Special Coverage

Religion Dr. Kenneth Wheeler has spent most of his adult life in the church. First entering Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, in 1970, Wheeler graduated with a bachelor’s degree in religion four years later. Kenneth, coupling his passion for the Good Word with his enthusiasm to serve his fellow man, decided to pursue a career as a pastor. Kenneth earned his doctorate in … [Read more...] about 2013 Annual Black Excellence Awards Religion Honoree Dr. Kenneth Wheeler

Dr. Mary Jean Lewis-Jiles is a spiritual person of great determination, vision and integrity. She served for 15 years as dean of the Wisconsin General Baptist State Congress of Christian Education. Under her leadership the Congress grew from 300 delegates to 2,000. She retired as dean in 1990. Her life took on a whole new spiritual direction in 2002, when she became a part-time … [Read more...] about 2013 Annual Black Excellence Awards Religion Honoree Dr. Mary Jean Lewis-Jiles

Sports Adrienne Ridgeway, was born and raised in the inner city of Milwaukee, and later her parents moved with the family to north of Good Hope Road. She attended Fox Point and Bayside schools, then went on to Nicolet High School, where her love of athletics came to life. It was while visiting various colleges and universities that Howard University in Washington, DC, … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Adrienne Ridgeway

Volunteerism It’s not often that you meet someone who gives of themself so freely and lovingly without expecting anything in return. Well, Denotra Griffin-Wallace challenges that idea and does it well. After a 22- year career at Miller Brewing Company as a machine operator, Denotra retired, and since that time, she has dedicated her time to volunteering and helping others. … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Denotra Griffin-Wallace

Volunteerism Milwaukee native Margaret Bell Hollmon has always wanted to help others. It drove her to earn her bachelor of science in social work at UW-Milwaukee in 1972. She found employment as a case worker at the former St. Michael’s Medical Center. But there was always something else, a desire to teach, and to help those with learning disabilities. Both desires lead her to … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Margaret Hollmon

Special Honorees: Child and Youth Advocates From a young age, Michigan native Lance Jones aspired to be a judge. While he has yet to preside over cases while wearing that signature robe, Lance has pursued a career in law that has taken him in a number of different directions since he earned his juris doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School in 1989. Along the … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Atty. Lance Jones

Special Honorees: Child and Youth Advocates Growing up, Dawn Shelton-Williams says the value of a solid work ethic and compassionate heart were instilled within her by her parents. As an adult, she has pursued a career focused on mental health and working to improve dynamics within families throughout the city. “You always give back to your community. It’s very … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Dawn Shelton-Williams

Special Honorees: Child and Youth Advocates While media headlines involving Milwaukee Public Schools are oftentimes negative, the truth is there are dedicated, hardworking professionals working in earnest to ensure students’ lives are enriched. Alex Hardy is among those professionals. As one of the school district’s social workers, Alex says he works hard to ensure the … [Read more...] about 2013 Black Excellence Awards Honoree Alex Hardy