Edward Wycliff Smyth, the first black president of the Milwaukee Board of Realtors and a former president of the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP, died April 9 of congestive heart failure at his Glendale home. He was 88. Edward Smyth grew up in Waynesboro, GA. He changed his name to Smyth in college, his daughter said, "because he wanted to be unique." Smyth's father was a … [Read more...] about Glendale Realtor made racial inroads, one house at a time
Obituaries
Nelson Mandela passes: World mourns South Africa’s first black president
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 1918 – 2013 South Africans are mourning the death of the man who led the fight to end the system of apartheid and then went on to lead the country itself. "We will always love Madiba for teaching us that it is possible to overcome hatred and anger in order to build a new nation and a new society," President Jacob Zuma told reporters Friday, December … [Read more...] about Nelson Mandela passes: World mourns South Africa’s first black president
Milwaukee community says farewell to “Great Mother” Ruthia M. Brookens
Services were held November 2, 2013 for Ruthia M. Turner-Brookens, known as "The Great Mother," at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, Milwaukee, where she had been a member since 1950. She was also a member of its gospel chorus for almost 50 years. Proclamations were issued by Governor Scott Walker, Mayor Tom Barrett, Russell Stamper Jr., of the County Board, and … [Read more...] about Milwaukee community says farewell to “Great Mother” Ruthia M. Brookens
Black activist, poet-playwright Amiri Baraka dies at 79
Amiri Baraka died Thursday, January 9, 2014, at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, NJ at age 79. He was noted for being a militant individual and tireless agitator whose blues-based, fist-shaking poems, plays and criticism made him a provocative and groundbreaking force in American culture. Perhaps no writer of the 1960s and '70s was more radical or polarizing than … [Read more...] about Black activist, poet-playwright Amiri Baraka dies at 79
In Tribute To Those We Have Lost in 2013 pg2
In Tribute To Those We Have Lost in 2013
Noted education reformer and civil rights activist Lauri J. Wynn passes away at the age of 83
Determined, driven and dedicated to her community are just some of the traits used to describe Lauri J. Wynn, who has engaged in a lifelong passion to nurture and empower youth, adults and communities across the nation. She is widely known for her work in education, public, political and human arenas as an organizer, leader, worker, consultant and volunteer. In other words, … [Read more...] about Noted education reformer and civil rights activist Lauri J. Wynn passes away at the age of 83
Obituaries Dec. 26, 2013
Ella Jean Washington, noted music teacher and director, dies
Ella Jean Washington, well-known Milwaukee music teacher and director, died on Wednesday at the age of 74 at Froedtert Hospital. Mrs. Washington graduated from North Division High School and UW-Milwaukee with the Bachelor and Masters degrees. She taught at North Division High School, Robert Fulton and John Burroughs Middle Schools prior to becoming a Music Supervisor in … [Read more...] about Ella Jean Washington, noted music teacher and director, dies