 | Empathy is kindness, nonjudgmental understanding, and emotional feelings for the plight of others. “Some of the young people who come here have negative attitudes and resistance to rules,” notes Lillie Simmons, a security officer assigned to the Villard Square Branch of the #MilwaukeeCountyFederated LibrarySystem. “I tell them, no matter where you are and what you do, there will always be rules. Your attitude determines your altitude. If you have a negative attitude, you won’t go far in this life.”Located in the modest 53209 zip code, Villard Square Library occupies the ground floor of a mixed-use building of apartments for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Contemporary libraries, where visitors spend an average of 1.5 hours, provide free access to streams of resources that encourage social inclusion and equity, i.e., classroom instruction, entertainment, computers, audiobooks, Braille materials, community meeting spaces, and tutoring for adults. As Simmons tells it, “A lot of young people don’t have respect for their elders. But I believe that if they are approached with respect, most will respond that way. Some parents and grandparents today work so much and don’t have time for their children. I feel for them and talk to them as a caring parent would. I also help the librarians if needed.” |
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Their love was incontestable. Our home was a nurturing environment filled with undying support. I was cared for and protected by two loving parents who taught me so many life lessons that have brought me to where I am today. I never felt neglected or deprived. They were firm but not harsh. I learned so many life lessons like discipline, the need for educational development, respect for myself, family, other people, my community, and God’s universe. I was also taught the importance of a strong work ethic, self-sufficiency, trustworthiness, honesty, and about being a woman of good character. These qualities and more influenced me to become the woman I feel God planned for me to be. And he’s not done with me yet!
I think God wants me to share some of the compassion with others that was given to me. My great-uncle and aunt transitioned years ago, but the compassion and love they poured into my life live in me today. It has enabled a loving relationship with my 86 years old birth mother, and 11 loving brothers and sisters whom I wouldn’t trade for the world. God gave us each other and hope for our future generations. Compassion conquers adversity! Angela Stinson retired from Milwaukee Public Schools where she taught 40 years, and also worked 20 years in the U.S. Army National Guard.  Melanie and Darryll Fortune showcasing FortuNuts at a tradeshow. www.furtunenuts.net FortuNuts is a collection of savory fiber-rich nuts for people who prefer snacks other than chips and cookies. Melanie Fortune co-owns this venture with her husband, Darryll.
Sex, drugs, alcohol and relationships are a few of the hot issues that confront today’s youth. Growing up in the 21st Century is tough.
With five teenage girls at home, it was an easy decision for Michael and Gwen Birmingham that she should not work for a while but stay at home. So Gwen devoted herself exclusively to taking care of soul mate and husband of 24 years, and their beloved girls. She currently works as an assistant administrator at a school. It’s that time again, time to gather with those we love and repeat the valued traditions that affirm who we are, who we belong to and what is genuinely important.
African Americans have always honored the traditions of family, food, song and spirituality. So Thanksgiving and Christmas are ripe with memories that bridge our past to the present. Traditions bind families and friends, creating a connectedness that transitions even life itself. Experts say that it is also during these activities that family beliefs and values are transferred as children witness the importance of friendship, unity and sharing. |
WriterLinda J. Concroft Archives
March 2019
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