Milwaukee Community Journal celebrates 48th anniversary

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, the Milwaukee Community Journal (MCJ), Milwaukee’s oldest African American community publication, celebrated its 48th anniversary with a brunch at the Italian Community Center, Inc., 631 E Chicago St. The theme for this year was “Health & Wellness: Links to Success” and featured TV news anchor, author and health advocate Vivian King as the keynote speaker. During this year’s anniversary celebration, MCJ honored more than 20 individuals who have strived to make this community a healthier and better place. Those honorees (top photo) were Brenda Brown, Great Midwest Bank; Dr. Camelia Clarke and Marcel Clarke, Paradise Memorial Funeral Home; Tanisha Collins- Johnson, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield; Alisa Crawley, Kids in the Kitchen; Stephanie Findley, Ph.D., Findley Medical Clinic; Nichole Gladney, Ascension; Raynetta Hill, King Drive BID, Deatra (Dee) Kemp, ACTS Housing; Jim Milner, Sector Management/ Consulting; Terrence Moore, AARP Wisconsin; Debra Nevels, Medical College of Wisconsin; June Perry-Stevens and Krystle Rogers, Best Ed Business; Troy and Dr. Felicia Robertson, Northwest Funeral Chapel; Ericka Sinclair, Health Connections; photographer Bill Tennessen; Sergeant Gregory Thompson; Gregory Wesley, JD, Medical College of Wisconsin; Carol L. Williams, Ph.D., Medical College of Wisconsin; Yasica Spears Wince and Maurice (Moe) Wince, Sherman Park Grocery; and Dorothy York, ACTS Housing.

There were also eleven local high school students (above photo) who received the Dr. Terrence Thomas Memorial Scholarship from MCJ. Over the years the scholarship fund has given more than $1-million to brilliant local students.

After the brunch program a procession of honorees, students and guests marched to 6th street, where attendees celebrated the renaming of 6th street to Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo Street (bottom photos). The renaming honors the MCJ publisher, who also was the first female president of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (elected in 1987).

Founded in 1976, the MCJ is the Wisconsin’s oldest African American community newspaper.