My Take: Milwaukeeans, you need to be educated on your Flag History.

Before anyone in Milwaukee gets bent out of shape about the up and coming People’s Flag: I need every Milwaukeean no matter what age or generation to closely listen up. Even if you moved out or just don’t know. I don’t know why I’m talking about this. But, whatever.

It seems to me that this whole while, we’ve been talking about a Flag. The city’s current flag being a “hot mess”, outdated and not up to par of the current status of what’s going on now. It ain’t hip, I know.

For this, I unlike many, who didn’t took the time to read about the history of things of how it came to be. Let me put it like this: many of you are “flag sensitive” about this. But I’m here to help you about the meaning behind the “so called worst flag” for the Brew City from my point of view, with facts.

OK. Let’s start with this.

Stop the sensitive crap and grow up. Let’s go over to see what this so-called “hot mess” actually means. Like many of things, I’m going from left to right.

Starting from the left: That funny looking yellow thing there represents wheat and barley. All that beer you drink from MillerCoors or Pabst comes from that. Moving on, is the old Milwaukee County Stadium. And I’m assuming who used to play there. The next building as many know is the Panther Arena. Or for you old heads: the MECCA. Towards the center is a building we see near 200 East Wells Street is City Hall. Another building towards the right is more industrial buildings of the same meaning of industrialization. The boat with the water waves shown symbolizes the port. As in the Port of Milwaukee. Port of Goods. And many of you got offended by this cross. To be specific, that almost resembles the Basilica neighborhood on the South Side. And I know many have been there besides morning mass. It’s a church, folks.

The “1846” is what you ask? The founding year of the city. The big cog in the center is the main feature in which it is symbolic for manufacturing history. Like our Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, and other manufacturing parts we produced here. And currently.

Inside of the Cog, are three symbols. One of them is a head of a Native American. Let’s be calm here, its yet to believe that is symbolic of it’s connections of it’s earlier settlers whom happened to be Native Americans. How do you think Milwaukee got it’s name? Its also saying, millioke , the Good Land.

The little flag for most almost resembles a service flag or a Civil War-Era flag. And the last mini symbol in contrast has a connection to the Milwaukee Public Library.

Now for all of the “flag sensitive folks”, I need to ask, do you all get that? Is this making sense? I had to research this over and over again just to get a sense of understanding of what this is without learning a darn thing!

Of course many will not know because many will not do their homework! Like I said, do your research, please.

Other questions loom up. Now I know this has to be far fetching, but what about the family of the creators that designed and made the city flag? Did anyone from the common council community, mayor’s office, or the people’s flag folks ever talked to them? I would speak on that. The descendants of the late Alderman Fred Steffan needs to be contacted face to face. Why I’m referencing them you ask? I think would be benefiting that Mayor Tom Barrett, the entire Milwaukee Common Council, the Milwaukee Arts Board, the representatives of the People’s Flag of Milwaukee, historians and most of all, the family of the late Alderman needs to have a “city flag conference” about stating why the city flag would be updated with the current design. The family I believe, needs to be contacted. I don’t know the family, but if I were one of the committee members or flag art reps, I would bring them into the conversation. The descendants are still out there and one of them did an interview with the Journal Sentinel several years ago about this subject. And I mentioned that subject here.

Well earlier today, there was a public discussion about the flag and it’s objective use. I’m talking about the people’s flag here. And yes, the creators gave their incentive about the reason why it was chosen, from the brainstorming of young and old, even black folks that shocked me a bit. The 1,000 designs and then the main five chosen for finals. The one got picked on Flag Day 2016 came to this:

Yes this is the flag that was chosen. According to the creation of this, it’s description as follows via the CRWFlags.com website:
The flag is horizontally divided orange-dark blue. In the center is placed a disk, whose upper part, located on the orange stripe, is white, and whose lower part, located on the blue stripe, is lighter blue with two horizontal dark blue stripes.The meaning of the flag is the following: “The sun rising over Lake Michigan symbolizes a new day. The light blue bars in its reflection represent the city’s three rivers and founding towns. Gold symbolizes our brewing history and white represents the city united.”

During the Common Council Meeting, which you can see via the City’s website, yes there were talks about symbolism. The “sunrise” for example was inspired believe it or not is from an unlikely source: the City of Milwaukee’s Seal.

Look at the center of the seal. What you see is a house, a tower like structure of a lighthouse, a human figure that probably resembles a founder or settler. But the viewpoint by the land, is Lake Michigan. And the Sun is rising over the Lake. So yes, that is where the People’s Flag folks got parts of it’s Sunrise from: The city’s seal.

And yes there talks about flags giving power or meaning. There were references of the American Flag with the colors of Red, White and Blue. The Red and White Stripes signify the Original 13 Colonies with meanings of Hardness/Valor for the Red, and the Purity/Innocence for the color White. As far as the Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice. And the 50 stars, which represents the States. And for the record, Old Glory is not being replaced. That is thrown out. Stop the hype on that!

After all the questions and comments, there were some additional comments about taxpayers, the funding, sensitivity, branding, ownership, design creation copyrights, new identification, etc. But there will be additional talks for another couple of months towards the end of the year to see where the idea goes from here.

My advice: those ideas I described earlier, probably needs to happen. And for the record, not everyone uses the internet, texting or Social Media. And I would like to see if possible, put that on the ballot. Since it’s a “people’s project,” put it where the people can decide in voting. A referendum. And of course, talk it over with the whole city! Not just the usual 6,000 plus that represents Milwaukee online! The population is well over 600,000.

And if officially, the “S” in my Stephen’s Spot Photo logo and cover photo might change the colors of the ideal flag. Don’t call me a fan yet. The jury is still out.

#SteadyProgress

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Three Way Dance: Mostly needed now – Stop the calling on Black folks doing positive vibes, Puerto Rico is still a U.S. Territory, and yes one of Wisconsin’s Democrats Contenders is a favorite to be in my view.

I have been saving a Three Way Dance for quite a while now. And it’s always needed. Matter of fact, it’s still needed. Even if the old blogs will be retired. More on that later. But like the title, it’s time to do a three way because of the situation right now even if you love calling on black folks doing right.

First Dance on the card: What is it about white folks, who call the police on black folks doing positive or civilized activities?

Barbecues, selling water, doing paper routes, cleaning up trash on a freeway, waiting to be serviced on meals, paying for meals, driving while being black, doing inspections and many other things doing WHILE BEING BLACK! What is the problem here? What is the real problem here? It seems to me that there are paranoid idiots out here that don’t know jack about a certain individual or groups that aren’t doing anything negative to get attention. When I was back in high school, one of my former band teachers used to say all the time, “do something constructive with yourselves.” And she was white. And its been about 23 years now.

Hmmm…….this got to be reminded that many of us have been doing constructive like Barbecuing, or whatever ideas that might get those riled up with cell phones calling the cops. Some said on Social Media that whenever a white person whom has the cell phone calling the police, there should be retaliation by saying that “we’ll sue them or put a fine on them for doing things that are constructive.” Yes, black folks can also be constructive and doing activities that don’t harm NO ONE! Somebody is probably saying what kinds of things they do? Open your eyes. Long time ago, when Fox 6 Milwaukee had their blogs going, someone whom was a white blogger at the time talked about or asked why can’t black people do things like dipping Doritos? No seriously! “Dipping Doritos?!” That was the most ungodly dumb question I’ve seen in my life. I know that “no question is a dumb question” means more in 2018 like 1995, but this was a dumb question as is. This whole thing is silly and dumb. And this keeps up, it’s going to be a problem. And I would not be surprised that retaliation of justice will come up. Mark my words. Remember those words about being constructive, or being civil.

Second Dance on the Card: I need to address this – Puerto Rico is part of the U.S.

On Facebook, I was looking at this footage about this white dude in Illinois kept going towards this young lady about her shirt, a Puerto Rican Shirt and stating that she shouldn’t be wearing that in the United States. The young lady’s name, Mia Irizarry recorded the entire footage about this subject and yes review the footage to refresh your memory.

The dude kept going on and on about the whole “she’s not an American thing” by wearing a Puerto Rican shirt and oh, the cop in the background looking at this, does absolutely NOTHING! No movements, no arrests, nothing. It’s almost like he’s standing there and not making any advancements or law and order to cease all this in a manner. Is this what the new normal of law enforcement work is now? Later on the rest of the squad showed up and told the man whom did all the harassment, was told that the park was a public place. Plus Mia was using the park area for a Birthday Party. As I looked at this, and yes there might be someone say that Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. Actually – It’s long mentioned that it was a territory of the U.S. since 1898. We’re talking about to be exact: 120 years. That’s right, 120 years as part of the U.S. The United States as a whole is 242 years old as we know from the holiday of July 4th. And when Puerto Rico became a U.S. Territory in 1898, the U.S. was just 122 years old as it’s own nation. Like many in families, many of us have relatives whom may and are related being Puerto Rican. I too have relatives whom are mixed cousins whom are Puerto Rican. They are my blood relatives, my kinfolk and yes family! And for the record, majority of my family members are black. If someone were to approach them after what Mia experienced there will be an all out protection. Not because they are of Puerto Rican decent, but they are my family members. They are cousins of mine. I would defend them to the fullest. Period! If a drunk dude get at an angle of being hostile, the defense will be up. Oh, just an update here, word is that the officer had be relieved for desk duty and the guy got charged for the hate crime.

Third Dance on the card: Wisconsin’s Democratic Gubernatorial contenders.

Yesterday, the City of Milwaukee, really the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee recently had the 1st and only Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Debate. Yes it was televised on TV and the Internet plus radio. The 8 contenders: Mike McCabe, Kathleen Vinehout, Josh Pade, Tony Evers, Matt Flynn, Paul Soglin, Kelda Roys, and Mahlon Mitchell. In the 1hour and 30 plus minute mark of the debate, the remaining 8 contenders referenced the various topics including Foxconn, Education, and Justice Reform. Many of the candidates had ideas in all, but one of them stood out the most to me was………Mahlon Mitchell. I’m going to say that Mahlon is becoming a fan favorite because the articulation of his ideas and philosophy really sunk in very well. I would best believe that Mahlon Mitchell is obviously a new fresh choice that would boost the interest of the state.

And yes, he is black. Remember what I said that in one of my “Scratching my head all this time” blogs that Wisconsin turned 170 years old in May, and about the 8% of African Americans living in the state? Plus I also said that Wisconsin in it’s history never had a black governor that led the state. That is a fact. But the question is, and I’m putting this out, is Wisconsin ready for a governor that is African Decent? Can it be done in a state that most of the folks locked up in jail happen to be African-American, which dictate the sentiment of the “Worst State for Black People” moniker? And the high unemployment of those living in the rough neighborhoods of Milwaukee?  This should NOT scare anyone with Wisconsinites. Maybe the rural/suburban folks. But “this convo” has been long discussed in the African-American areas of the state that many in Wisconsin will not go to. Or will not talk about. Does Tony Evers or Kathleen Vinehout go to the inner city area of Milwaukee? Nope! What about the other candidates whom have no Milwaukee ties? None. Oh, they might talk about it from afar, but not in person! And keep in mind that Wisconsin’s African-American Population is hovering around the 8% percent. It’s small. And the majority of the African-American population is in the South East Area of the state. Oh, the current Governor like Walker doesn’t really care about the Milwaukee Area that much.

I’m going to bet that Mahlon would be a “surprise front runner” for this election. And the thing is, here it is back in 2011-12 that he and Tom Barrett were going all over the state competing for the chair in Madison. Then losing to Walker. Now it’s his turn and doing it well with growth. So guess what, I’m betting on Mahlon on August 14th. And plus most recently, his fundraising status was boosted more than the contenders competing. And this was between January and June of this year. And unlike the other Democratic contenders, he didn’t use no loans to help boost his funds. NOPE! Not him! It’s self-funded. Old school self-funded style.

We’ll see after August 14th. In which also that many will cast a ballot of their choosing to take down Scott Walker.

 

 

Scratching my head all this time: The Independence Day Edition, Part II the sequel.

Happy 4th yet again, y’all.

We already know that the country has turned another age in all, but we already know that the ongoing struggle in America indeed continues. And yes if you’re Black, you probably had been called out being a sellout all because you wore the Red/White/Blue instead of the Red/Black/Green. Or you might have sang the National Anthem without any concern except the fact the third verse had a racial thing attached. But as we put away the fireworks and flags in all, I’m scratching my head again.

Ok, did anyone actually read the Declaration? I mean really? What was summarized?

Black folks, we already know about the slavery side of 1776, but what about those whom served in both armies of the Continential, and the British that guaranteed freedom? Yes blacks did served under the flags back then.

Here is a question: I was reading Sophia A. Nelson’s book, “E Plurbis One”, and two of our founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were against slavery. And slightly before the founding year, the idea was shot down. Did you know this?

With all the 4th of July parades and parties in America, why not enough black folks? (At least the parade side)

Frederick Douglass’ speech from 1852 “What to the slave mean to the Fourth of July?” is like a call out to the “hypocritical attitude” of being free for most, not many. Any questions on that?

Best movies to watch on the fourth happens to be ranked of all time? Must include Independence Day and The Patriot.

I hear black folks saying, “that flag wasn’t meant for us!” Well, what flag is?

Why do certain folks like to scream out “Fourth of You Lie?!” And also to add, “what are you celebrating?” Like really?

How come we didn’t point out the verse “No heirling for a slave” before like last couple of years in the National Anthem?
NATIONAL ANTHEMS RENDITIONS:

Was Whitney Houston’s version of the Star Spangled Banner from 1991 the best ever?

Was Marvin Gaye’s Star Spangled Banner from 1983 good? Like 35 years ago?

What about Jimi Hendrix’s version of the Anthem?
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL RENDITIONS:

Which “America The Beautiful” was and is the best to hear? – Aretha Franklin, John Legend or Chloe/Halle ? (Reference Wrestlemania)
USA DREAM TEAMS

Which Team USA Basketball team was better: 1992 or 2008? ’92 all the way!

Which team is America’s team deserving? I STILL say the Green Bay Packers!

And which “USA Dream Team” is in the making right now in sports that NOBODY is talking about but will have to examine? I might say the US Rugby Team. Who knows?

When will the real American businesses recognize “Made in America” like really?

Chris Rock once said, “Happy White People’s Independence Day”. Last year, Damon Wayans Jr said “Happy racist white people’s day”. Both got slandered and attacked after telling the truth. Well white folks and everyone else, had their punchlines “told the truth?”

Heard that the new San Antonio Spurs player, Lonnie Walker IV had to delete his tweet after he posted about not celebrating the 4th and telling everyone to stay woke. Umm………why was the tweet deleted after not standing his proof enough?

Is “every way” the American way?

How many Americans did not know what Juneteenth Day was about?

How many Americans did not know that Juneteenth Day came approximately 89 years total after 1776?

Speaking of that: Black folks, an idea here: we should wear the numbers 89 or 87 on July 4th (in either red white and blue; or red black and green) to symbolize the amount of years it took black folks to get the freedom we all talk about. Can that be done? And yes we can rock it for Juneteenth Day.

It’s 2018: you know you can be revolutionary by voting in the Midterms, right?

How many Americans did not know that the 4th of July is not always about fireworks?

How many Black T-Shirt makers can create a #MelaninPatriot shirt? or a “The Struggle Continues” in the Stars and Stripes and sell it?

Speaking of Juneteenth yet again, you know the official colors of the Juneteenth Day Flag is Red, White and Blue, right?

We know that Philly throws 4th of July Celebrations alot due to the birth of the nation. But can Milwaukee have a 4th of July party concerts with the locals musicians?

Speaking of Patriotic: which figures in American History seemed to be the most patriotic in terms of speaking out against racism, police brutality, white supremacy, and many other shameful acts?

Which zodiac sign is more like a patriot? I say……..my sign, Sagittarius.

Who is the more of the local patriots that knows the game in the local communities of the struggle, and I dare say the culture?

Milwaukee needs a 4th of July style laser light/fireworks/DJ Show. Who can do this?

Besides the Military, is the average community organizer, or everyday union worker or an everyday working person/volunteer that is very UNSUNG is also patriotic or revolutionary?

And now for the final question: Don’t be offended by the picture below.

Relax and breathe.

Black folks: we know already that many of us don’t really celebrate the 4th Of July by an example of the memes below. And yes, our ancestors were in shackles, branded, whipped, had no freedom, no liberty, no justice, no peace to be us. We were stripped from our former names to get the names like Toby out of Roots. We were forced to be bought and paid in auctions, but like Cicely Tyson said in one of Tyler Perry’s movie “Madea’s Family Reunion” in the line to the family: Now it’s time to take your place!” We also have this tendency to tell folks not to celebrate the 4th all because our ancestors were slaves. We weren’t beaten. But the legality of those beatings linger into police brutality, racism, sexism, discrimination among minorities, and others. We get sensitive when we see our brothers and sisters wearing red white and blue and shake our heads. Why?!!!!

If a black man or a black woman wants to celebrate the 4th in a way different, LET THEM CELEBRATE! Last year, I was listening to one of my local black radio hosts on WNOV 860. There was a black female caller who expressed about the celebrations of Juneteenth Day. However she also expressed about celebrating the Fourth of July. As we all know from her comment that this country was built on the backs of us Black folks either as slaves and freed people. We definitely know this and should know. And the thing is we always hear about us going back to Africa. Well many people forget, not too many in Africa like us African-Americans maybe because many of us haven’t been there! Many forget that part of the slavetrade, came out of Africa (partially sold by other blacks) which was a forgotten comment! And of course, America ate up the idea of slavery and served it up until 1865, when the slaves were declared free. According to Vibe.com, Roland Martin was on the Wendy Williams Show the year before (after she talked smack about the HBCU’S), cited that black people were “technically free”:

If you had to place a marker on when black folks were technically fully free Americans, it’s 1970.

So as I look at this meme with the word Independence spelled wrong, (don’t blame the Public Schools) a Tupac pic, and all the talk about Juneteenth Day being celebrated and something forgotten, and with the ongoing crimes, racism, sexism, discrimination, police brutality, war against blacks lives, undocumented murders against black folks and many other concerns, I must ASK this:

Have we fully gained our Independence so far? And after celebrating Juneteenth, did we fully gained OUR freedom as of right now? Let that sink in.

Callout: Freedom is still not free. Even after 242 years and even after 153 years. Let’s be real, the struggle to get to that freedom thing is going to take a ongoing four letter word of WORK!

And by the way, I need to say this: If a black man or woman or a black kid wants to celebrate BOTH the Fourth and Juneteenth, even if they fly the flags, or decorate the house, man let them. Just let them! Stop the calling out the coon or sellout names. That can somewhat die now. Some folks celebrate their birthdays on those days. Or a anniversary. Or whatever. Malia Obama’s birthday is July 4th….Hello! Let’s be clear, for those of us whom are so “conscious and woke”, look: your opinions are just that. Your own! Let the folks whom are so “Melanin Patriot Powered” have their day. Leave them alone! Let them reclaim their time. No one is not forcing you to celebrate the holiday, where as you should not force anyone to say: “Remember and celebrate Juneteenth Day!” Trust me you will not win that argument at all. I’m just saying, you say that forcefully and folks will still sleep. I mean correct me if I’m wrong, isn’t one of the Bill of Rights has the words, “Freedom of Expression” in it? Hey, let that sink in! And this applies to us like everyday.

Can I get a “Hotep” peace mixed in with a thanks of God Bless America?

Thank You.

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

My short take: Milwaukee PD Officer Charles Irvine, Jr. passes away in the line of duty.

This is an excerpt that is from the Stephen’s Spot Facebook Page. Yesterday, the Milwaukee Police Department lost an Officer that was on duty during a high pursuit of a suspect driver. The department is shocked by this incident as well as the family.

No matter how you feel about the Police in general, we know that the supporters are in full force in all. BUT the officer, Charles Irvine, Jr. whom has passed on, had a family and also was in pursuit of a fast paced driver, at age 23.

We in the community mourn the loss of this officer. And also, we also have mixed feelings about the police in terms of brutality, racism, crimes, etc. But not today. Be in prayer for the family of this officer.

The last time an active officer was killed in the line of duty in Milwaukee: 1996 and it was Wendolyn O. Tanner.

Sidenote: The Funeral of the late officer is being planned at this time. This has definitely rocked the core of the Milwaukee Police Department, and the driver that the cops were chasing has been caught. It was a reckless driver that is one of many that the police is still on the hunt to arrest and investigate in all areas. Like many in the community I choose not to celebrate harshly about this officer’s life. No I do not! Again, we all have mixed feelings about the police, especially if you are Black! We know what it is. We say: Black Lives Matter, but the supporters spun it and came out with “Blue Lives Matter.” That moniker is not flying today. Yes, his life mattered. Not because he was a cop, but he had a family to support. Officer Irvine came in at age 19 as a Police Aide for the City of Milwaukee and 2 1/2 years later, he was a cop for the city. Think about the times when we were 23. For him: his life was just getting started, but cut short.

Again: whether you like the police or not. Or if you back the badge or not back it up, but know this: the family is in shock. They lost someone close to them.

My Take: Enough calling the cops based on meaningless stupid stuff!

It’s time for me to blow up. Really. I like many African-Americans in this country have “had it up to here” with all this meaningless and pointless B.S. about the “cop calling Caucasians” and they know who they are telling them about certain black folks doing things like sitting down, waiting, sleeping in college areas, refusing to get up for white customers, and a bunch of lame excuses!

CALLOUT: For all those can I say this, and excuse my french: Shut your trap!

You heard me. We see you doing the same stuff almost and do we get on our phones calling the Po-Po? No!

For many weeks, and months, stop me if you read or heard these examples:

Sleeping while Black:

Or what about this concerning Cracker Barrel and it’s long history of discrimination against blacks?

https://thegrio.com/2018/04/25/cracker-barrel-black-veteran/

A 57 year old black Air Force Veteran was discriminated in restaurant all because of these things: One, the veteran Randy Freeman, 57 years old is a black male. That’s right. Black Male. And he is a business owner. Two, Cracker Barrel had a extended history of discriminating against black customers for years! That is not so shocking. Three: He was kicked out of the restaurant because the restaurant was accusing him of being rude to waitresses via the manager. In the ending result, he filed a federal lawsuit in the regarding the incident that occurred in April.

Let me switch gears on a “I’m calling you out on being quiet” story. I’m sure that many of you heard about the two Native American Teens were on a college campus and they were questioned by the College Police about who they were and what were they doing on campus looking suspicious?

First off, why were they being questioned because they didn’t talk on the tour?! That BS don’t fly right! It don’t. I’ll agree that even this example is nothing more than a reach for racism! Discrimination. Hating on. Get the message. Obviously they were let go and the University wanted them to come back for a shot at the campus. I wouldn’t take that offer because to me it’s a bribe. The college can beg all they want but if they don’t want to comeback, they shouldn’t. I wouldn’t set foot on that college ever again! They got exposed. My this is, go to a different school that you feel is best for you! Nothing else.

Now back to the black stories. This next one, I really don’t understand. This concerns the recent Community Service project of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Everyone knows that Sigma Gamma Rho is the youngest sorority of the Divine Nine and they wear the royal blue and gold and known for being founded in 1922. Plus the mascot is the Poodle. And yes the Sorority has members of well known names like, Vivica A. Fox, MC Lyte, Martha Reeves, Deshauna Barber (Miss USA), Marylin McCoo, just to name a few figures. And yes like many in the NPHC it’s about service work We know the parties and gatherings and strollings. But the keyword in this is SERVICEWORK!

In Pennslyvania: a group of the sorority were cleaning up a portion of a highway 83 when they were interupted by a State Trooper claiming that they were fighting. Then the State Trooper asked them to show their ID’s. Showing ID’s?! All because they were cleaning the interstate. Really?! Eventually in the end, the Sorority was later resumed doing their services and the State Trooper was dismissed from the area of the conversation.

Now I need to ask this on the real: Was that necessary!? I’ve seen community service projects on the Freeways before. Why is this a concern?! And why does this have to be called in through the authorities?! This is so stupid! It’s clearly stupid because it’s a case of an overreach. Yeah I’m going there that it’s a matter of assumption and suspicion that it’s a vendetta that the ongoing so-called being watchful on black folks is now escalated. We all thought that being watched in stores is one thing. But when we are out in the community doing service duties, or waiting on a friend for a business deal, or hearing a convo during a tour like the Native American Teens encountered, or sleeping in a college commons area, and if the majority of that is black, then there is an assumption of trouble that might spark. Oh, but guess what: there was NO CRIME! NOTHING!

It’s like as the major crime of the century just been unleashed. What was the crimes exactly? Folks, all of this is nothing but one thing: fear. It’s all about fear or the assumption of fear that “Oh, he looks suspicious because he’s not talking to me. He needs to be on watch.” Or like “oh we need to be watching those folks. They need look strange with that activity!” What would happen if church folks of any denomination is doing picture taking for a book and they get questioned by the Police? They are doing ministry! Something bigger than themselves! Where’s the crime in that? I often heard this from one of my former teachers whom were white always say, “do something constructive with yourselves!” Yes white folks I’m sampling that notion from you since 1994! Well……what about it?

All of this is junk. Trying to steer away the actual thought. And it’s completely stupid! There are real crimes that happen everyday. And it’s usually the major ones that get you caught on the evening news or the local paper. Why not go after the bad guys who don’t this?

Enough.

A Stephen’s Spot Exclusive: Why the investment of the MPS Alumni needs to be pushed and examined.

Call it another exclusive.

Since 2016, the Milwaukee Public Schools has been doing an intuitive of a thing called Rethinking High Schools. Part of this is engaging a group of folks that know the feeling of that previous work, the Alumni.

Us Alumni in the MPS world have been long forgotten in terms of the Students, Staff and Parents whom seem to be the bulk of Milwaukee’s largest school district. In 2015, there was a meeting at my old high school about this intuitive, and it was good to see the various ideas then to flow. But until 2016, as we knew, that changed a step further. It changed with the first MPS Alumni Reunion in which many of the MPS High School attended the Bradley Center and greeted by the dignitaries, and even Mayor Tom Barrett.

From there, we even had a Alumni Summit in discussing about our Alumni Associations and various ways to reach out. Plus even we discussed about the name changes of the schools, such as why John Marshall High School became “Morse*Marshall” and the reasons behind it. Not a very good one by the way. Even we discussed about those wanting to start an Alumni Association or Foundation that involves commitment from those that want to keep them open and active. We also had networking series events, Alumni luncheons/picnics as well as Panel Questions/Answers at the MPS Headquarters.

That was in the first two years since the idea was launched. And it worked.

Callout: Now the question is: why does this matter? Why now this idea? And also why didn’t we didn’t get this treatment when we were coming up in MPS?

This should matter to a point that the MPS Alumni Forever Family is part of the community. We are in our careers, families, activities and yes we do hold our titles to a prompt thought. We have been long forgotten in other means, but I think it’s time to celebrate us no matter where we are.

Why now this idea, you asked? Again it’s about us. If we can celebrate our kids and parents of the Milwaukee Public Schools, as well as teachers, principals, staff workers, recreation in all, even other schools; this also SHOULD include the Alumni. Many of us whom are alums probably have connections to MPS in some point based on experience, lessons and also support. As former students.

And why didn’t we get this treatment when we were coming up? Easy answer. It was never thought about. It was never indicated to the times that we had those great times in High School and frankly it was never invented the thought that MPS should create an Alumni Group for every alum that has graduated from Milwaukee’s largest school district.

I mean if the Colleges and Universities can do this, and they do this a lot as we know based on the mailings, emails, Social Media Posts in all, why not Milwaukee Public Schools? I mean we got successful alums in medicine, politics, journalism, science, architecture, business ownership, ministry, and many more areas of work we are currently in. We know this very well.

And I have to say that yes, MPS has problems. MPS has issues. And MPS has concerns with the Teachers, Staff Workers and most of all: our Kids! As an alum of the district, yes I recalled that MPS had concerns about Me. But however as I looked back, even though I had to highs and lows from grades to activities. And a one time suspension from fighting of being provoked and bullied in High School. Overall, I survived being a Milwaukee Public School Student. And I’m sure that many had survived that as well. The thing is many forget that yes, there are good things that MPS provides. And there are bad things. Just like the real world. Do I think about the bad things about the District? All the time. But I also remember the good as well.

So what can I expect at this new year of the Milwaukee Public Schools Alumni thing? What can I expect this year overall even more?

First I think that the idea must flow and continue into every single Milwaukee Public High School Alumni Association and Foundation. Period. They are the foundation for the MPS Alumni and hopefully they are the way to get those whom are engaged, stay engaged.

Second, the younger alumni must work! Like every group from Churches to Organized companies, even Alumni groups must need to have young folks. This is an Achilles Heel in all groups. If we want groups to survive, it’s the need for the younger alums to continue. Now I heard they don’t do Alumni Council Meetings, or be at a Reunion full of older folks. But what do they really want to see? They are MPS Alumni folks too and they need to be at the table voicing their ideas to support. For you younger MPS Alums between 18-35, we need to hear you. We know this is not your thing, but still we need to hear what you have to say. Seriously. Fill us in! There was talks about an idea of having their own Reunion Get Together. Have them! Organize it. But the seasoned vets would like to stop by and give you some tips to keep the Alumni ship going. Hear them out of respect.

And also: this needs to be said, if you say you would to come out and do this and that, and don’t put in the work, that is a problem! Regarding reunions, events and planning. Take notes, young Alumni!

Back in 2011 when my old high school was about to turn the golden age of 50, I was selected to be a new board member at 34 years old. And the date: May 2nd, 2011. 7 years to the date. I’ve worked my way up the ladder and I’m still learning. Plus I serve as a treasurer. I take pics and go to my 90’s reunions and share those whom are not familiar with that decade to give them some insight of who we are and what we did. And here is the kicker, for a while, my Alma Mater’s Alumni group never had anyone from the 1990’s to represent as a board member. But that changed in 2011 when I joined. Again, at 34 years old. And I’m from the Class of 1995. Go figure.

Now for all those that escaped from Wisconsin to go to Texas, Georgia, Illinois, California, New York, Tennessee, or even overseas. If you’re just now looking at this, and still asking what this is, and you are living in your new digs, and still are just wondering what this is: yes you’re missing out! But you can still support your alumni groups.

If I were one of you, I would go to this site right now: www.mpsalumnihub.com

This is the website for the MPS Alumni that has all the information in regarding the reunions, profiles, Alumni Directory, and other events.

Another is social media. If you haven’t killed your Facebook Page or Twitter handles you should be following them via MPS. Including Instagram.

Plus since many in the Alumni has a JOB, and likes to DONATE, this is an idea from one of my uncles who is an MPS Alum: “If I don’t come, I will donate!” I urge you the transplants of the MPS Alumni (as well as living in the state) to donate to the MPS Foundation or even donate to your Alumni Associations/Foundations to whatever area of the school you want. For example, if I lived let’s say…..Utah, and I’m just now reading about the MPS Alumni stuff and I can’t make it to a Networking event, or the Alumni Reunion due to distance in all, I would EXTREMELY donate to the cause of music of my Alma Mater or MPS! And I remember being in Band Classes back in the day. I’ll either send in a check or pay online. Why is that so hard? It’s not! You pay your bills online in all, right? You tithe online to your church, right? Why not this?

Folks, newsflash: It’s not rocket science.

One of the things about the ongoing suggestions that if you are going to be apart of this, it needs to be pushed and examined.

Pushed as to a point to let those know of what is going on in their Alma Maters. I’ll bet many others are asking, “How is the school now after 30 years since I’ve been gone?” Or “Does the school do drill squads, or music?” “Does it still have a football team?” Or, how can we the Alumni support this cause of Education of the school? We know this. We hear it all the time!

Examined as an example to preview and attempt to take part in some sort or many capacity. Now a days, when folks hear about certain events, or groups, they need to see it. Show the receipts, as the young folks would say. If a person that is interested in their Alma Mater Alumni Committee, and/or the MPS Alumni Hub to support or partake, I think he or she needs to see what’s going on. I think they need to ask questions, get information about the status of the Alumni Groups, even if they never heard of one. I think all Alumni Groups needs to have meetings, specifically interest meetings with the Alums to get a clarity of who they are dealing with. From the Chairperson, President on down. They need to see faces, and shake hands. And yes, Skyping.

They also need to go out into the community, particularly the school’s community to the events or meetings and support ideas of fundraising or services. If it’s for a Football Team, or a Jazz Ensemble it does not matter. Even if it’s a bake sale or a Open House, go and do it. Let them know that you (the Alumni) are here to donate your time and money to support this cause. The faces will lit up! Trust me. Many schools do have websites, and again Social Media Pages. Feel free to explore them! If they have an alumni page online, check that out also! If they have an Alumni Badge Lapel or shirt, wear that everywhere you go! Also let the future Alums know at their graduation ceremonies, and grad parties!

Even if you hear about a class reunion or another some sort of get together announcement, see if you can attend and get a table for the Alumni Association.

*Sidenote: Alumni Associations/Foundations, you might want to update your online pages to keep current of the news and contacts. JUST A THOUGHT!!!!!!!!

This is an also an idea: If you are an MPS Alum that is out of state, and the MPS Alumni Reunion is going on, take a pic of yourself with the school colors/MPS Alumni Lapel Pin. Let them know you represent the school district that gave you your first break! And it doesn’t matter where you are working. Even send a video message!

If you are in the working world and a MPS Alumni Member, guess what? You can network! You might want to do that to keep potential and future alums engaged in the company you are working in. Colleges do it all the dang time! Even network with clubs and organizations like Fraternities and Sororities. Veterans Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Elk Clubs, American Legion Family, Toastmasters, and more. How many of the MPS Alumni are in these organizations? And still active?

*Second Sidenote: If you are asking about a milestone reunion or a ideal reunion, and heard nothing back about it, you need to organize and also get assistance from the Alumni Association/Foundation. That goes for everyone!

Finally as I close, with the 3rd Annual MPS Alumni Reunion is coming up on Mother’s Day Weekend, I hope that the ideas would continue to flow beyond the event. I know that there will be pics taken and memories added. And contacts made. However, after the event is over, I also hope that the event would encourage others who have not yet came out once to actually try. This is still a young event, but eventually it will grow and be successful. And it has to start with the foundation of us Alumni to begin the engagement!

Plus I’ll save a piece for the Class of 2018 after they graduate!

Scratching my head all this time: more memes to conquer.

Here’s a round 3 of the memes. I’m ready now.

Well you know it’s the truth, right? Not all Christians are evil.

And I assume this applies to everyday jobs and businesses we invest in, right?

Oh let go in on this, with all this going on with Starbucks, with black patrons, justice is coming. Am I right?

Wait a second, has it already started?

You realize that it wouldn’t work right?

Is our spelling really this worse? Don’t you dare blame the school system, blame the after thought!

Can many others actually say this? I’m just asking!

So the Bald Eagles don’t like 45? They mean though!

Um, black folks is this true? Is it really true? What if you move back, lol!

Let me ask: if that’s the case, what is really driving the Millennials away? Along with Gen X, and Gen Z?

So are we winning or really losing?

Ok, so Meek Mill is free from jail. What’s next to stay out of jail and will not go back being that other dude again that got him in jail though?

And many know that these other stores will not save us from the calamity. Agree?

So it’s all the churches fault about the stacks. What about those catered businesses though, and those clubs? Don’t start illing!

And the last thing to ask…..will the United Methodist Church for the next 50 years “stay woke” in it’s ministry and lessons to improve?

More to come!

Scratching my head all this time: the post Easter edition.

So we had the Easter meal, the Worship Service, April Fool’s Day, and still making the run to Pentecost Sunday wearing red. And yes like many others, I’m still scratching my head. Oh, yes it’s time to ask the questions that lingered the brain on my head like crazy.

So ALL of you church haters at it again with those memes, huh? If you hate Church so much with those trying to do good in all, why do you talk about it? And it shouldn’t pertain to you because you’re not there!

Should the Black United Methodist Men form their own super groups in their communities? Milwaukee might have one soon. Wait for it.

It’s funny though, when all the keyboard gangsters talk smack, why aren’t they are defending themselves in person?

The Wisconsin Badgers Football team have a moniker of last year: “Nobody Cares. Work Harder!” Should that be an everyday moniker?

Have you voted in the primary and spring elections so far?

Can Christians be woke too? Especially Black Christians whom are woke with the truth of black Jesus?!

How many of us really heard about our children and teens cry out about the school shootings and actually doing something about it?

Why aren’t the black students in Parkland not getting enough commentary about to the shootings? It’s always with Emma Gonzales and David Hogg. And plus black students talk about this scenario everyday!

Hey Milwaukee, how you like that thing called “The Hop?” Let’s be honest, it’s new. And hated. But it will be a while to get used to it. Trust me! Streetcars are not Trolleys.

Are the teachers who work for the pay getting played out for those like to deduct?

Who liked WrestleMania?

Many are asking, why do the WWE fans get so vocal the day after WrestleMania?

Can Ronda Rousey be more legit with the WWE? WrestleMania 31 was just the sample! 34 was the full meal.

Black women: it seems some of you (via twitter) got offended with the language of BET’s Mancave. Now why are you watching the show, again?

Not a fan of Roseanne, but why are folks having their feelings about it? Let me help out: if you don’t like a program that is “piss poor comedy” and it disagrees with your level of consciousness, CHANGE THE CHANNEL!

And by the way, so many folks questioning on Blackish, because of an episode got pulled? Oh, it relates to the anthem.

How do you like Black Lightning being renewed for it’s second season?

Why is The Quad on BET cancelled?!

The 30 year old BMO Harris Bradley Center is going to be dust soon. Paving the way for the New Arena. What do you remember when the Bradley Center was hyped?

Is it necessary to get a Master’s degree, like right now?

For the jobs right now, where’s the info about the Bachelors Degree required jobs? I’m asking that again and again.

Milwaukee: when will African World Festival actually return? Like seriously? We know Garfield Days, and other African-related stuff happening around the city, but what about this though?!

It seems that Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on movies recently. So after 35 years, why Black Panther?

Wisconsin – FINALLY Paul Ryan of the so-called “Cheesehead Revolution” will step down as Speaker of the House as of January 2019. But……what about Scott Walker? His job needs to be removed THIS YEAR! And Reince Preibus: he’s long gone!

MLK has been dead for 50 years: what are we doing wrong, Americans?!

Yes, this year the Packers will turn 100. So haters, you won how many titles again? And how many of your so-called teams benefited from the Green Bay in the last century?! #PackerNationKeepsIt100

Why can’t many kids today write cursive?

Who will replace MPS Superintendent Dr. Driver by the time July comes in Milwaukee?

Where are the introverted jobs? Only for those of us who don’t want to talk as much!

And the last question of the story is this: Is the Blue Wave really gonna hit Trump like a bad habit in the fall? And will Mark Zuckerberg get on the case for real about the data for us Facebook users? And by the way, that is coming in a future blog planned later on. Stay tuned!

A blog letter to: Us born after MLK’s Assassination.

Today in America, we honored Dr King again. But for this, it’s the 50th Anniversary of his untimely death at age 39. King was tragically killed in Memphis, Tennessee at the former site of the Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum. The original setup of the hotel is still the same, but the museum enhanced the notion of what happened on that day of April 4th, 1968.

But for us who where born AFTER King’s Assassination, many of us don’t feel that we knew him, but yes he was part of us in his speeches, video and also now with the concerns of black men under King’s age are being gunnned down harshly! The Black Lives Matter units, Non-Violence Organizations, and many other revived civil rights related groups, it’s no wonder that the orater of the 20th Century still lingers. And of course, the closest we got to know MLK, was Coretta Scott King, and Yolanda Bernice King. We know Dexter King, but now it’s shifted to MLK III, and Elder Bernice King via Social Media. We know them!

So this blog letter is for us born AFTER April 4th 1968.

For those of us born after 1968, it’s me Stephen, you know the spot guy?

As usual, we have reached the 50th year of the one of the worst tragedies in our American history of the killing of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We know the date well in our view based on the history books and video sources. Plus also for those of us old enough to remember, we know that it took a while to create and promote the MLK Holiday, which was later officially to make it every third Monday annually in January. It was a long process but it was worth it.

We all know that there are those that we pluck about how Dr. King was this “peace loving” individual only. But however we overlook “the woke” Dr. King in terms of his ministry lessons being called to action. As a matter of fact, we all overlooked it!

In this 50th year of him being gone and many are still asking like, “what if King didn’t get assassinated, and lived to see the current status as of right now?” Or what if this and that? Let me tell you, Dr. King would be not pleased that the lessons he flowed didn’t flow enough for us to follow. We may have dropped the ball many times and flopped! The times we looked at the quotes and speeches of his, yes we were inspired by “I have a dream”. But many times I think we failed reading behind the words why “I have a dream” mattered. You can have all the peace events, and activities all you want, but what happens when we go home? What happens when we go back to our jobs and other activities that we engage in? What happens when we take those photos and post them on our social media stuff and we wait another year to comeback, what are we doing in between? Are we really doing the job? Are we really marching for a purpose? Look there is nothing wrong with marching at all. But what is really wrong with marching afterwards is the aftermath. When we look at this in the next 50 years, many our kids whom are young will be grown. Many of us will be around in a sense of being in nursing homes or I hate to say it, bound for heaven. Death. Pushing up dasies. And other factors leading to our final tributes. And there are those of us who might keep pushing the buttons in terms of staying in the struggle. This is not a quick fix. It takes a long haul! If you are just being woke and conscious putting out memes on Social Media, and act as an “keyboard gangster” then technically you are failing! That’s what many are doing in the 21st Century. You are not putting in the work. Saying one thing can be half the battle, but the other side of following through is another. Yes, that includes me. We all F-ed up. We got all caught up with the hooks and verses but not reading the whole song!

So yes, we know that if Dr. King lived currently, he would’ve been disappointed. And even though we made great strides in our realm, even he said that we still have a long way to go. Even he mentioned about Black folks were told to “pull up by your boot straps”. But Dr. King stated this in 1963: “It’s alright to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is a cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps.”

Sounds like that we didn’t have the boots to pull them up! And I wonder why it is.

So yes, even though that Dr. King has been dead for 50 years, and Coretta has been gone too. And even though Yolanda Bernice King the first daughter is not here to see her siblings trying to keep up the King name in a positive way, it’s a long haul. But I see an idea: Yolanda Renee King, the granddaughter. I hope that she’s able to take on the family name in a new way. And I get she’s young. But I’ve heard her speak. And knowing that it’s a matter of time we all get to know her as much as the previous King family members. I want to get to know and willing to read about her of her path and ideas to keep moving.

So yes, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z, we have been living off the freebies, but it’s time for us to get to work! Enough of the crap. If we want this, we better go get it!

Sincerely,

Stephen