shekinah

DJ Knotts and Luc Monsanto of Shekinah Printing with daughter Chakari

On a gray day in May…the warmth of real community shines through! Luc Monsanto, owner of Shekinah Printing is determined to get one thing across: “Don’t pass us by!” Small businesses on King Drive are seeking to enhance their base of community support and attract patrons by promoting the resources and opportunities that can be found right here in the neighborhood. “Small businesses need a fighting chance to compete with big development,” says Monsanto. He emphasizes the importance of neighbors supporting each other economically in addition to bringing in dollars from people outside of the community. The first event featured hot-off-the-grill barbecue sandwiches and good eats from J.R. Catering (414/562-9231), music from DJ Knotts Sound (414/562-4720), and a showcase of the diverse services that Shekinah Printing offers. Through regular family-friendly events and outside marketplaces, the initiative aims to increase local business and a spirit of community.

J.R. Catering

Joe & Tasha Wade of J. R. Catering

For more information on Community Small Business Awareness (CSBA) or to be placed on the vendor list contact Luc Monsanto at 414/263-2679. Harambee Ombudsman Project, Inc. will have a new home in the King Commons, a new development that is underway at King Drive and Hadley. HOPI is a community–based organization that provides information and services to Harambee residents. Executive director Sherman Hill says the agency is proud of its participation in the Wisconsin Fresh Start Program, where young people are taught the elements of housing construction and rehabilitation. HOPI has just sold the first home that young people helped build. It is located at 2504 N. Palmer St. Keep up the good work! From Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive to The Martin Drive Neighborhood: Area customers and consigners will be sad to see Deja vu Consignments, LLC, leave in August for their new home. However, there’s still time to take advantage of nice finds for your home or office during special closing events owner Karen Spencer has planned in upcoming months. Stop in at 1743 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. or after August 1 at the new location, 4311-15 W. Vliet St. Contact dejavu_consign@hotmail.com. Moments of the Spirit, opened Sunday, May 15, and will run through Wednesday, June 16, at Greer Oaks Gallery, 2563 N. Palmer St. Greer Oaks is currently hosting Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum exhibit of sculpture. The outdoor exhibit features works created by students from The Fitzsimonds & The Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club, Riverside University High School, Hartford University School, and the Marquette University Art Club. Greer Oaks Gallery is truly the Hub of the Harambee Arts Community. For info about other upcoming exhibits call 414/264-2049. America’s Black Holocaust Museum (2233 N. 4th St.) invites you to take a step back in time on Friday June 18 at 5:30 p.m. as they kick-off this year’s Juneteenth Day Celebration. History comes alive through drumming, dramatizations, pre-civil war reenactments, poetry, and song. For admission fees and membership information call 414/264-2500. Harambee Ombudsman Project, Inc. Celebrates “25 Years of Excellence in Serving the Harambee Community.” Harambee Ombudsman Project, Inc. (HOPI), a community based organization founded on May 22, 1979, will celebrate 25 years of existence this month. Harambee in Swahili means “pulling together.” Harambee is the principle on which the Harambee Ombudsman Project, Inc. was established. HOPI’s mission at its inception was to develop grassroots strategies that would address the economic needs of the neighborhood. Today, the organization strives to maintain its original mission by creating innovative programs and advocacy efforts that empower low income resident to manage their own lives and solve their own problems. To celebrate, the organization will hold a dinner, silent auction, and awards ceremony on October 15, 2004, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel (2303 N. Mayfair Rd). Support of the 25th Anniversary event will help HOPI continue the great work begun over two decades ago by a small group of Harambee residents. Ad purchase, silent auction items, and sponsorship questions regarding the event may be directed to: Harambee Ombudsman Project, Inc. Rosslyn Ford, Administrative Assistant (Ad information) Kimberly Porter, Program Coordinator (Silent Auction and Sponsorship) 335 W. Wright Street Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212414/264-7822