Mr. Gregory Stanford

Gregory Don Stanford was born on September 11, 1946 in Washington, D.C. He was the second of five children born to Amos C. and Juanita Morris Stanford. Juanita and Amos Stanford believed a good foundation was key. That meant sacrifices so that their children would have a good education. In 1952, Greg attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help grade school and St. John's College High School in 1960. While at St. John's one of his teachers suggested that he pursue a career in journalism and advised him to go to Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Greg entered Marquette University in September 1964. It was during his years there that the seeds for a lifetime of activism were planted. The national civil rights movement was growing in momentum. The Civil Right Act of 1964 had become law. While at Marquette, Greg felt compelled to address racial inequality and blatant discrimination. When Greg learned that Marquette annually used a white only club, the Eagles Club, for its homecoming dance, Greg joined the protest march. Marquette University severed its relationship with the club. Greg also recognized a need for increased black representation at the school and immediately assumed a leadership role in Students United for Racial Equality (SURE)-an organization established to advocate for more black faculty members, African American Studies courses and recruitment of black students. The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) which continues today at Marquette grew out of the efforts of Greg and his fellow activists in SURE. Greg and roommate Art Heitzer also founded RESPOND, a movement that challenged institutional racism nationwide. He also participated in the open housing marches of the late 1960s and early 70s that were led by the NAACP Youth Council, along with Father James Groppi whose famous slogan for fighting for equality was, "agitate, agitate, agitate." During this time, Greg was an editor of Soul City Times, a weekly tabloid that chronicled events affecting the Black community. As Greg's reputation for activism in Milwaukee grew, he met and later married a fellow activist, JoKasha (jean) Klest in 1968 to which two sons were born, Frantz David and J. Nathan ("Nate"). They later divorced. Years later Greg met his beloved Cynthia Henry. Cynthia brought to this union her son and daughter, Dana and Dwayne Henry. Cynthia was supportive of Greg and promoted the cause. Cynthia and Greg enjoyed life together for over thirty years, engaging in various activities such as traveling, entertaining friends and gourmet cooking; and developed a love for art, which lead to their opening an art gallery in 2012, the "Azyha Fine Art Gallery". In 1967, Greg interned at the Milwaukee Journal as a writer on the sports desk. In 1971 he officially joined the Milwaukee Journal staff. That was the beginning of a roughly 36 year career with the paper where he moved up the ranks from a general assignment reporter, to the federal beat, to urban affairs and finally to the Editorial Board in 1988. Greg authored two columns while at the Journal. One column titled "My Turn" covered a wide range of topics, particularly those of interest to the black community. The second column was editorials he wrote as part of the paper's editorial staff. In 1995, the Journal merged with the Milwaukee Sentinel. Greg retired from the Journal Sentinel in 2007. During his time with the newspaper he became a well respected journalist and received numerous accolades, awards and honors for his work highlighting the needs of the working people in the Milwaukee community and the obstacles that challenge their ability to survive. Greg recently received a letter informing him that he was to receive an award from Pastors United in recognition of his positive work and achievements in the Milwaukee community. The award will be presented to him posthumously on May 4, 2019. Pastors United is a coalition of 300 churches representing a cross section of religious denominations. Its stated goal is to effect positive change empowerment and transformation of the Milwaukee community. Greg wrote hard-hitting articles many of which created much-needed changes in the city. "As a young reporter at The Milwaukee Journal, Greg became my go-to lunch partner. With his quiet patience and humor he helped me grapple with the issues of the day. Although I left the paper after a few years, our connection remained strong and my husband Richard and I spent many memorable evenings with Greg and Cynthia I am saddened to say goodbye to Greg, but grateful for a friendship that lasted a lifetime." Debbie Fagan In 1997, he was selected by the Trotter Group along with three other black columnists to interview President Bill Clinton at the White House regarding President Clinton's Initiative on Race. This Initiative was a critical element of Presidents Clinton's effort to prepare the country to embrace the rapid diversification of the American population. The Trotter Group was founded by Monroe Trotter, who confronted President Woodrow Wilson on Nov 12, 1914 concerning segregation and lynching that was flaring up all over the United States. Greg was a lifelong advocate for justice, civil rights and empowering people with the tools to compete and succeed. In addition, he taught journalism- including a course on race and journalism-at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; organized and ran a writing workshop for middle school mentees; was a member of the Trotter Group; and a member of the Advisory Board of Diedrich College of Communication. ''As a young reporter at The Milwaukee Journal, Greg became my go-to lunch partner. With his quiet patience and humor he helped me grapple with the issues of the day. Although I left the paper after a few years, our connection remained strong and my husband Richard and I spent many memorable evenings with Greg and Cynthia I am saddened to say goodbye to Greg, but grateful for a friendship that lasted a }ifetime. " - Debbie Fagan

Mr. Gregory Stanford

September 11, 1946 - April 6, 2019