Happy Mother’s Day to the mothers who aren’t always living foul.

To the non-Mothers that take care of folks on the fly, even though that this day is not really for you but you act upon on being a mother in general!

Lastly, even though it’s Mother’s Day, don’t single out the Fathers. Please don’t. Father’s Matter!  And I lost my father last year. He mattered. Wait for it in June for the Father’s Day Edition of Scratching my Head.

But today: Happy Mother’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Take: March For Our Lives should be an everyday reminder.

I was going to write about the BET’s new show, Mancave and putting my spin on it. But I’m putting that on hold until I write this blog story regarding this subject: March For Our Lives.

I like everyone else, looked at the footages of our young folks in D.C. and locally here in Milwaukee protesting and having their say about the recent shootings that effected their schools and the relationship of their classmates. This wasn’t just an American issue, it was also worldwide. It was estimated in DC that over 800,000 plus came out to this rally/march to hear and to protest a substance that has been lingered for so long. Many of us, including me had lost someone we know personally to gun violence. I lost a cousin to gun violence in the summer of 2002 when Milwaukee was facing one of the worst summers at the time. My cousin was just 21 years old. A young black man going to college. And owned an upcoming Ice Cream Parlor. He was gunned down all because there were other folks wanting his car with the spinning rims on the side. He was killed near 47th and Locust and crashed his car near the corner of 47th and Center Streets not too far from Washington High School. All in Milwaukee. My family like many other families that lost loved ones were in horror about losing a young black male to gun violence. Weeks after my cousin’s death, the perps were tracked down and were caught for the crime. Previously, they were serving time.

But that was a personal matter. I know that the connection wasn’t all school related, but the relation of having someone close to you being killed is understandable. Now why am I putting this out on a day like today? Everyone again, has a story. But for this “March for our lives” event to voice our concerns of the recent tragedies in schools this needs NO relation. At all. NONE!

While I was looking at the young teens and some under 13 years old they seem to have a idea. An objective. These young players and girls have a momentum that would rocket them to the next level. They are the Z Generation from what I hear. And this Z Team is not pulling any punches when it comes to the things or ideas they are seeking to help curb Gun Control.

CALLOUT: And I need to say this: for all of you gun nuts who think that this March For Our Lives group is going to take away your firearms or pew pew pistols, they are not. NO ONE IS NOT TAKING AWAY YOUR GUNS! President Obama didn’t take them away and I’m surprised no one took away his Skeet Shooting Rifle! It’s kind of funny that many would believe that. But your firearms are still in your house.

Some of the speakers did spoke out on their “so far” experience. A few of them spoke were black. And some have expressed about not being at the age to give out activism like remarks. But adults, let us remind ourselves that the well known activists we know and read about, started their activism speeches as young as 5 years old. Don’t tell me that you overshot that. Folks like MLK and Rev. Al Sharpton done that. And even though that MLK is dead for nearly 50 years, and Al Sharpton is still living, their activism are lingered in memory and archived for the future. Grown folks, stop playing! It’s been done before. And it just happened again today! Those like Naomi Wadler who is only 11 years old. A 5th Grader speaking out for those whom are African-American girls that don’t make the front pages of newspapers in the nation. Nor the evening news on TV. And she’s from Alexandria, Virginia who lead a walkout via her Elementary School. The black girls she referenced were ranging from – Courtlin Arrington, Hadiya Pendleton and Taiyania Thompson just to name a few.

She also referenced very same City of Chicago that everyone talks about in a question “What about the black-on-black crime?” “What about Chicago?”  For black boys: same thing. As an example, Trevon Bosley gave his remarks by stating that “Everyday shootings are everyday problems!”  And the keyword is “everyday.”

Now we know that the “suspect supporter” of the lobbyists has the letters “NRA” on them. It’s seems that the NRA has been THE suspect. Why? I think we adults whom have back them and the 2nd Amendment allow this to happen! Of course that the 2nd Amendment has the right to bear arms or having a gun. We know this. BUT when was the last time that NRA has ever backed a thing called responsibility? I never heard the NRA fans like Dana Loesch or that black dude what’s his name, Colion Noir is it? (dude is selling out) never talked about the responsibility of the firearms their members and lobbyists must understood. They never spoke about Philando Castile’s murder in Minnesota nor recently, Stephon Clark’s murder by the Sacramento Police in his grandparent’s backyard! Where you at, NRA? Backing up Trump?! Don’t be surprised if the Gen Z Crew turns that age to vote, get involved in politics/activism and vote out all those who held down that red wall of pain that many fought for so long to take down! Be warned, NRA. They coming. And those who back them, you might be in the wave of truth of getting out of way. Again, these kids now are NOT PLAYING! And they are teaching us and reminding us of our accountable actions!

Many of us in the Baby Boomers, Gen X and yes you Millennial folks, we’ll be in those nursing stations getting someone to wash our butts as we get older and relieve our sickness and diseases to cure our bodies. OK subject off. Not good. But you know what I’m saying.

From David Hogg to Emma Gonzalez and many in between, they were the premiered speakers and survivors and we grown folks had to listen to them. That’s what they wanted. They wanted to speak and they did. But the surprising speaker of all of them was just 8 years old. And she has a legacy to maintain for the next era of the name King. Yes, Yolanda Renee King – MLK’s and Coretta’s only Grand Daughter, Niece of Rev. Bernice King and Dexter King, and daughter of MLK III came out and spoke that she has a dream that enough is enough!

This is King’s Granddaughter speaking. Now I know that she’s only a preteen in elementary school. But after her speaking part of going to be a great generation, there is no telling, she is just beginning to spread her future activism. But I hope that she not only does that, but also maintains the namesake of her family to restore!

Now I want to address all this mess about are the Parkland High School Students are being exploited for all this protesting. My question is, who is exploiting them? Who?

All the grown folks who say that, shut up! They to me are addressing a concern about the violence in the schools recently. There was violence of guns in the Milwaukee Public Schools not too long ago. Were the current students of MPS being exploited about that? When many of us were in high school in the 90’s or 80’s, now as ALUMNI were we exploited with high school violence in our schools not caring?! Yes I went there. And many of us never used the letters “NRA” back then. Unlike now. I don’t think nor believe that the students are being exploited. Seriously, who’s exploiting them?! Who?! One thing about all of this, folks want to stir up stuff that is not true. If that’s the case, they wouldn’t be doing the marching or speaking out period. And their parents would NOT allow them to attend. But wait a minute: this is a country with freedom of expression right? So that means that our young folks can’t speak about the concerns that they witnessed? Many of us grown folks are perpetrating. And many are doing that by the keyboards who think they know it all, but don’t do the homework. Yes grown people I’m talking about us! Or many of us that want to rant with no proof.

Final say: even though that this march is a one day affair of open expression of our youth, it shouldn’t stop today! This needs to be an everyday subject! Everyday! Not just every March 24th, take a photo, say/hear the speeches, performances and go home. I want all the schools to really take heed about what is happening here. And yes this does include the parents! And also the communities, the fraternities, the sororities, the churches, neighborhoods, and many other groups, clubs and organizations that really cares about the safety and well being of our (and I mean OUR) kids! If you don’t have children like me and you’re just looking at this March and rally, I say back up the kids in your churches and community centers/organizations. Women: back up the girls. And as far as the Men (whether you have kids or not) we need to back up our Sons, Nephews, Cousins, Grandsons, Godsons, and young wards/male students who look up to us as head pillars in the community and go to the schools everyday, while we work the clock! Women: same thing if you have sons and no daughters. Men, vice versa with daughters.

I have a message to the Generation Z crew that were active today: I hear you. We all hear you. Let’s do the work to get you started. After all, you are the next players to lead.

My take: This is getting old, International Women’s Day has nothing to do with us dudes at all. Where’s the REAL hype about International Men’s Day like right now?

Ok, I need to say something about this. Women, and those women who read my stuff, quick question: have you really had a blessed International Women’s Day? I’ll leave that up to you to ponder.

My emphasis is really focused on your day being asked the same tired question about this: “When is International Men’s Day?”

Oh don’t lie. Many of us dudes and yes some of you females been asking about a day that is set aside for the men to rejoice of being recognized. Yes I’m talking to you! We’ve seen it over and over again: November 19th. Annually. Every single year. And yet we get mad. Wanna get mad? Get mad and vote out the Republican fools that follow the “Make America Great Again” stuff. And yes Women, in regarding this, some of you probably voted or rooted for Trump in 2016. Tried to tell you.

Now let lay in the horn on the whining. Why was there was “whining” about a International Men’s Day on the International Women’s Day of March 8th?! Taking a deep thought breath here. I can list two to four:

1) Information is Power.

2) Folks are searching for knowledge. Repeated knowledge that many know.

3) Folks really want to know.

And 4) Google and Wikipedia are really a rally source that many don’t access or choose.

There are choices here. I did a Google search here without falling off the cliff last year. I saved my energy for saving of searching for an International Men’s Day. And also I realized that the International Men’s Day does have a website. Matter of fact, here it is:

http://www.internationalmensday.com/

And the theme for 2018: “Positive Male Role Models”.

From the website, these are the objectives:

Objectives of International Men’s Day include a focus on men’s and boy’s health, improving gender relations, promoting gender equality, and highlighting positive male role models. It is an occasion for men to celebrate their achievements and contributions, in particular their contributions to community, family, marriage, and child care while highlighting the discrimination against them.

Okay…what else?

According to the website, this year in regarding Positive Male Role Models”.

Many boys today don’t know what it means to be a man because they don’t have a man in their lives. Sadly, children will go to bed tonight without saying goodnight to their father because he just isn’t there.

Nearly one-fourth of America’s children live in mother-only families. These frightening statistics are similar to a lessor or greater extent the world over.

More than likely, a woman teaches them at school and at home. So, where do they see and interact with positive male role models? Or, how do the boys learn what it means to be a man? Television? Movies? Internet? On the street?

Even in homes where the father is present, research shows that the average father spends less than 10 minutes a day one-on-one with his child. In our society, emotional and spiritual fatherlessness is becoming the norm. Many of today’s fathers did not have positive role models to show them how to be a father, so they are not there to show their children what it means to be a father.

No matter how great a mother is, she cannot replace what a father provides to a child. Irrefutable research shows that mothers are typically nurturing, soft, gentle, comforting, protective and emotional. Fathers tend to encourage risk-taking and to be challenging, prodding, loud, playful and physical. Children need a balance of protection and reasonable risk-taking. If a positive male role model isn’t around, there is a void in this child’s life. Children without positive male role models are more likely to be involved in criminal activity, premarital sexual activity, do poorer in school and participate in unhealthy activities.

Studies have shown that involvement of a father or a positive male role model has profound effects on children. Father-child interaction promotes a child’s physical well-being, perceptual ability and competency for relating with others. Furthermore, these children demonstrate greater ability to take initiative and evidence self-control.

Okay….So how can men of any kind be more in the lives of children, especially with no kids that they want to support?

Via the website:

• Encourage positive male role model involvement in your child’s life if you’re a mum. (Mother)

• If you’re a non-custodial dad, make the effort to visit with your children more often. You can also be very intentional about teaching them important life lessons.

• If you are an educator, encourage fathers to be more active in the classroom.

• You can influence the lives of children in your community be being a positive male role model.

• Faith-based institutions and programs can bring fathers together with their children. Additionally, they can encourage male role models to engage children in their sphere of influence.

• If you are a community leader use International Men’s Day on 19 November 2018 to celebrate Positive Male Role Models and give awards for the same.

• Business leaders can encourage employee involvement in community efforts with children. For example, you can promote mentoring with organizations like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, youth groups, Boys Club or Girls, Inc.

More from the site:

The November IMD is a significant date as it interfaces the popular ‘Movember‘ charity event and also with Universal Children’s Day on Nov 20 with which IMD forms a 48 hour celebration of men and children respectively, and of the special relationships they share.

The ability to sacrifice your needs on behalf of others is fundamental to manhood, as is honor. Manhood rites of passage the world over recognize the importance of sacrifice in the development of Manhood.

Men make sacrifices everyday in their place of work, in their role as husbands and fathers, for their families, for their friends, for their communities and for their nation. International Men’s Day is an opportunity for people everywhere of goodwill to appreciate and celebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all.

Methods of commemorating International Men’s Day have included public seminars, conferences, festivals and fundraisers, classroom activities at schools, radio and television programs, Church observances, and peaceful displays and marches. The manner of observing this annual day is optional; any organizations are welcome to host their own events and any appropriate forums can be used.   

Does this sound like an idea? We see this all the time, but this is more on a international level regarding all men. No matter with kids or not.  International Men’s Day is the youngest of the two. This was started in 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago. International Men’s Day is young. It’s a young international holiday that highlights the achievements and accomplishments of Men in the world.

Now many are probably (AGAIN) joking around and want poke the bear about the day that is way young than International Women’s Day.  It’s kind of obvious that there are those who want to know about the day of International Men, but have NO IDEA what the day is about. Where as International Women’s Day comes every year and yes WOMEN, some of you have no idea why you have Women’s Rights. That’s the main reason right there!

And I, unlike those who didn’t  advised me, I had to do my homework on my own. I had to research International Men’s Day on my own. And I had to summarize International Men’s Day ON MY OWN. NO male and NO female never told me to do this. But as a Man, A black man born in America, I had to do my study time and to familiarize myself about this 19th Day of November. We know that this day for us Americans ties in with the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln.

But on a black history level courtesy of BlackAmerica.com:

November 19: This Day in Black History

1921: One of the greatest catchers in the history of baseball, Roy ‘Campy’ Campanella was born. He was one of the pioneers who broke the color barrier in MLB. He passed in 1993, aged 71.

1927: Joe Hunter was born. He was one of the original Funk Brothers of Motown fame. He passed in 2007, aged 79.

1936: Robert White was born. He was guitarist for Motown’s Funk Brothers. He died from complications of open heart surgery. He was 57.

1939: Happy Birthday to Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Warren ‘Pete’ Moore who turns 74 today. He was a singer, recorder producer, songwriter and Arranger.

1954: While driving from Vegas to L.A., Sammy Davis, Jr. crashes into another car on Route 66 San Bernadino, CA, and three days later, permanently loses use of his left eye.

1955: The Cues, known mostly as a studio backup group for the likes of Atlantic stars Ruth Brown and LaVern Baker, had their first chart single with “Burn That Candle” (#86 pop).

1958: Happy Birthday to actor Terrence T.C. Carson who turns 55 today.

1960: ‘Georgia on My Mind’ by Ray Charles hit #1.

1962: Influential ’50s blues star Savannah Churchill made a comeback performance at the Room at the Bottom in New York’s Greenwich Village. She had been badly injured several years earlier when a fan fell on top of her.

1964: The Supremes became the first all-girl group to reach #1 in Britain when “Baby Love” hit the coveted top spot.

1964: Blues singer and musician Little Johnny Jones died of bronchopneumonia. He was 40 years old.

1966: ‘Knock on Wood’ by Eddie Floyd was the number one song this day.

1966: Happy Birthday to Olympic Hall of Famer Gail Devers who turns 47 today.

1968: The Supremes performed at the Royal Variety Show in London before Queen Elizabeth.

1969: Happy Birthday to award winning actress Erika Alexander who turns 44 today.

1971: B.B. King began a European tour in London on his twenty-fifth anniversary in the music business.

1973: Happy Birthday to tap dancer, actor & choreographer Savion Glover who turns 40 today.

1979: Chuck Berry left prison after a stay for tax evasion.

1983: Tina Turner begins her fabled Eighties comeback when her version of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” produced by of Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17, hits the British charts.

1985: Lincoln Perry aka Stepin Fetchit passed away, aged 83. He was the 1st black actor in history to become a millionaire and the 1st black actor to receive featured screen credit in film.

1990: Milli Vanilli were stripped of their Grammy Award because the duo did not sing at all on the Girl You Know It’s True album.

1992: Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 album was certified six times platinum (six million copies) by the RIAA.

1994: Actor Dedrick Gobert was fatally shot this day. He was 22 years old.

1995: Little Milton, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, and Clarence Carter appeared at the Grand Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles on the last night of their Heavyweights of Blues caravan tour.

1998: Natalie Cole sang “They Can’t Take That Away from Me” at Frank Sinatra’s eightieth birthday party at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. If that didn’t do it for Ol’ Blues, Little Richard’s rendition of “Old Black Magic” surely did.

2002: While greeting fans from a 5-floor hotel balcony in Berlin, Michael Jackson shocks the world by dangling his newborn son over the side of the railing.

Even though this date in black history has little or no effect on International Men’s Day, but there are other events that happened on this day before a thought of a International Men’s Day had ever been thought about.

I’m glad that now, that there is an International Men’s Day that us MEN can actually take an opportunity in to talk about our concerns, joys, problems, and to be celebrated for what we do. And even though there are naysayers and haters on both men and women who feel the equality thing should be all the time, it’s not. The haters who call some men, whinny or bitter of asking the same tired question without reason are just haters themselves. They don’t give enough information. All they tell you was or is “November 19th.” That’s it. And no other reasons why. I’m a type of person wants to know “what else happens on this November 19th day” that we should about besides the infamous International Men’s Day.  That is missing! The homework of that is not finished.

Someone (a female mind you) suggested that International Men’s Day should be a day to highlight concerns or something that men really care about. And she’s right. And also it ties in the “Movember”awareness of men’s health awareness. And originally, voting. (For us Americans who vote in November).

For all the mean tweets, stop it. You all ready know. That goes for BOTH men and women!

From the Time and Date Website: Representatives from organizations such as the UN expressed support for the event, although it is not an official UN observance. A petition has called for the UN to make International Men’s Day an official UN observance in the interest of equality.

CALLOUT: Gents, we got to hype up our day in about 8 months. Get prepared RIGHT NOW! And keep pushing the thought of International Men’s Day on the calendar!

 

A Stephen’s Spot Exclusive: Diabetes.

I’m going to go to a specific topic about a health matter that we know very well. And it’s a health matter that many of us don’t want to hear, nor talk about. A health matter that many of us know through family and friends and associated know. The topic I’m bringing up is diabetes. We’ve heard of it, right? We should.

Picture this: you visit your new doctor for the first time in a while. You kept hearing about getting a physical, check up or what ever you call it. You go to a previous eye doctor of any kind to get your eyes checked in all, and then they check your blood pressure. It’s elevated. And you have to get checked up. So you exercised for about a month and then you go to a new medical physician. After your physical is done and getting your blood checked, you think it’s all good right? Not exactly.

This past Tuesday, after I was working for the Election Commission in Milwaukee, I went home to hear about my test results from my physician. Everything else was good, except one thing: Glucose. My glucose numbers was high like a kite of 237 and my A1C was like in the nines; which is kind of bad. And it was ruled that I contracted or diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. The shock and disbelief of my nurse telling me this was not good. According to them, they tracked my blood from 3 months ago. And it was high all this time. Didn’t know it. After the shocking news, there was one other source of info I had to turn to, my mother. And she knows about Diabetes because she was diagnosed over 20+ years ago. We went over the results online to get an idea about what happened and why it happened. She broke it down like, in addition to foods and drinks some of them can spike up you blood sugar. Even stress can cause diabetes. February 24th was the one year anniversary since my father’s passing, in which I know now the result of his death was coronary vascular disease. But what lead to that, was Diabetes and he was 69 years old. We dealt with death for like most of 2017 and it was not a easy experience losing my father so soon. Some of my relatives living and deceased had gotten diabetes earlier and two of my 1st cousins had amputations on their legs and feet cut off.

I have heard the horror stories particularity from those who were diagnosed and they were not good stories.

Now you probably asking like, REALLY?! How did this happen?! You’re 41 years old and African American and supposed to be healthy in all. Guess what? Like any other diseases, disorders or health issues, they can strike at ANY AGE. ANY RACE. ANY GENDER. This like bullets has no eyes to look. You can meet a dude or a chick 10 years younger than me and they have diabetes. No matter how fat or skinny they are. My former physician once told me that you can get diabetes when you get older. You know what, the doctor was right, and that quote was about 6 years ago when I was in my 30’s.

Now I’m not a happy camper that I’m the latest causality of the “Diabetic Universe”. Really I’m not. But right now, I don’t know how I’m going to adjust my life doing this blog with my stories reaching you. No I’m not quitting. This blog is not going away as you think.

Why I am telling this story? Why share this story that I know that it’s going to change my lifestyle, goals, objectives, etc. I’m reaching out to those that do WordPress or other bloggers that know what I’m going through right now. I’m new to this club that I didn’t want to join and now since I’m in this club, I’m trapped in this prison. Can’t get out. I know it’s horrifying and dead scary. But I had this quote years ago while getting checked up was something like: “Check your blood or die!” You know what, I’m bring that back. Even in this era that we think we feel good, but we really REALLY have to be sure. What I’ve learned then and now is that you can’t overlook anything with your health. You really can’t. We all have agendas and ideas to maintain, but to be real, our health comes first to the agendas. We know we want to live longer and see our future folks grow up and have kids of their own. Some of us may not be so lucky. No matter if you are a woman and yes men we must know!

I heard and read from lots of folks whom have this Diabetes to live with day after day, year after year, month after month in all that it’s not going to define them. I want to be clear that I’m not going to let Type 2 Diabetes NOT STOP ME! Oh it has slowed me down, made me humble and made me ask why. But there is another question to say the next day after seeing your doctor, “Now what?” Also, what’s next? And also where do we go from here?

We know and hear that Diabetes is not “a go away thing forever”. Yes you can manage it to a point to get it under control. But it has to stay managed! Stay managed like eating the right foods. Stay managed like getting enough exercise everyday. Stay managed like checking your blood pressure, weight, and checking up with your physician on point. And yes stay managed by taking the meds prescribed. It’s about taking back control of your health and you. Time to get moving.

Even though that it’s been a tough week of mixed emotions so far, I know that it won’t be easy to get through. If this is a lesson to be learned in all, then I’m still learning. This not just a black community health concern, this is an everyone health concern. And yes black folks, this hits us the most! Had to say that in Black History Month, but this rings true in every month. And to point out, I just watched Anthony Anderson’s Video Clip on the Get Real About Diabetes Facebook Page. Here is the thing: Anthony was diagnosed with the Type 2 about 16 years ago. And like many others, he had to ask why? He also mentioned about his father’s passing and other health related matters that hindered him. This is the same Anthony Anderson that was on Transformers, Kangaroo Jack, Barbershop, King’s Ransom, and currently, Black-ish. He also had an episode that revealed that Dre (Anthony’s Character) was diagnosed with Diabetes.

I know that this was not the news to share. But I had to bust this out because there are those whom had this for a while can understand of what I’m going through.

And yes, I’ll get the resources via the American Diabetes Association, and any other Diabetes Support Group that I can reach out to, especially to those whom are African-American knows the deal dealing with this everyday. And I’m going to start where I know: my own backyard of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll try something for once to say that I know now what I must do. This was a real set back, but it’s not a total set back of my goals and dreams in life!

2018: What do I want to see and don’t want to see!

So here we are.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the blog story that is traditional. Let’s Review of what I said last year with a twist:

Like Sgt. Hulka used to say in the movie Stripes: “before we proceed any further, we gotta get something straight.”

I’m going to be taking this blog to new heights. It’s not just going to be the same old song and dance. Nope, that is going to be one and done. It’s going to more that just one blog story. No matter if you are in America or in freaking India, be ready. This blog thing will get real. If I got to get my Periscope, or own video thing on here to help my stories, well: that’s what I have to do one day. What does all this mean? It means that I have to get better with the idea of blogging with the issues and concerns. I have to. It’s not just that thing that needs to be done, it must be done to improve. To inspire and yes, to get to the point of view that I need to display.

Yes folks will walk tall, shoulders back, chin up, conscious up to the 10th level, and of course this is an idea that would be beneficial. I thought about destroying this blog and ending a 10+ year streak, all because of other concerns of boredom or that same story. But wait…..this could be a benefit to help and inspire. While many might think that one story from a blog is all there is, think again.

Stephen’s Spot is not just about one blog story. Or one picture. Or one anything. It can be revolutionary, inspirational, conscious, fun, life experienced, or just plain normal. It’s not a one dance show. It’s one in the million that can be experienced if many take the time to read more than one. Now, I know many are just now discovering the blog based on what I written back in 2014 or whatever. But if you (yes you) the reader actually like what I write here, in a sense of right now, thank you.

Knowingly I can’t control what others might read, but by me writing more, and thinking more, it will be fully objectionable for me to carry on. I’m in the 40 year old plus age bracket, and yes this age bracket will indeed test my theory and summarize.

So guess what: you want Stephen’s Spot? I’ve give you Stephen’s Spot! This is not no same ol song and dance. Nope, not here!

So for now: let’s start my New Year’s Tradition of Stephen’s Spot that doesn’t need a repeat: What do want to see and not want to see in 2018! 18 things by the way.

ITS GO TIME!

First Five I want to see in THAT YEAR OF 2018:

1) Time to work folks. If this is the year that you will get that real job, the time is now. No more wasting time by waiting on others. It won’t work. We need to have a “Career Awareness Month”. We need to have better job fairs, career expos, have a “seasonal vet” career fair for the mature folks. Not that watered down stuff that many are getting. Even if you still have that degree in display, that many will pass up. We have to do better.

2) If you got to get yourself checked. Do it. You know where the doctors are. As well as the dentists, eye examination folks and more. Matter of fact some of them might be near you right now. And while were at it, we need to for real get educated about the issues of health. I hear say, “you need to do this or that”. or “you need a flu shot.” BEFORE ANY THAT HAPPENS: ASK QUESTIONS! Forget what you saw on Facebook, know that real stuff first! Really stop and ask questions!

3) 2018 means that the Congress will take over with some new #45 laws being placed. If any of the new members screw up, get on their case! Don’t just complain on social media, complain to the So-and-So’s! Write letters, emails with proper sentences! You can do that, you know.

4) You know that 2018 is a mid term voting year. Oh you didn’t know this? Pay attention! It’s not the presidential election, but maybe some of your Governors or County Supervisors will be running on the ballot. Do better!

5) Speaking of the voting thing, this would be a time to get your voter registration checked and/or updated to get ready for the 2018 election. I want to see this happen even more. Plus in the future like all these health months, why can’t we have a Voter Awareness Month? Remember this: FAAN – February, April, August and November!

Next Five I don’t want to see:

6)Like last year: I don’t want to see no one complaining about the lack of this or that in the church. If you don’t have a certain something going in your church, then make something happen! Keep at it! What did I say after my father’s passing: Be empowered, and Stay in the fight!

7) And like many many years ago: I don’t want to see black folks putting other black folks down for stupid reasons. No matter what happens we must continue to look in the mirror and raise up. Jobs, education (past or present) contributions, etc. And that goes for anyone else.

8) Never EVER OVERLOOK THIS – Black Queens: you say you LOVE us Black Kings right? DO YOU?! Here is a challenge that you might not think. Cater to us for ONE DAY at a restaurant, or maybe give us a day that we might enjoy. Think it over! Many of you got Brothers, Fathers, Uncles, Husbands, Boyfriends, Cousins, Neighbors, and many other male influences that you probably know that need that appreciation! You guys go all out for your thing and we’re in the seats. Why not us?

9) I HOPE TO GOD, I don’t want to see credit checks on black folks no more. Matter of fact, not on anyone anywhere with credit checks!

10) I don’t want to see those who didn’t vote gloat. Guess what: Elections have Consequences. Especially in this Midterm Season!

Five More things I want to see:

11) I want to see more of us ALUMNI (YOUNG AND OLD) to reinvest in our Alumni Groups. Not just for the class reunions and everyone also shows up broke, mad, left out and uninformed. And by the way, if you see an Alumni Rep at your class reunion, don’t get no attitude about your daughter or son in college needing money and you think that your old High School has no money. That will not work!!!! Just dumb. Have you heard of Scholarships, like churches hand out every year? Stop playing!

12) I want see the results of us doing the work. Not just the partial results of patting on the back and say “nice work”. But also what did it took to get the results needed. And if your employer is celebrating a milestone of service (10, 20, etc), give him or her the due of respect. It’s the right thing to do. Or even if no one gives you a pin of service: give yourself one!

13) I want us “non scared and scared grown folks in the Black Church Groups” to talk to our youth. Seriously talk to them. Some of them need us to come to them. I don’t care if they are in the schools shooting basketballs or at the community centers or in church playing Madden. Or double dutcng or learning a praise dance. Even tutoring! Let’s learn to #HashtagAndTalk to our young folks. Male members of the church: get the young men involved in these groups! Women, you know what it is.

14) I want to see more black folks in the communities whom think there is nothing there to do, start something! Stop complaining! Stop moaning! Get up and get out and make the stuff happen!

15) Like last year and year ago, here is a thought: I want to see ALL fraternities, and ALL sororities to recruit and meet up with seasoned vets that can help out. Especially those of the black fraternities and sororities. All of the Divine 9 folks: From the Alphas to the Iotas and from the AKA’s to the Sigma Gamma Rho’s: Have a day in which YOU need to go out to the seasoned vets of those whom are 40 ish and up that want to join up to support the groups you represent. And also, don’t be so judgmental about those whom are at that 40’s range. Best place to find us: either at our church events, alumni group meetings, etc. And this goes for the American Legion Family, Masons, Elks, Eastern Stars, and etc. WE SEE YOU!

Final three: want not to see and want to see.

16) Of all the things I don’t want to see: enough of the blame game on Black Lives Matter that seemed violent or racist. For all you Blue Lives Matter, or copying off the Black Lives Matter Movement, you will suck. Instead of hating on Black Lives Matter at least go to a meeting or hear from those who lost a brother, or sister or a parent that was black. Take notes, Blue Lives Matter.

17) Now this might work in this 2018: Get Grown in your work and volunteerism. We know what we need to do, and what to do this year. So why not get involved! And the time is right now!

18) This is for the grown folks 18 and up: HANDLE your grown business! After all, we supposed to be grown after 18, right?

Happy New Year!