James Beckum, who founded the Beckum-Stapleton Little League in 1964, has passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at age 95. Beckum played in the Negro Leagues for the St. Louis Stars in the 1950s. He later became a mentor to thousands of kids, founding the Beckum-Stapleton Little League in Milwaukee's Carver Park on N. 9th and W. Brown Streets in 1964. He gave children … [Read more...] about Remembering a community icon: James Beckum passes away at 95
Obituaries
Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyonefrom Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91
By Hillel Italie Quincy Jones, the multitalented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, says he died Sunday night at his … [Read more...] about Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyonefrom Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91
Celebrating the life of Dr. Jeanette Mitchell
On Saturday, September 14, 2024 a community memorial was held at Marcus Center for the Performing Arts - Uihlein Hall. Those who knew Jeanette Mitchell well said she led from the heart. "She was relational," recalled Ron Adams, regional vice president of distribution performance at Northwestern Mutual. "She was deliberate in pulling us in when she needed support when … [Read more...] about Celebrating the life of Dr. Jeanette Mitchell
Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning gospel singer and Whitney Houston’s mother, dies at 91
Cissy Houston, a two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and other stars and knew triumph and heartbreak as the mother of Whitney Houston, has died. She was 91. Cissy Houston died Monday, October 7, 2024, in her New Jersey home while under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, her daughter-in-law Pat Houston told The … [Read more...] about Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning gospel singer and Whitney Houston’s mother, dies at 91
Tito Jackson, original member of ‘The Jackson 5’ and brother of the late Michael Jackson, dies at 70
Leading up to his sudden death, Tito had been performing with brothers Jackie and Marlon as 'The Jacksons' Tito Jackson, a member of the famous family band 'The Jackson 5' and brother to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, has died, his nephew Siggy Jackson confirmed. The musician was 70. According to Entertainment Tonight (which was first to report the news), Jackson … [Read more...] about Tito Jackson, original member of ‘The Jackson 5’ and brother of the late Michael Jackson, dies at 70
Remembering Dr. Bobbie J. Lathan, community leader and volunteer
On September 11, 2024, Milwaukee lost a community leader and true servant of the Lord, Dr. Bobbie Jean Lathan, at age 83. With God as her guide, Bobbie Lathan committed her life to serving with compassion. Lathan was born in Pine Bluff, AR, and relocated to Milwaukee as a child. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. In 1972, the Miller Brewery Company (now … [Read more...] about Remembering Dr. Bobbie J. Lathan, community leader and volunteer
James Earl Jones, iconic actor and memorable voice of ‘Darth Vader’ and ‘Mufasa,’ dead at age 93
You can’t think of James Earl Jones without hearing his voice. That booming basso profundo, conveying instant dignity or menace, was Jones’ signature instrument. It brought power to all his stage and movie roles, most indelibly as Darth Vader in “Star Wars,” Mufasa in “The Lion King” and as the voice of CNN. That remarkable voice is just one of many things the world will … [Read more...] about James Earl Jones, iconic actor and memorable voice of ‘Darth Vader’ and ‘Mufasa,’ dead at age 93
The voice and heartbeat of Milwaukee: Remembering Keyon Jackson-Malone
From airwaves to Atkinson Park: A legacy of unity, service, and unshakable community spirit Keyon Lavell Jackson- Malone was more than just a name in Milwaukee; he was the heartbeat of his community. A man who cherished every corner of Atkinson Park. He transformed it into a place of hope by establishing a mobile food pantry that nourished not only stomachs but also … [Read more...] about The voice and heartbeat of Milwaukee: Remembering Keyon Jackson-Malone
Remembering the life of the late Bill Taylor
More than 120 people showed up in person and nearly 100 watched via live video stream as the youngest children of WTMJ-TV Anchor William ‘Bill’ Taylor hosted a celebration of life for him in Milwaukee on Saturday, August 3, 2024, which would have been his 80th birthday. The African-themed celebration took place at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center Street … [Read more...] about Remembering the life of the late Bill Taylor
Celebrating the life of Dedrick Maurice Elder
Dedrick Maurice Elder passed on to his heavenly home on July 5, 2024, at the age of 64 in Milwaukee, WI. Born on September 20, 1959, in Knoxville, TN, Dedrick was a devoted friend, educator, and coach. Dedrick attended Dominican High School and later Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI, where he played basketball and graduated with a degree in elementary education. … [Read more...] about Celebrating the life of Dedrick Maurice Elder