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
William S. Gooden
UNCF kicks off nation’s largest ‘Walk for Education’ season to support HBCUs and students
UNCF will host 14 Walk for Education events throughout the country, starting Aug. 2, 2025 including right here in Milwaukee By William S. Gooden Starting August 2, 2025, through October 18, 2025, the United Negro College Fund, Inc. (UNCF) will be hosting 14 "Walk for Education" events throughout the country to support historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) … [Read more...] about UNCF kicks off nation’s largest ‘Walk for Education’ season to support HBCUs and students
Medical College of WI Cancer Center hosts first-ever ‘Care for the Cancer Caregiver’ event
By: William Gooden In an individual’s battle against cancer, there is an unsung hero who is often overlooked; and that person is the patient’s caregiver. The caregiver gives physical and emotional care to a loved one with cancer and often serves as that individual’s lifeline. Approximately 66 million Americans provided unpaid care as informal caregivers to their beloved … [Read more...] about Medical College of WI Cancer Center hosts first-ever ‘Care for the Cancer Caregiver’ event
A fond farewell and deepest thank you
By William S. Gooden The Milwaukee Times On Friday, June 17, 2022, I received an email from Rev. Judith T. Lester regretting to inform myself and the staff of the Milwaukee Times Weekly Newspaper that she had been dealing with a health issue since May and would no longer be able to continue her weekly column. Rev. Lester has been writing "The Counseling Corner" since … [Read more...] about A fond farewell and deepest thank you
John Lewis marches on: The Congressman’s visit to Marquette
By Wyatt Massey with intro by William S. Gooden During his long and illustrious career, Representative John Lewis has received many prestigious awards for his work as a civil right leader and a U.S. Congressman. But one very special award in August 2014 brought the distinguished icon to Milwaukee, to welcome the class of 2018, received an honorary doctorate degree, and talk … [Read more...] about John Lewis marches on: The Congressman’s visit to Marquette
1967 Clifford McKissick murder shows how little things have changed
By William Scott Gooden By the end of the day on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, many people in this city and all over the country knew the name of George Floyd. The 44-year-old was arrested by police outside a shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota. One of the officers, Derek Chauvin, leaned on his neck for nine minutes, later resulting in Floyd’s death. But do you know or remember the … [Read more...] about 1967 Clifford McKissick murder shows how little things have changed
This Memorial Day we should remember the African Americans who have fought on the frontlines, including in the war against COVID-19
By William S. Gooden Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. In other words, the purpose of Memorial Day is to pay tribute to veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. We spend time remembering those who lost … [Read more...] about This Memorial Day we should remember the African Americans who have fought on the frontlines, including in the war against COVID-19
Ron Husband: The Story of Disney’s First Black Animator
By William Gooden Who was the first African American Disney animator? Most Disney geeks, like myself, will answer “Floyd Norman” and until a few weeks ago, I would have said the same thing. However, I am wrong (and you probably are, too). While Floyd Norman did work for Disney animation, he was never technically an animator and the title of first black animator at Disney … [Read more...] about Ron Husband: The Story of Disney’s First Black Animator
Fifteen easy and festive ideas for Thanksgiving decorations
By William S. Gooden Every year millions of Americans face the same dilemma. You are having a house full of people for Thanksgiving weekend. And your home looks far from warm and inviting and you are far from an interior design whiz. Fear not; with a few simple ideas and a little creativity you can turn your home from drab and dreary into holiday chic in no … [Read more...] about Fifteen easy and festive ideas for Thanksgiving decorations
Franklin Armstrong: How two friends changed America’s most beloved comic strip and broke barriers at the same time
By William S. Gooden Special for the Milwaukee Times On July 31, 1968, a young, black man was reading the newspaper when he saw something that he had never seen before. With tears in his eyes, he started running and screaming throughout the house, calling for his mom. He would show his mom and she would gasp, seeing something she thought she would never see in her … [Read more...] about Franklin Armstrong: How two friends changed America’s most beloved comic strip and broke barriers at the same time