Black Nouveau, hosted by Sharon Patterson and Eugene Kane has long since been embraced and lauded by the community as one of the most accurate and positive perspectives of African American life in the city of Milwaukee.  This award-winning program is replete with messages that promote positive images, interviews and profiles of African-American movers and shakers.

Past quests have included: Activists and actors Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee and Richard Roundtree; performers Maurice Hines, Malik Yoba, Judith Jamison, Run DMC, Eric Benet; authors Terri McMillian, Toni Morrison, Gwendolyn Brooks, BeBe Moore Campbell and E. Lynn Harris; poet Nikki Giovanni; activists Dick Gregory and Angela Davis; artist Jacob Lawrence.  Local guests have included the mayor, our police chief, the Ko-Thi Dance Company, various entrepreneurs and several movers & shakers in the area.

In addition it explores issues, accomplishments and strengths that educate, inform and provide hope to the black community, as well as serve as an agent for positive change within the community at large while promoting a better understanding of African Americans.

 The show's formula mixes the WMVS/WMVT resources of on-location and studio segments including an occasional look at a significant person or event in black history, all while helping to create a positive image of the black community.  And because of the magazine type format, Black Nouveau can offer a combination of issues, including the arts, community events, celebrity interviews, good health segments, etc. in each show.

Join BLACK NOUVEAU each week as we educate, inform and entertain! 

How To Make a Shekere

Needed supplies: A gourd, 1/8" nylon rope, Narrow gauge nylon masonry string, Beads

The gourd: To clean if needed-put in a tub of warm slightly soapy water; Use a plastic scouring pad or a two-sided sponge where one side is rough; Use a tub rather than your sink because it is Messy; Let it dry again. It can be dried with a towel; use a saw (coping saw) or any wood saw which doesn't have teeth that are too coarse. Cut at the widest point above the neck of the Gourd (check your local farmer markets and craft stores for gourds)

The skirt: Put nylon rope (1.8" nylon rope) around rim of the top of gourd; Measure nylon rope so it drapes and is not too tight; Burn the ends of nylon rope (so they'll stick together) and put ends together; Take the string (u shape it) and loop around rope then loop again to from a lock knot; Once the strings of the skirt are on, then it's time to start putting on the beads; Take 2 strings and form a V, prior to knotting the V put on beads, then take the 2 strings that have formed the V and make a knot; continue this process around and down to desired skirt length; To complete skirt: attach strings to bottom rim (1.8" nylon rope). Taking 2 strings at a time and tie double knot. Burn the end of each knot to prevent unraveling. When this is done the skirt to your Shekere is finished. Put skirt on gourd, a-la Shekere.

To make a design on the gourd; draw design on gourd (prior to putting on skirt) with a pencil; take a wood burner and trace (burn) design into gourd;

This is a fun activity that kids and the family can enjoy. Make it a family or class project.

HOW TO BE "STREETWISE" AND SAFE
(excerpts from the Milwaukee Police Department's Take A Bite Out of Crime brochure)

3 BASIC RULES

DO stay alert, keep your mind on your surroundings, who's in front of you and who's behind you.  Don't get distracted.  If you're worried about crime, ask a friend to accompany you when you go out.

DO communicate the message that you're clam, confident, and know where you're going.  Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.

DO trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.

WHEN WALKING

• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Choose will-lighted busy streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites. Take the long way if it's the safest.

•Know your neighborhood.  Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where the police and fire stations are.
• Make sure you now where your children are going when they go out and encourage them to play with other kids.  Show them safe places in the neighborhood where they can go if they ever feel scared.
• Carry you purse close to you body and keep a firm grip on it.  Carry a wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages and groceries that make it hard to react.
• Bring "emergency" change for cab fare, bus fare, or a telephone call.
• Have your car or house key in hand as you approach your vehicle or home.
• If you suspect you're being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for the nearest well-lighted, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call police. If you are really scared, scream for help.
• If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license plate number.
• Never hitchhike.

IN THE CAR

 • Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
• Plan your route in advance, particularly on long or unfamiliar trips.  Have enough gas and money to get there and back.
• Drive with all car doors locked.  Keep windows rolled up whenever possible.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• If you see another motorist in trouble, signal that you will get help and then go to a telephone and call the police.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood,  use flares, or tie a white cloth to the door handle.  Stay in the locked car.  When someone stops, ask them to phone for help.
• Park in well-lighted areas that will still be well-lighted when you return.  Lock your car doors.
• Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.
• If you are being followed while driving, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station or other business, or well-lighted residence where you can safely call police.  Try to get the car's license plate number and description.  If no safe areas are near, honk the horn repeatedly and turn on our emergency flashers.

IN ELEVATORS