Viola (Vi) Riser Hawkins was born to the union of the late Deacon John, Sr. and Lenory Riser of Grayson, LA, on October 12, 1939. She was the 10th of the couple’s 12 children and was loved by all. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and joined Cedar Grove Baptist Church. She was a loyal and devoted member, serving diligently until she left home. She continued … [Read more...] about Remembering Community Activist Viola “Vi” Hawkins
Obituaries
Remembering the Late Rev. William Jackson
On December 1, 2025, the Rev. William Jackson passed away peacefully. Pastor Jackson was one of the longest serving Baptist Pastor in General Baptist State Convention of Wisconsin. Rev. Jackson was the oldest of seven children and was raised on his grandfather’s farm in Alabama for the first 12 years of his life. That upbringing provided him with an early start when it came … [Read more...] about Remembering the Late Rev. William Jackson
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dies at 54 in Costa Rica drowning
Source: AP News Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who as teenage son Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show” was central to a cultural phenomenon that helped define the 1980s, died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica, authorities there said Monday, July 21, 2025. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department said Warner drowned Sunday, July 20, 2025 a beach on Costa Rica’s … [Read more...] about Malcolm-Jamal Warner, ‘Cosby Show’ actor, dies at 54 in Costa Rica drowning
Remembering Jerrel Jones, a force in Wisconsin black journalism
By William Gooden While some called Jerrel W. Jones, founder and CEO of Courier Communication, a pioneer in Wisconsin black media, it would be more appropriate to have called him a force in black journalism. Jones was the son of Dr. Mary Ellen Strong, who owned the Milwaukee Defender Weekly Newspaper the only newspaper “of and by” the African American community during her … [Read more...] about Remembering Jerrel Jones, a force in Wisconsin black journalism
‘He had a pure heart’: Fallen MPD Officer Kendall Corder’s best friend remembers the man behind the badge
The flowers and balloons are visible at the growing memorial outside Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) District 2. So are the cards and stuffed animals. What cannot be seen are all the prayers that were said there, the hugs that were shared, or the tears that were shed for Officer Kendall Corder, from perfect strangers and from those who knew him best. While most in … [Read more...] about ‘He had a pure heart’: Fallen MPD Officer Kendall Corder’s best friend remembers the man behind the badge
Sly Stone, visionary funk frontman of the Family Stone, has died at age 82
Sly Stone, the remarkable, eccentric frontman, singer, songwriter and producer of his family group, Sly & the Family Stone, died in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025. The musical icon had been battling lung disease, according to a statement provided by his family. He was 82. "While we mourn his absence, we take solace in knowing that his extraordinary musical legacy … [Read more...] about Sly Stone, visionary funk frontman of the Family Stone, has died at age 82
Remembering our beloved Ida J. Grant
It is with heavy hearts, the Grant family announces the passing of Ida Johnson Grant, who departed this life on March 15, 2025, at the age of 100. The Celebration of Ida’s life will be held, Saturday, April 5, 2025, Family hour is 10:00 a.m. and the Service at 11:00 a.m., at The Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd Street Milwaukee Wisconsin, 53212. Ida Grant was born on … [Read more...] about Remembering our beloved Ida J. Grant
George Foreman, legendary boxer, dies at 76
George Foreman, the legendary boxer and namesake of one of the most iconic cooking apparatuses of the last 30 years, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. A statement confirming the Texas legend’s death was shared on his Instagram page. “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman, Sr., who … [Read more...] about George Foreman, legendary boxer, dies at 76
Remembering LaVaughn G. Flinn
"The Mail Lady" SunriseNovember 15, 1938 SunsetMarch 10, 2025 LaVaughn G Flinn was born on November 15, 1938 to the union of Otha Ellis and Thelma Ellis, In Chicago Illinois. She continued her life in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. LaVaughn received her education as an (Alumni) at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. LaVaughn was employed 40 years with the United … [Read more...] about Remembering LaVaughn G. Flinn
Former Milwaukee Bucks legend, Junior Bridgeman, passes
Former Milwaukee Bucks small forward Junior Bridgeman died Tuesday, March 11, 2025 after suffering a medical emergency in Louisville, CT according to Al J. Schneider Company, which represents the Galt House, where Bridgeman was earlier in the day. Bridgeman, 71, was a former basketball star at the University of Louisville. It happened at the Galt House during the 45th … [Read more...] about Former Milwaukee Bucks legend, Junior Bridgeman, passes