Local artist and HAAT board member Reynaldo Hernandez presents Taki Raton with his award. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp)
Educator and writer Taki S. Raton was recognized for his standing track record of journalistic contributions in the Black press to the Milwaukee community by the Historic African American Teachers of MPS (HAAT).
The recognition was awarded Friday, November 18 during the HAAT Scholarship Breakfast Buffet gathering at the Clarion Hotel, 3511 South Howell Avenue.
Presented by HAAT founder and director Vicki Singh, the gold plated plaque acknowledges Raton, an Adjunct Professor at Springfield College, Milwaukee campus:
“As a scholar, journalist, a historian and a teacher, we will have witnessed the genius of an ‘artful wordsmith’. Every well crafted word reflects his thoughtful research and his authenticity. A man who makes African Americans and their legacy in History an everyday life journey, we applaud his mission and support his dedication. His gifted journalistic endeavors on behalf of our Milwaukee African American Press has garnered him a local, national and international readership.” Raton just recently on November 16 received a note of thanks from Baba Buntu of the SHABAKA – Men of Afrika organization in Johannesburg , South Africa for his writing of their support of and participation in the Black Male Achievement Summit. African American men representing their respective organizations in twenty-two cities to include Johannesburg were linked in this national and global networking of Black men addressing African American Local artist and HAAT board member Reynaldo Hernan- male issues on Saturday, November 12 from 9a.m. to 3 p.m. The Kingdom Institute of Black Men’s Studies was the sponsoring organization for the Black Male Achievement Summit here in Milwaukee.
Raton has supported and promoted over the past two years in the area Black press many of HAAT’s sponsored monthly luncheons honoring pioneer African American teachers of Milwaukee Public Schools.
These educators were recognized by HAAT for breaking down racial barriers in teacher hiring and for teaching and inspiring many young people in Milwaukee who have today become adult professionals, government, corporate, educational, and community leaders. Over 145 African American educators have been honored over the span of the organization’s honors luncheon series.
Raton will continue his support of HAAT by promoting the organizations continuing contribution to the Milwaukee community and by serving as their official “Archivist” documenting in planned future publications the profiles and dedicated work of the pioneer MPS educators.