United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County is proud to partner with Mike Brown, founder and CEO of SOULSTIR, to honor the memory of his late cousin Jeannetta Lacole Robinson, whose nicknames were Little Netta and Lil’ Jeanetta.  She was the granddaughter of the late Commissioner Jeanetta Simpson-Robinson and the great-grandaughter of the late Claretta “Mother Freedom” Simpson; historical leaders and activists in the Milwaukee community.
 
In 2021, Mike Brown wrote and published a children’s book, Little Netta’s Gift, an inspiring story about the spirit of giving.  Little Netta’s birthday is two days after Christmas and at her sixth birthday party she showed tremendous compassion for others by giving her gifts to children attending her party after learning they did not receive Christmas gifts.  “The kindness my cousin exhibited at such a young age is remarkable”, shared Brown.  “It’s an honor to share her story and I hope it serves as inspiration for all of us to share the gift of love with each other”, he added.

Since the partnership began, more than 1,500 students attending Auer Avenue, Browning Elementary, Carver Academy, Lincoln Avenue, and Zablocki Elementary have received gifts.  This year, financial donations will be used to purchase holiday gifts for more than 300 elementary aged students at Hopkins Lloyd Community School and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School.