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The NNS coronavirus update for week of Jan. 25: Testing expands to include younger kids; vaccine eligibility opens to the 65+ population | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
January 25, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opens for new groups this week, but supply can’t yet meet the demand. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
Wisconsinites 65 and older now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced last week that people age 65 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as the state’s rollout moves into Phase 1B.
Police officers, firefighters and unaffiliated health care workers also are included in this phase.
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But the vaccine won’t be readily available for everyone.
“Eligibility, at this point, does not mean availability,” Milwaukee’s interim Health Commissioner Marlaina Jackson said during a media briefing.
There are over 700,000 people over the age of 65 in Wisconsin, including 130,000 in Milwaukee County alone. The state had 70,000 vaccines ready to go as of last week. State officials urge patience and say they plan to ramp up distribution in the coming weeks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that Wisconsin’s vaccine rollout is one of the slowest in the Midwest.
To find out more about signing up for eligibility alerts on HealthyMKE.org and getting in line for the vaccine, check out our NNS reporting here.
Testing expanded for children under 5 in Milwaukee County
Children as young as 1 years old can receive COVID-19 testing in Milwaukee County because of an order from the state’s chief medical officer, Dr. Ryan Westergaard.
Previously, children had to be at least 5 years old to receive coronavirus testing.
Testing will be available at Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., and American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), 1 Brewers Way.
“This age expansion allows parents and medical providers to access free testing at a time when many children are returning to preschool and daycare settings,” Milwaukee Health Department’s Dr. Heather Paradis said in a news release.
Testing for people under the age of 18 requires parental authorization.
County sees a slight downturn in cases, but testing remains down
Milwaukee County has seen a decrease in cases of COVID-19 following a post-holiday bump.
The county’s cases indicator turned green last week, indicating a decrease in positive cases over the last two weeks. The county averaged under 350 new cases per day last week. In mid-December, the average was from 500 to 600 new cases per day.
Greenfield Health Commissioner Darren Rausch said testing has been down for the last several weeks and urged testing to continue to keep accurate statistics on the virus.
Free testing offered at Bader Philanthropies on Wednesdays
Free testing is being offered every Wednesday this month in the parking lot of Bader Philanthropies, 3300 N. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive in the Harambee neighborhood.
Administered by Shalem Healing, walk-up and drive-up testing are available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. each week. Shalem Healing staff will call you with test results within three to five days. They can be reached at (414) 499-1704.
What you should know about the coronavirus vaccine
Check out our Instagram primer
8 things you should know
How you can help friends and loved ones who test positive
Read our story here.
What’s it like to be vaccinated?
Read our story here.
Where to get free masks
To obtain a free mask, residents can visit these sites:
NNS reporters also gathered a list of where to buy locally made masks if you’re looking to show some local business love when masking up.
Check the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website for the most updated facts and answers to questions about the mask ordinance.
Resources to know
Look here for up-to-date statistics on COVID-19 in the county. More precautions on how to stay safe and information on COVID-19 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Contact your health provider, call IMPACT 2-1-1 or take a look at the county’s testing site map to find a testing center near you. The free community testing sites at the Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., and Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., are now open and operating. American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), 1 Brewers Way, is also open as an effective testing site.
For more information on testing, including how to identify symptoms and when you should get tested, visit TestUpMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
For more information on vaccine distribution and where to find it, visit HealthyMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
Looking for more personalized direction to resources and information during the coronavirus crisis? Get connected with News414, a texting-based news resource from Milwaukee NNS, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. You can text MILWAUKEE to 73224 and begin to receive free, personalized data via text messages.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 24, 2021

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: January 24, 2021

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Adam Carr


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How one program teaches understanding and empathy to community health workers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
January 26, 2021
A guest speaker discusses racial stereotypes during a class in the Community Health Workers Training Program, which teaches trainees to bring health education and expertise to the communities they serve. (Photo provided by Azure’De Williams)
Po Too knows what it’s like to come to America for the first time.
She’s experienced the struggles of adjusting to a language barrier, a different culture and unfamiliar surroundings.
Too, 28, first came to Wisconsin 14 years ago. She and her family fled Burma, now Myanmar, and spent years in a refugee camp before she found herself in Milwaukee.
Now, Too spends her time working to help refugees as a bilingual community health worker for Advocate Aurora, serving the Karen community in southeastern Wisconsin. Karen refers to a group of people from a specific region in Burma.
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“I believe I can be a voice for them,” Too said.
Too is enrolled in the Community Health Workers Training Program at Milwaukee Area Health Education Center, also known as Milwaukee AHEC.
The center, which has operated for nearly 30 years, teaches trainees to bring health education and expertise to the communities they serve and usually live in.
Azure’De Williams, executive director of Milwaukee AHEC, said the program has transitioned to an online model during COVID-19. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from Advocate Aurora Health, the program can afford staffing for the virtual training, Williams said.
The Aurora grant was part of a larger batch of money the center has distributed to create more diverse representation in the health care workforce. AHEC was one of four recipients.
Williams said the program enrolls 28, primarily students from Milwaukee and Madison.
The program is open to any applicant with a high school degree. Williams said that education is secondary to some of the natural traits that are important in community health workers: emotional intelligence, empathy and humility.
“Everyone comes in with their own wealth of experiences and knowledge of navigating health systems,” Williams said.
Harvey Padek, Community Health Worker Project specialist for AHEC, runs the training program. The course runs for 15 weeks, supplemented with six months of follow-up counseling and check-ins.
Padek said the course covers the role and history of community health workers, as well as applicable information about the work they do. Interviewing, counseling, home visits, care management, conflict resolution and stress management are all staples of the course.
Williams said it’s important not to “pigeon-hole” community health workers. They can work to address many different areas, including mental health, chronic disease and domestic violence.
“There’s no limits to where they can go,” Williams said.
Padek said the most effective community health workers are the people who live in the communities they serve. People open up more to someone they grew up with, whose kids go to the same school, who goes to the same church as them. Or, as Williams puts it:
“You trust someone if they drive over the same bumpy potholes that you drive over.”
Different communities naturally have different needs. For instance, Too said that working in the Karen community and with other refugees often means addressing the taboo of substance abuse. Too said breaking through that barrier is important to getting people help.
Padek said one of the hardest things is getting in the front door. Many people think they don’t need help navigating the system or being connected to resources, and community health workers need to provide them options.
“You can open up greater doors and have greater conversations if you’re a neighbor,” Padek said.
Establishing relationships with community members is paramount to the mission. Williams said there is an emphasis on telling people that community health workers have “power with” their patients and clients, rather than “power over.”
“You really have to make your client or your patient comfortable with you,” Padek said. “And that’s the hardest sell.”
Williams said the program could potentially expand. It will move to Walnut Way’s Innovations and Wellness Commons, 1617 W. North Ave., as part of that project’s Phase II.
The next Community Health Worker virtual training will begin April 13.The course consists of online work, 15 virtual weekly sessions (one afternoon/week), six months of one-on-one coaching, culminating in a certificate of completion. For information, email Harvey at hpadek@milahec.org.

created: January 26, 2021

author: Matt Martinez


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 25, 2021

created: January 25, 2021


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communityhealthworkerstrainingprogram | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 25, 2021


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Post from Community: Asian Celebrations: New virtual series at the UWM Planetarium | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UWM Planetarium
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Experience celestial celebrations across Asia, from the Chinese New Year to the Japanese Spring Blossom festival. Each date features a different guest speaker who will talk about their country, culture, and connections to the night sky. We’ll take questions at the end of the program through the chat.
This LIVE event will take place on YouTube. To get the link, register at https://uwm.universitytickets.com/?cid=195
Schedule
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Wednesday, February 10: Hao Wu, China
Friday, Mach 19: Dr. Ahmad Hosseinizadeh, Iran
Friday, April 9: Vinaya Valsan, India
Wednesday, April 14: Dr. Aragorn Quinn, Japan

author: UWM Planetarium


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AC-draftsArtboard-2.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 26, 2021

author: Name *


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Post from Community: BBB Tip: Concerned about ID theft? File early and considering using an IRS PIN | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The United States’ tax season is here, and so are the scammers. Con artists use the Social Security numbers of unsuspecting Americans to file phony tax returns and steal refunds. One way to protect this information is to use an Identity Protection PIN issued by the IRS. In fact, a number may have been issued to you last year if you filed a return online. Be aware of online identity theft with these tips.
How the Scam Works
Online filers that go through the IRS website and in most cases expect a refund. Instead, a written IRS notice arrives in the mail, stating that more than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number.
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What happened? Scammers got hold of personal information, typically the account holder’s Social Security number, address, and birth date. They filed your return early and received your refund before you even got around to filing. Tax ID theft is a particularly sneaky con, because victims typically don’t realize they’ve been targeted until they actually file their taxes.
Scammers steal tax information in several ways, such as a phishing scam, a corrupt tax preparation service, or the information was exposed in a hack or data breach. Sometimes tax scammers file in the name of a deceased person or steal children’s identities to claim them as dependents.
How to Avoid Tax ID Theft Scams:

author: Wisconsin Better Business Bureau


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Post from Community: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Cupid’s Constellations | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UWM Planetarium
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone. Be swept away by stunning images of the cosmos as you listen to tales of love, such as the story of Andromeda and Perseus. We’ll take questions at the end of the program through the chat.
This LIVE event will take place on YouTube. Tickets are $5.  To get the link, register at https://uwm.universitytickets.com/?cid=195
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Cupid-square-notext.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 26, 2021


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Post from Community: Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Khalif J. Rainey
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alderman Khalif J. Rainey invites residents to attend a Virtual Public Meeting this week regarding information on Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. The event will take place Friday, January 29, with 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm time slots, and is available to anyone interested in attending.
The meeting will primarily focus on sharing information about tax season tips, taxpayer assistance services, and other taxpayer benefits. Alderman Rainey encourages residents to attend these meetings and learn more about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites which provide free tax preparation services to low to moderate income taxpayers, and pre-filing season tips to prevent refund delays. This years Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day aims to educate taxpayers on what services the IRS and its partners have to offer.
The meeting will be led by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Milwaukee Stakeholder Partnerships Education and Communication (SPEC) branch of the IRS.
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To Register for a time slot:
•Fri, January 29, 10 am: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1104/39668
•Fri, January 29, 12 pm: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1104/39678
•Fri, January 29, 2 pm: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1104/39674

author: Ald. Khalif J. Rainey


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Post from Community: MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit is Saturday, Jan. 30 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The 9 annual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit, hosted by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, will take place this Saturday, January 30 from 10 a.m. – 2p.m. The MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit, a city-sanctioned event, is held to support the growth of local entrepreneurship and help innovators stimulate economic development, neighborhood reinvestment and job creation. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be held virtually this year and will include workshops to educate budding entrepreneurs about the resources available to help them become successful in their business endeavors. The event is sponsored by the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District #8, the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Alderwoman Coggs.
“Whether you are looking to grow or start a business, the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit can help connect you with valuable resources as well as insight from local business owners. I hope anyone interested in entrepreneurship takes advantage of this amazing opportunity, particularly as businesses continue to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Alderwoman Coggs said.
This year’s virtual summit will be streamed live on the City Channel (channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse in the City of Milwaukee) and via streaming video on the city website at city.milwaukee.gov/Channel25. Business resource packets will be available at select Milwaukee Public Library branches beginning next week.
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Workshops for the event include:
•10 a.m. – Navigating Through COVID: Examining Best Practices for Businesses Safety for their Employees. Presented by the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce.
•11 a.m. – Business Resources: COVID Response & Beyond (Financial Support for your Business). Presented by Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, Kiva Greater Milwaukee and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
•12 p.m. – Chaos + Creativity: Marketing Through Mayhem. Presented by Ebony Ssali – Brand & Creative Director, Ssali Media Group.
The MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit will also feature a panel discussion at 1 p.m. with current business owners. The panel will be moderated by Chauntel McKenzie – CEO and Principal Strategist The PowHER Network. Panelists include: Anthony Kazee – Principal, KG Developer Group; Nyesha Stone – Founder, Carvd N Stone; Tonda Thompson – Owner of Vogue Dreams, LLC, She Slangs Wood Co. and lead organizer of HaRUNBee Walk/ Run; Christine Tackes – Owner/Operator, Nylah Rose Boutique; Taj Pearsall – Franchise Owner/Operator, Buffalo Boss Wings & Things; and JohnRae Stowers – Owner & Stylist, JazzyRae Jewels & Accessories.

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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Post from Community: Moving to Mars | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UWM Planetarium
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
NASA’s Perseverance rover is scheduled to land on Mars on February 18, 2021! Explore what we know about the habitability of the Red Planet and what this historic event means for our next great space adventure. We’ll take questions at the end of the program through the chat.
Recommended for ages 5 and up. We offer the program on both February 17 and 19 from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
This LIVE event will take place on YouTube. To get the link, register at https://uwm.universitytickets.com/?cid=195
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M2M-Square_Patch_1500.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 26, 2021


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Post from Community: Snow Emergency requiring alternate side parking in effect | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works
January 26, 2021
(Photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works has declared a Snow Emergency for January 26, 2021. There is no parking allowed on arterials (main streets) from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and alternate side parking will be required on side streets from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Posted street signs take precedence. Please read the street signs for winter parking instructions BEFORE YOU PARK.
Arterials (No Parking)
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To confirm the arterials which do not allow any parking and for additional parking restriction information visit city.milwaukee.gov/Parking/ParkingRegulations.  Residents can also call (414) 286-CITY (-2489).
Side Streets (Alternate Side Parking)
All residents who park overnight on a Milwaukee side street must move their vehicles to the EVEN numbered side of the street by 10 p.m. on January 26, 2021 through 6 a.m. on January 27, 2021. Parked vehicles should be flush to the curb and out of the flow of traffic. This includes the streetcar route and other city roadways.
Designated Milwaukee Public Schools lots will be available for off-street parking beginning January 26, 2021 at 7 p.m. All vehicles must be moved from MPS lots by 7 a.m. the following morning. For a list of school parking lot locations, go to milwaukee.gov/snowparking.
Stay informed
Your cooperation will ensure that DPW crews can access as much of the street pavement as possible to clear ice and snow effectively, efficiently, and most importantly, safely.
Emergencia de nieve en efecto que requiere estacionarse en el lado alterno
El Departamento de Obras Públicas de la Ciudad de Milwaukee ha declarado una emergencia de nieve para 26 de enero, 2021. No se permite estacionar en arterias (calles principales) de 10 p.m. a 6 a.m. y se deberá estacionarse en el lado alterno en las calles laterales de 10 p.m. a 6 a.m. Los letreros de las calles tienen prioridad. Lea los letreros de la calle para obtener instrucciones de estacionamiento de invierno ANTES DE ESTACIONAR.
Arterias (no estacionar)
Para confirmar cuáles son las arterias que no permiten estacionarse y para información adicional sobre restricciones de estacionamiento, visite city.milwaukee.gov/Parking/ParkingRegulations. Los residentes también pueden llamar al (414) 286-CITY (-2489).
Calles laterales (estacionamiento en lados alternos)
Todos los residentes que se estacionen durante la noche en una calle lateral de Milwaukee deben trasladar sus vehículos al lado numerado PAR de la calle antes de las 10 p.m. 26 de enero del 2021 hasta las 6 a.m. el 27 de enero del 2021.
Los vehículos estacionados deben estar al ras de la acera y fuera del flujo del tráfico. Esto incluye la ruta del tranvía y otras rutas de la ciudad.
Los lotes designados de las Escuelas Públicas de Milwaukee estarán disponibles para estacionamiento fuera de la calle a partir del 26 de enero a las 7 p.m. Todos los vehículos deben ser trasladados de los lotes de MPS antes de las 7 a.m. de la mañana siguiente. Para obtener una lista de los lugares de estacionamiento de las escuelas, visite milwaukee.gov/snowparking.
Manténgase informado
Su cooperación asegurará que los equipos de DPW puedan acceder a la mayor parte del pavimento de la calle como sea posible para limpiar el hielo y la nieve de manera efectiva, eficaz, y lo más importante, de manera segura.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 26, 2021


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Post from Community: SOS Saving Our Sons is running a shoe drive fundraiser | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
SOS Saving Our Sons
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
SOS SAVING OUR SONS MENTORING MOVEMENT is running a shoe drive fundraiser and asking for help from their community. They will be collecting new and gently worn shoes from FEB. 3, 2021 to MAY 1, 2021. Drop off location will be 11414 W Park Place Rd Suite 202 Milwaukee, WI 53224.
By partnering up with Angel Bins, SOS SAVING OUR SONS MENTORING MOVEMENT will get paid for what they collect and plan to use the funds towards their organizational needs.
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Shoe Drive Fundraisers are a fun and safe way to keep up your fundraising this year, while keeping socially distant! Shoes can be all sizes, but must be pairs and still wearable. No heels, fuzzy slippers, or metal cleats.
After Angel Bins collects the shoes, they are sorted and cleaned, then sent to micro-entrepreneurs in developing nations which allows people to create both businesses and jobs for people in local communities. Their income supports their families, and the inventory shoes the communities.
Make a difference in your community at home and overseas today. Donate your shoes to SOS SAVING OUR SONS MENTORING MOVEMENT.
If you would like more information about this topic, please call Lance Ambrose at 414 550-3363, or email sosmovement17@gmail.com.

author: SOS Saving Our Sons


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Post from Community: Stars, Stories & Rhythms of Africa | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UWM Planetarium
January 26, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Celebrate Black History Month with a cosmic twist! Experience cultural perspectives across Africa and live storytelling with special guest speaker Venice Williams.
Sponsored by UWM Planetarium and Sociocultural Programming. This free event takes place on Facebook Live. Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/events/885606338912099
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!


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African-Stories-Square-final.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 26, 2021


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Causey’s Career Corner: She’s helping residents survive the pandemic with healing — and hula | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Damia S. Causey
January 27, 2021
Malia Chow, a Native Hawaiian, has been teaching hula and other dance, as well as culture, music, wellness and art, through her Na Hale Cultural Arts Center for over 20 years. Now she’s transformed that work into a position as a community healer. (Photo provided by Sean Schwartz)
Damia Causey
Malia Chow starts her Monday morning by hosting a virtual healing circle via Facebook Live. She holds an abalone shell to represent water, visibly smudges her screen space with sage, representing earth, and touches the screen with a feather to represent air.
She honors each viewer as they enter. The melodic sound of a ukulele can lightly be heard in the background. Her calm, steady voice is a balm for those tuned in.
Chow, 39, is a community healer with the HIR Wellness Institute. Healing Intergenerational Roots, or HIR, is a culturally focused organization that provides trauma-related care for victims of domestic violence and sexual trafficking. The center focuses on women who are First Nations (Indigenous) people.
A time of transition
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A Native Hawaiian, Chow is the founder of Na Hale studios, home to Na Hale Cultural Arts Center, a nonprofit that focuses on dance, culture, music, wellness, art and community. The center teaches traditional Polynesian dance, including hula, and other cultural offerings. The parent company has been around for 25 years, but COVID-19 has created challenges.
Like many business owners, Chow needed to find a different income stream. That’s where Lea Denny, founder of the HIR Wellness Institute, comes in. The two have been friends for over a decade.
Denny told Chow she viewed her as a community healer.
“Initially Malia didn’t see it in herself,” Denny said.
However, Chow’s background in teaching hula, a dance focused on the mind/body connection, for over two decades allowed her to easily pivot into her new role at HIR.
“Malia is out there doing beautiful, healing work,” Denny said. “She’s a beautiful entertainer and teacher.”
‘It shouldn’t cost you to heal’
The wellness institute started in 2017. The brainchild of Denny, it began in her van. She’d travel to different organizations and offer services. Her goal: “to provide free mental health and wellness services and make it accessible.”
“I truly believe it shouldn’t cost you to heal. I didn’t want to participate in that,” she said.
In 2020, the center won a grant through the U.S. Department of Justice that allowed the organization to expand its outreach and to have a building.
Denny is a native Pacific Islander, her husband, Oneida. She opened her organization to serve Native women, a population she feels is often overlooked in plain sight.
Chow was raised in Menomonee Falls, an area where she experienced racism. Her family members were some of the darkest-skinned people living in her neighborhood.
Denny said Native people are the most invisible population in the country, especially as victims of domestic or sexual violence. Of the 4 million-plus Natives in the United States, Wisconsin has almost 100,000, and 12 nations or tribal communities call the state home. Nationwide, two-thirds of Natives live off a reservation. Yet, they are seldom included in community conversations.
HIR Wellness provides the space for those groups to be served in culturally rooted practices. Those seeking services are called “relatives” instead of “clients.”
“The word ‘client’ is associated with consumerism and commodities,” Denny said. “You change the energy of the exchange when you view people as relatives, because we are all connected.“
Chow relates to the mission of the center through her own tragedy. Her twin sister was a victim of sex trafficking during her 20s. Unfortunately before her sister was able to get out safely, she was murdered in 2004 in Las Vegas. As painful as losing her sister has been, Chow’s work with victims of domestic and sexual violence now brings everything full circle.
Chow leads a Facebook Live session called “Reflections and Resilience” at 8 a.m. every Monday through Friday.
During these sessions, relatives are able to ask questions in real time of counselors and clinicians like social workers and occupational therapists who are on the Facebook Live. And they can share how they are feeling and ask for emotional support.
“We really make sure that our relatives understand that everything they do is their choice,” Chow said. “It is their right to self-determine their own path of healing. You can choose whether to walk that path, crawl or sprint that path. We are here for them.”
For more information:
Websites:
•Na Hale
Virtual dance classes will be offered starting in February. Click the link for more information on classes and event scheduling.
•Facebook Live page
•HIR Wellness Institute
Phone line:
CARES (Community Advocate Resource and Emotional Support) warm line: 414-748-2592

created: January 27, 2021

author: Damia S. Causey


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Inside the NNS newsroom: I need your help to put a face on our city’s eviction crisis | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
January 27, 2021
I need your help.
Throughout the pandemic, Milwaukee NNS has been covering housing, evictions and rent assistance with the goal of keeping our readers informed.
We have spoken to housing advocates, landlords, tenants and even lawyers. Now we want to speak to those who have gone through evictions.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
If you or anyone you know would like to share your story, please email me at princesssafiya.byers@marquette.edu.
Here are some recent stories on this topic
UPDATE: CDC extends federal order halting evictions to March 31
Milwaukee housing advocates prepare for end of federal eviction moratorium
‘Rent is still due’: What you need to know about the federal order to halt residential evictions
A Milwaukee County program has prevented over 1,000 evictions. But as 2021 approaches, money’s running out.
‘Nowhere to go’: Wisconsin renters face evictions as emergency aid falls short
Check out our Instagram Story on “Milwaukee resources to help you avoid evictions.”
Help is just a text away with our News414 project with our friends from Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. Text MILWAUKEE to 73224 to see how it works.
About me:
Inside the NNS newsroom: Meet PrincessSafiya Byers, staff reporter

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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Pilgrim Rest church plans to make site of former MPS school a community center | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 27, 2021
Pilgrim Rest has a “five-point vision” for transforming the former Frederick Douglass School into a K4-fifth grade school, community gathering center, performing arts center, adult learning center and a site for youth learning programs. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church is making plans to open its own school and community center after recently buying a neighboring former MPS school.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, pictured here, has bought a neighboring building and plans to reopen it as a school. The building was formerly operated by MPS as Frederick Douglass School. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Common Council approved the sale of the former Frederick Douglass Elementary School to Pilgrim Rest for $160,000 earlier this month. Rhonda Szallai, real estate specialist at the Milwaukee Department of City Development, said the church will spend an additional $475,000 on renovating the building. The church, located at 3456 N. 38th St., has until Aug. 1 to officially close the sale.
The church’s pastor, the Rev. Martin Childs, said Pilgrim Rest has a “five-point vision” for the building, which he says will function as a K4-fifth grade school, community gathering center, performing arts center, adult learning center and will host summer youth learning programs the church already organizes. Childs said he does not expect the school to be running until at least the 2023-’24 school year, but that other programs may be phased in before then.
“We see this as a much needed resource in the community to assist with the development of children and seniors,” Childs said, defining ”community” as the surrounding neighborhood. Childs said the plan calls for the building to be the site of a non-instrumentality MPS charter school. If approved, this would mean that the school could hire its own staff but would be subject to periodic review by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors.
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The selling of surplus MPS property is nothing uncommon. After determining that the district no longer needs a building, the school board can declare the building “surplus,” and it can be put up for sale. The Common Council can then approve or reject the sale before it is finalized.
The Rev. Martin Childs (Photo provided by Pilgrim Rest)
Before this transaction, the last MPS surplus property sale to be approved by the Common Council was the former Edison Middle School at 5372 N. 37th St. The sale was approved in October.
Frederick Douglass Elementary School was declared a “surplus” property in January 2015, along with four other locations. MPS operated Frederick Douglass School until 2006.
MPS had previously bought the building from St. John De Nepomuc Catholic Church in 1988. That church owned the building Pilgrim Rest currently occupies next door to Frederick Douglass.
Childs said the church will host community listening sessions to brainstorm ideas in the near future. For now, Childs is asking residents “to do their own visioning” about what they would like to see the church do with the building.
Ald. Khalif Rainey, who represents the neighborhood where the building is located, expressed his support for the transaction during a meeting of the council’s Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee.
“Pastor Childs and the church have been an anchor in this community since relocating, and I’m looking forward to seeing the work they can do to improve” the neighborhood, Rainey said.

author: Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 27, 2021


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UPDATED: Here’s what you need to know about MPS plans to reopen for in-person instruction | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 28, 2021
For the first time since March, some MPS students will return to in-person education. (File photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with news from Thursday’s school board meeting,
Milwaukee Public Schools will bring students back in person, starting with students with disabilities returning on Feb. 8.
The rest of the student body will remain in virtual learning – at least for now.
The Board of Directors on Thursday approved allowing in-person instruction to take place in the following phases:
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MPS administrators will come back to the school board in March to discuss whether these return dates are still feasible, based on the positivity rate of the COVID virus, the percentage of staff who have been vaccinated and the physical and staffing capacity of schools to reopen under Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
They may also be challenged by the district’s teachers’ union, which is circulating a petition to remain in virtual instruction “until it is safe to return.”
MPS Superintendent Keith Posley said previously that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, or DPI, directed MPS to return students with disabilities by Feb. 8. But emails supplied by DPI appear to show the department expects MPS to provide in-person learning for students with disabilities by Feb. 4.
“If MPS fails to provide in-person services as required for students with IEPs by the deadline of February 4, 2021, the department will move forward with withholding  reimbursement of state special education categorical aids,” State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor wrote to Posley on Jan. 7. An IEP, or Individualized Education Plan, is a legally binding document detailing what education experience is best suited for a student that requires special education.
A DPI spokesman said the department is aware of MPS’ plan but did not say which date will be the deadline for MPS to resume in-person instruction.
“We understand MPS is looking at Feb. 8. We will discuss that and work with the district once final decisions by the board have been made,” Chris Bucher, a DPI spokesman, said.
The students with disabilities and the staff returning will be located in three schools.
Earlier this week, Posley told an MPS committee that he received guidance from the state that all staff will be part of the “1B” vaccination group. This means that teachers and school staff will be eligible to receive the vaccine by March 1.
The Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, the union representing many MPS teachers, has gathered over 3,800 signatures in support of remaining in all-virtual instruction. The union cites the “dangerously high” levels of community spread and lack of widespread vaccine access, saying students younger than 16 are not eligible for the vaccine.
Union president Amy Mizialko expressed her support for staying virtual in a statement.
“The school board’s decision to remain virtual shows the voices of parents, students, workers and our community are being heard,” Mizialko said. “The final motion is not perfect, but is an important step toward keeping students, staff and their families safe until this public health crisis is over.”
Do you have any questions about when or how MPS will phase into in-person learning? Comment below, email our education reporter at samwoods@milwaukeenns.org, or fill out this form.

created: January 28, 2021


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How to avoid stimulus check scams | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
January 28, 2021
Scammers try to take advantage of people by using fake websites and impersonating government agencies. (Graphic by Matt Martinez)
You may not be the only one waiting for your stimulus check.
Scammers stand ready to cash in as well.
As you likely know, the second round of stimulus payments went out at the beginning of this year after being passed by Congress in December. Most people who were eligible received $600 as an individual and $1,200 as a couple.
Lisa Schiller, director of investigations and media relations for the Better Business Bureau in Milwaukee, said we could see more scams in the near future prompting people to give personal information to receive their payments.
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“Scammers follow the news,” she said.
For example, she said, people might receive text messages and emails prompting them to click a link to request benefits. The link leads them to a webpage that asks for their personal information.
Schiller also urged people to watch out for alleged government agencies that “sound familiar but aren’t quite right.” She said some scammers will craft messages from fake agencies that sound urgent in order to catch people off-guard.
She suggested that people resist the urge to act immediately and ask their family and friends to see if they’ve received anything similar.
Schiller suggested reporting any incidents to the BBB Scam Tracker, which collects data on scams across the U.S. Reports should also go to the Federal Trade Commission, the official agency to handle these scams.
Christopher Miller, a Milwaukee-based spokesman for the Internal Revenue Service, said it’s important to understand how the IRS communicates in order to prevent these scams.
“The IRS does not send unsolicited text messages,” he said. “We do not call randomly with threats of jail, and we do not demand tax payments as gift cards.”
He said he’s seen text messages asking people to disclose bank account information, which the IRS does not do when distributing stimulus checks.
These scams are on the rise, he said.
“We see a spike during tax filings and during special efforts like (the stimulus payments),” Miller said.
Miller encouraged everyone to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission or the IRS by sending tips to the email address phishing@irs.gov.
He encouraged people to familiarize themselves with resources like irs.gov so they can distinguish the real messages from the fake ones.
He hopes to prevent these incidents rather than have to deal with them afterward, since options for recovering the money are limited.
“The unfortunate reality is many times, that money is gone,” Miller said.
In case you missed it: What you need to know about the second round of stimulus payments


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Post from Community: League of Women Voters publishes VOTE411 online voter guide | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County
January 28, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Ahead of the February 16 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County today published its online Spring 2021 Voter Guide via the nonpartisan election resource VOTE411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides simple, easy tools to help Wisconsin voters navigate the voting process. VOTE411.org provides candidate information and views on issues, polling place information, and other helpful election information for voters nationwide.
“With limited opportunities to learn about the candidates in person, the League’s VOTE411.org online Voter Guide is especially important for voters during the pandemic,” said Peggy Creer, president of the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County. “VOTE411 is the nation’s premiere nonpartisan online election resource.” Locally, the League of Women Voters posed questions to all candidates running in Milwaukee and Waukesha county-wide races, in municipal and school district races in Milwaukee County, and in municipal races in several Waukesha County communities.
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The Spring 2021 Primary Voter Guide contains candidate answers from those competing in spring primary races for Milwaukee County Supervisor, District 10; Greendale Village Board; and local school boards: Franklin; Greendale; Milwaukee School Board Districts 4 and 5; Nicolet High School; Oak Creek-Franklin; and West Allis-West Milwaukee. Their responses join those of primary candidates for State Superintendent of Instruction and State Senate District 13, gathered by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.
“November elections typically generate a great deal of interest; protecting and strengthening our democracy, however, is a year-round activity,” Creer said. “Good government, representative government begins at the local level.” There will be some 83 local positions up for election in April, including mayors, alderpersons, village presidents and trustees, school board members, municipal judges, and circuit court judges.
“We encourage voters to visit VOTE411.org to make a voting plan so they are prepared to vote confidently on February 16, whether they choose to vote absentee prior to the election or in person on election day.” Voters may request an absentee ballot at
https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/VoteAbsentee.
The League of Women Voters works closely with local elections officials throughout the country to compile the information for VOTE411. VOTE411 helps millions of voters nation-wide each year—many of them young people and first-time voters—learn about candidate stances, look up what’s on their ballot, find their polling place, and more.
In addition to VOTE411, the League encourages active participation in government by conducting voter registration drives and candidate forums, get-out-the-vote social media messaging, and educational public forums on critical public policy issues.


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images | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
January 29, 2021

created: January 29, 2021

author: Dwayne Burtin


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5 things to do and know the weekend of Jan. 29 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 29, 2021
Ko-Thi Dance Company is offering in-person and virtual classes this winter. (Photo provided by Ko-Thi Dance Company)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day: Friday, Jan. 29
Ald. Khalif Rainey is inviting residents to attend the virtual public meeting regarding Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day. The Internal Revenue Service and Milwaukee Stakeholder Partnerships Education and Communication branch are leading the meeting, which will cover tax season tips, taxpayer assistance services, taxpayer benefits and more. There will be three virtual meetings starting at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29. Click the links to register.
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2. “The Lonely Reality of an Academic Dreamer”: virtual discussion: Friday, Jan. 29
Mount Mary University is hosting a virtual discussion called, “The Lonely Reality of an Academic Dreamer,” featuring Pamela Harris. Harris will share her story as an undocumented, first generation college student and woman of color studying STEM. The discussion will take place on Zoom from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 29. The passcode to enter is 3FM?!$.
3. MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit: Saturday, Jan. 30
Ald. Milele Coggs is hosting the ninth annual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship summit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30. This year, the event will be streamed live on the City Channel (Channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse). The event is designed to encourage the growth of local entrepreneurship and innovators. Resource packets are available at select Milwaukee Public Library branches. The summit will have a panel discussion starting at 1 p.m., which features local business owners.
4. Ko-Thi Dance Company winter studio classes: Sunday, Jan. 31
Ko-Thi Dance Company’s winter studio classes are back. This weekend, the class will take place in person at Danceworks, 1661 N. Water St., and virtually from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31. The in-person class is limited to eight students and pre-registration is required. To livestream the class, click here. The class costs $10 per student.
5. “Put a brake on trafficking”: Sunday, Jan. 31
Alaafia Women, a nonprofit organization, is hosting a discussion on human trafficking. Dr. Ebere Azumah is hosting, and LaShawndra Vernon and Omotola Fawunmi are speaking at the event. The conversation will be streamed on Facebook Live and YouTube from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 28, 2021


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Popular Milwaukee DJ gives book publishing a spin | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 29, 2021
“I used to get denied entry to almost every club for being Black basically,” says Tyrone “DJ Bizzon” Miller, who now has added “author” to his list of achievements. (Photo provided by Tyrone Miller)
Tyrone Miller, aka DJ Bizzon, has always been into music.
“My mom always had music playing,” he said. “When I would go to parties, I’d be like, I know I can do this better.”
He said when he decided to become a professional DJ, he spent a lot of time going to different clubs.
“I would just be a fly on the wall to see who was DJing and how they did it,” he said. “Sometimes I’d hit four or five different places in one night.”
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Now, Miller, 36, who grew up in Sherman Park and lives in Washington Heights, is teaching others through an instructional book.
The “Hal Leonard DJ Method” by DJ Bizzon is a textbook for anyone beginning or looking to begin DJing. It addresses things like DJ equipment and setup, using turntables and mastering song transitions.
“You have to love the process as much as you love the product,” Miller says. (Photo provided by Tyrone Miller)
“I used to get denied entry to almost every club for being Black basically,” Miller said. “I wanted people to be free and comfortable when they came to my events.”
Miller has worked as an instructor and program director at various youth organizations and founded Scratch Session, a program providing free DJ and music production lessons, career training and mentorship to young people in Milwaukee.
He’s also worked with Milwaukee Public Schools and has served on the Milwaukee Bucks DJ crew and as an on-air personality at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.
His family, while proud, is not surprised by his success.
“Despite how good he is at his craft, he doesn’t hesitate to show people how to do exactly what he does, though I was impressed that this opportunity came to him” his sister Michele Miller said. “A Black man from Milwaukee is going to educate people all over the world. That says a lot.”
His other sister, Tiffany Miller, said, “The book was a natural fit into the classes he was already teaching.”
Friends say his genuineness is what makes him so successful.
“Tyrone is very unapologetic about everything he does,” said Jordan Lee, his friend and coworker at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and stands up for what he wants.”
Miller advises others pursuing their careers to enjoy the work they do.
“You have to love the process as much as you love the product,” he said.

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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50863421053_5c523e2907_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 28, 2021


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The authors next door: Meet 4 of your neighbors | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 29, 2021
Here are some Milwaukee residents who are making gains in book publishing:
(Photo provided by Cetonia Weston-Roy)
Name: Cetonia Weston-Roy
Age: 27
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Neighborhood: Jacobus Park
Book: “The Misadventures of Toni Macaroni”
Quote: “I wrote it as an ode to my childhood. Toni is based on me. I also wanted to make a Black book for kids that doesn’t show struggle, just her interacting with the world through her overactive imagination.”
(Photo provided by Olivia Shaw-Reel)
Name: Olivia Shaw-Reel
Age: 29
Neighborhood: Thurston Woods
Book: “Stuck Wit’chu”
Quote: “I thought it would be encouraging for my family of characters to also navigate through unrequited love, drama, and experience triumph and healing. Readers can expect to laugh, cry, and fall in love this holiday season.
Links: “Stuck Wit’chu” can be purchased on osrbooks.com or amazon.com.
(Photo provieded by Dionna Hayden)
Name: Dionna L. Hayden
Age: 38
Neighborhood: Timmerman West
Books: “Moving Day” (The Cookie-Flower Rock Kids Book 1) and “Big Bad Bully” (The Cookie-Flower Rock Kids Book 2)
Quote: “I began the book series to not only spark a love of reading and life learning for children, but to present diversity in literature with Black characters.”
Link: https://cfrkids.com/
(Photo provided by Laneice McGee)
Name: Laneice McGee
Age: 44
Neighborhood:  Sherman Park
Book: “Laneice McGee- 7 Day Journey to Discovering Your Purpose: God’s Vision, My Hands. Partnership With the Divine.”
Quote: “I wrote this book to connect people to their God-given purpose so that they remember they are here for a reason. I am familiar with the uncertainty of
not knowing your purpose, and I wrote this book for that person who also identifies with looking for their why or their what now. My purpose is for my perfect reader to open their heart to hear God in a way they never have before and open their eyes to seeing life in a way they’ve never considered.”
Link: https://payhip.com/b/XpJG


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Olivia Shaw-Reel | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 28, 2021


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: Feb. 1 to Feb. 6 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
February 1, 2021
Saving Our Sons Mentoring Movement is hosting a shoe drive starting Wednesday, Feb. 3. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Zoom with State Rep. LaKeshia Myers: Monday, Feb. 1
State Rep. LaKeshia Myers is hosting virtual office hours on Zoom from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1. This is an opportunity for residents living in the 12th Assembly District to talk with their representative. The 12th District comprises voting wards 29, 30, 31, 32, 37 and 38. To register for the meeting, click here or dial 312-626-6799. The meeting ID is 841 9021 9768 and the passcode is 932425.
2. Phobruary 2021: Pho To Go: Monday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 28
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Every year, VIAformerly known as the Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, celebrates “Phobruary,” and this year is no exception. The goal of Phobruary is to support locally owned restaurants through takeout, gift purchases or kind reviews. This year’s participating restaurants are Bamboo, 3427 W. National Ave.; Thai Bar-B-Que, 3417 W. National Ave.; and Vientiane Noodle Shop, 3422 W. National Ave. All orders will be made for carryout because of the pandemic. VIA will also be hosting a “Pho To Go” raffle. More information on the raffle and Phobruary can be found here.
3. “To Be Young, Gifted and Black: A Celebration of Lorraine Hansberry”: Monday, Feb. 1
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating Black History Month with “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month.” As part of the celebration, the theater is hosting a virtual series. This week, the event is “To Be Young, Gifted and Black: A Celebration of Lorraine Hansberry.” The event will be streamed live on Facebook Live and YouTube Live and begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 1.
4. Saving Our Sons Mentoring Movement shoe drive: Starting Wednesday, Feb. 3
Saving Our Sons Mentoring Movement is hosting a shoe drive in partnership with Angel Bins starting Wednesday, Feb. 3 through Saturday, May 1. The group is collecting new and gently worn shoes. Shoes can be dropped at the Saving Our Sons offices, 11414 W. Park Place Rd., Suite 202.
Read: NNS Spotlight: ‘We’re saving lives’: A mentorship program for young boys in Milwaukee
5. Mystic Phoenix Art pop-up: Saturday, Feb. 6
Mystic Phoenix Art is having a pop-up shop at the Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. There will be artisan crafted gifts, Valentine theme goods and Black history products available to purchase.
Bonus: The latest coronavirus coverage from NNS
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporters are hard at work bringing readers up-to-date information regarding coronavirus. Stay informed by following us on our Facebook page and subscribing to our daily newsletter. All coronavirus related articles can be found on this landing page. If you have a question or concern about coronavirus, send them in our way. We’re here to serve you.

created: February 1, 2021


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 31, 2021

created: January 31, 2021


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Post from Community: 2021 gener8tor art application now open | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Maureen Ragalie
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Once again, gener8tor will offer its artist accelerator program to the Milwaukee visual arts community in 2021. Formerly known as Fellowship.art, gener8tor Art will provide educational programming and networking to artists in Milwaukee and beyond. A jury of art professionals will select the four recipients who will each receive a $15,000 budget grant and participation in the 2021 gener8tor Art program. Three positions will be reserved exclusively for Wisconsin artists, while one spot is open to artists from across the country. The application is currently open on the gener8tor Art website until March 27, 2021.
gener8tor Art is a free, 12-week accelerator designed specifically for visual artists to achieve greater visibility and success by providing the support and mentorship needed to navigate the art industry. Of the top accelerator programs in the country, gener8tor is the only one to offer grants and programming for artists.
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In addition to the accelerator program, gener8tor Art will host a series of free, virtual professional development workshops designed for artists. Topics include an artist statement workshop (in partnership with the Walker’s Point Center for the Arts), creating a budget for your art project, preparing for a virtual studio visit, and digital strategies for artists. All workshops and webinars are open to the public. You can register here.
“I’m excited to help strengthen the art ecosystem in the Milwaukee area by providing both financial support and mentorship to artists,” said Maureen Ragalie, gener8tor Art director. “Our goal is to partner with artists to help them create sustainable art practices. By investing in individual artists, we not only help strengthen the creative economy, but we make a statement about the value of creativity in our communities.”
Alumni from the gener8tor Art accelerator program include Ben Balcom, Brent Budsberg & Shana McCaw, Tyanna Buie, Sydney G. James, Le’Andra LeSeur, Dakota Mace, Open Kitchen, and Ariana Vaeth. In addition to working towards successful next steps in their art careers, all alumni artists are working on or have completed long-term projects as part of their experience with gener8tor Art.
gener8tor Art is made possible through support from the American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact.

author: Maureen Ragalie


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Sharing_gener8tor | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
February 4, 2021

created: February 4, 2021


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Repertory Theater cancels live performances through April and reworks announced season reset | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
In response to the ongoing pandemic, Milwaukee Rep must cancel all live performances through April and make significant changes to its previously announced Season Reset programming.
Originally slated to start mid-February, Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song with Alexis J Roston (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) will be rescheduled for in person performances beginning April 27 and running through May 23, 2021 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. In person and virtual performances of Nina Simone: Four Women have been canceled, while McGuire is indefinitely postponed and the world premiere Antonio’s Song/I Was Dreaming of a Son has moved to the 2021/22 Season. Those who have purchased a Season Reset pass will automatically receive a refund and Single Tickets for Artists Lounge Live’s Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song will go on sale in the Spring.
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“We delayed this decision as long as we could as COVID conditions continue to improve in our community, particularly with increased vaccinations,” said Executive Director Chad Bauman. “To ensure artistic and production quality, we must make decisions weeks in advance and conditions were not conducive to allow a reopening as planned in February. We have collaborated with the City of Milwaukee’s Health Department and our partner unions to develop a robust safety plan that we hope will allow us to reopen very soon. Thank you to our patrons and donors for their continued support and understanding.”
Milwaukee Rep has now finalized safety protocols with the City of Milwaukee’s Health Department to protect audiences, artists and staff. Additionally, Milwaukee Rep was one of the first regional theaters nationwide to have a safety plan endorsed by all four major performing arts unions AEA, IATSE, USAA and SDC this past summer. That plan includes increased cleaning procedures, paperless tickets, a facemask requirement and upgrades to the HVAC system. When reopened, theaters will initially operate at 25% of capacity and patrons will be seated in a socially distanced manner. Please visit this link for a detailed list of Safety protocols.
Milwaukee Rep has realized more than $7 million in lost earned revenue since the beginning of the pandemic. Season Reset cancellations will increase anticipated losses in earned revenue by more than $300,000. The theater has responded accordingly by reducing its expense budget by 50% while maximizing employment by using operating reserves, applying for federal relief programs and through the generosity of donors.  In response to the devastating impacts of COVID-19, the theater started the emergency relief Rep Rising Fundraising Campaign to help sustain artists, staff and facilities. The campaign has raised over $1 million thanks to the Milwaukee Rep’s Board of Trustees $500,000 match. These funds not only support the theater, but they go towards the Freelance Artist Relief Effort which recently awarded $60,000 to 80 freelance artists. Donate today at www.MilwaukeeRep.com/donate
While Milwaukee Rep stages are dark and most schools are virtual, the Education and Community Engagementdepartments have been busy continuing their efforts to keep the arts in schools.  Milwaukee Rep’s renowned Reading Residency program marches forward in over 20 schools, bringing social and emotional skills to the forefront of virtual learning. The Professional Training Institute (PTI) a free advance-training program for high schoolers is in process and will continue with its capstone production this summer. The August Wilson Monologue Competition is in full swing with virtual auditions set for February 27, 2021 and the regional final on March 29, 2021. Winners of the regional final will compete in the virtual National competition with teens from across the country.
Milwaukee Rep recently announced We Rise: MKE’s Black History Month Celebration with special programming every Monday night in February on Facebook and YouTube Live. Original virtual content continues in the From Our Home To Your Home series with Original Commissions by the country’s leading playwrights; Play On featuring Shakespeare monologues, sonnets and scenes; and REPair Divides a virtual dialogue series that includes an online performance that sparks a facilitated discussion in partnership with the Zeidler Group. For more details, visit Milwaukee Rep at Home.
For more information, please visit www.MilwaukeeRep.com.

author: Milwaukee Repertory Theater


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repmarquee_v1.jpg__1170x450_q85_crop_subject_location-1014,653_subsampling-2_upscale | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
February 4, 2021


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Post from Community: ‘Reset’ event opens YMCA health, workout classes to Milwaukee Community | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
As Milwaukee moves deeper into the first full winter of the pandemic and cases continue to spike nationwide, people report feeling more and more disconnected. To combat the toll of stress and isolation, the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee invites the whole community to join a free six-week “Reset.”
The “Reset” challenge, which runs from Feb. 1 to March 13., will not only focus on physical health, but also mental wellbeing. To help keep participants engaged, the Y is giving all registrants 2 free months of access to the YMCA’s virtual programming, including children’s and family programs as well as a full library of on-demand workouts.
“We’re opening this free challenge to everyone, because we all need it right now,” said Carrie Wall, YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee President and CEO. “Our whole community has been through a lot in the last 10 months, and we need to recharge and reclaim our health. This is the motivation to make it happen, with help and support from our Y experts.”
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The Y’s health library includes a vast variety of popular fitness options. Challenge participants will also get texts and emails filled with motivation, challenges, workout or outdoor activity recommendations, and more. The event will include thousands of people across the country participating at other YMCAs.
To measure progress, YMCA members can also get a free pre and post-challenge body scan and assessment, which includes detailed information about your body mass, skeletal muscle mass, bass metabolic rate and more.

Anyone can register for the free challenge online at ymcamke.org/stronglife.

author: YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee


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141471870_3888462587870923_4789515057619401770_o.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 28, 2021


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Post from Community: Spectrum On Demand celebrates Black History Month with a multitude of movies and specials including ‘Fruitvale Station,’ ‘Dreamgirls,’ ‘Lovecraft Country’ and ‘MLK/FBI’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Spectrum
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Spectrum is celebrating Black History Month for TV customers throughout February with an On Demand collection of movies, musical and comedy specials and documentaries highlighting African American cinema and culture.
The On Demand catergories begin Feb. 1 with Black Musicians, featuring Jennifer Hudson’s Oscar-winning performance in “Dreamgirls,” the iconic “Hustle & Flow” and Spike Lee’s “Mo’ Better Blues,” and Black Heroes, featuring the powerful documentaries “MLK/FBI” and “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am” and the Oscar-winning “12 Years A Slave.” The category also features other acclaimed films, such as “Selma,” “Precious” and “Black Panther.”
Beginning Feb. 9, the Social Cinema category will include though-provoking cinema like Michael B. Jordan’s star making performance in “Fruitvale Station,” Sidney Poitier’s classic “A Raisin in the Sun,” the James Baldwin inspired “I Am Not Your Negro” and “Lee Daniels’ The Butler.” The Black Comedians category will launch Feb. 16 and feature comedy specials and movies with comedy trailblazers like Eddie Murphy and Dave Chappelle and newer stars like Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.
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Continuously available to customers via the Spectrum On Demand portal is the Black Voices category featuring classic films like “The Color Purple,” popular TV series like “Lovecraft Country,” and specials such as “CNN’s Special Report: Kamala Harris: Making History.” Spectrum TV customers can access the On Demand portal via their Spectrum Guide. More information is available at https://www.spectrum.net/support/tv/spectrum-demand.

author: Spectrum


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Spectrum-Logo.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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January 28, 2021


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Post from Community: The Milwaukee Public Museum and Kohl’s invite you to meet the Watson family | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Museum
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Though the Milwaukee Public Museum’s doors are still closed due to the City of Milwaukee’s Health Order 4.2, thanks to their partnership with Kohl’s, MPM continues to offer free programming you would have been able to experience at Kohl’s Thank You Thursday onsite through MPM’s Community of Curiosity webpages.
In honor of Black History Month, the public will enjoy Meet the Watson Family, a video program on theStreets of Old Milwaukee that shares the story of the Watson family, spotlighting their influence on Milwaukee’s history. The program will showcase artifacts and objects that belonged to the family.
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Sully and Susanna Watson took their family from the oppressive conditions of antebellum Virginia in 1834 and, after several years in Ohio, arrived in Milwaukee in 1850. Through skilled labor and business entrepreneurship, the couple played a vital role in establishing Milwaukee’s Black middle class.
The Watson family photos and papers came into MPM’s collections in 1992, and the Museum added the Watson Family Home into the Streets of Old Milwaukee in 2000.
While the Museum is closed, MPM and Kohl’s encourage you to visit www.mpm.edu/curiosity to find a variety of free programming and activities to have some fun and learn something new during these difficult times. The Museum looks forward to reopening its doors as soon as they can and hosting the very popular Kohl’s Thank You Thursday as soon as it’s safe to do so.

author: Milwaukee Public Museum


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WatsonHouseinside_0 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
February 2, 2021

created: February 2, 2021


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Post from Community: Virtual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit now available for on-demand viewing | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
February 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs hosted the 9 annual MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit on Saturday, January 30 to provide current and aspiring business owners with tools and resources to start and grow their business. This year the event was virtual in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for those unable to attend the initial viewing or those wanting to review the information shared, the panel discussion and virtual workshops are now available for playback.
“This year we hosted the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit virtually and included a variety of workshops and information to connect entrepreneurs with crucial resources,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “We now have these workshops and the business owner panel discussion available online for those who were not able to attend, and I encourage all entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity to access this information on demand.”
In addition to the virtual events being available for playback, business resource packets will be available at several Milwaukee Public Library branches including: the Martin Luther King branch, 310 W. Locust Street; the Mitchell Street Branch, 906 W. Historic Mitchell Street; and the Good Hope Branch, 7715 W. Good Hope Road.
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The first workshop was Navigating Through COVID: Examining Best Practices for Businesses Safety for their Employees presented by the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. The workshop can be viewed here.
The second workshop, Business Resources: COVID Response & Beyond (Financial Support for your Business), was presented by Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC), African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin, Kiva Greater Milwaukee and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and can be viewed here.
The final workshop, Chaos + Creativity: Marketing Through Mayhem, was presented by Ebony Ssali – Brand & Creative Director, Ssali Media Group. That workshop can be viewed here.
Additionally, the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit included a panel discussion with current business owners. The panel was moderated by Chauntel McKenzie – CEO and Principal Strategist The PowHER Network. Panelists included: Anthony Kazee – Principal, KG Developer Group; Nyesha Stone – Founder, Carvd N Stone; Tonda Thompson – Owner of Vogue Dreams, LLC, She Slangs Wood Co. and lead organizer of HaRUNBee Walk/Run; Christine Tackes – Owner/Operator, Nylah Rose Boutique; Taj Pearsall – Franchise Owner/Operator, Buffalo Boss Wings & Things; and JohnRae Stowers – Owner & Stylist, JazzyRae Jewels & Accessories. The full panel discussion is available here.
The MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit was sponsored by the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District #8, the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, and Alderwoman Coggs.


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The NNS coronavirus update for week of Feb. 1: Committee approves nomination of health commissioner nomination; how to protect yourself from COVID-19 scams | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
February 1, 2021
Interim Health Commissioner Marlaina Jackson said she expects anywhere from 700 to 1,000 people to receive the vaccine Monday, drawing from people who registered on HealthyMKE.com. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
The Wisconsin Center, the city’s main COVID-19 vaccination site, will be reserving Mondays for vaccinating people over the age of 65 starting this week.
Interim Health Commissioner Marlaina Jackson said she expects anywhere from 700 to 1,000 people to receive the vaccine Monday, drawing from people who registered on HealthyMKE.com.
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Jackson also said the city plans to create a COVID-19 phone hotline by next week.
The Wisconsin Center is located at 400 W Wisconsin Ave.
The Milwaukee Common Council’s Public Health and Safety Committee voted to confirm the nomination of Kirsten Johnson to be the city’s health commissioner on Jan. 28.  The Common Council will now vote on her confirmation  Feb. 9.
Johnson, the director and health officer of the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, was nominated by Mayor Tom Barrett to replace Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik, who left the department in September
Johnson fielded questions from committee members on health disparities and COVID-19 response preceding the vote.
“My immediate goal for the department is to get through the pandemic, get shots in arms and mitigate risk,” Johnson said.
Have you heard an offer for the COVID-19 vaccine that seems too good to be true?
It probably is.
The Better Business Bureau is warning people about scams relating to the vaccine, as its Scam Tracker has seen reports of people being offered vaccines with a catch.
The scam can come as a phone call, email or message on social media, telling you that you’re eligible for a coronavirus vaccine. But the person asks for your personal information and payment up front.
The BBB recommends you familiarize yourself with the Wisconsin vaccine rollout, double check information provided by anyone offering vaccines and contact your doctor before agreeing to anything.
The BBB also urges people to protect their government-issued numbers, such as their Medicare ID, Social Security number and banking information.
Christopher Miller, a Milwaukee-based representative for the Internal Revenue Service, said the agency has also heard about pandemic-related scams.
These include fake donation requests, bogus investment opportunities for companies developing COVID-19 vaccines and unofficial vendors trying to sell medical supplies.
These scams should be reported to the  National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or the center’s complaint form.
To learn more about protecting yourself from stimulus check scams, check out our reporting here.
Check out our Instagram primer
8 things you should know
How residents 65 and older can register for a coronavirus vaccine
Read our story here.
Read our story here
To obtain a free mask, residents can visit these sites:
NNS reporters also gathered a list of where to buy locally made masks if you’re looking to show some local business love when masking up.
Check the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website for the most updated facts and answers to questions about the mask ordinance.
Look here for up-to-date statistics on COVID-19 in the county. More precautions on how to stay safe and information on COVID-19 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Contact your health provider, call IMPACT 2-1-1 or take a look at the county’s testing site map to find a testing center near you. The free community testing sites at the Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., and Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., are now open and operating. American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), 1 Brewers Way, is also open as an effective testing site.
For more information on testing, including how to identify symptoms and when you should get tested, visit TestUpMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
For more information on vaccine distribution and where to find it, visit HealthyMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
Looking for more personalized direction to resources and information during the coronavirus crisis? Get connected with News414, a texting-based news resource from Milwaukee NNS, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. You can text MILWAUKEE to 73224 and begin to receive free, personalized data via text messages.

author: Matt Martinez


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Where to find Black History Month events in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
February 1, 2021
The Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating Black History Month with Kohl’s Haitian Gallery, which includes weekly performances by local artists. (Photo provided by the Milwaukee Art Museum)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to include additional events.
Celebrate Black History Month with these locally curated events. With the coronavirus pandemic is still in full effect, organizations and entities have turned to virtual platforms to host their events, which feature local performers, historians and more.
Below is a list of events happening throughout the month of February in honor of this significant month.
Did we miss a Black History Month event? Post it in the comments below or send an email to info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month 2021.”
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We Rise: MKE’s celebration of Black History Month: Monday, Feb. 22
Milwaukee Repertory Theater is hosting “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month.” The events will take place on Facebook Live and YouTube Live at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22. Click here for the schedule of events.
Black Lens MKE: Four weeks of film, culture and conversation: All month
Milwaukee Film and Black Lens MKE are celebrating Black History Month with four weeks of film, culture and conversation. The programming includes 30 films by Black filmmakers and various events. All-access passes are on sale now and cost $24.99 for non-members and $19.99 for members.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating the art and culture of Haiti with Kohl’s Haitian Gallery as part of Black History Month. The museum is temporarily closed, so it will be sharing performances on its website at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. The performances will feature Jahmés Finlayson and Zonia Perry, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Lakou Mizik and Jam Ak Jam. Additionally, families can find art activities inspired by Black artists at the Kohl’s Art Studio.
Black History Month at the Milwaukee Public Library: All month
The Milwaukee Public Library is celebrating Black History Month with several virtual events. Black History Month Jeopardy will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 15. “The History Buff Book Club: Stamped from the Beginning” will take place from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Coming together with the African American community: Advancing health equity: Thursday, Feb. 18
The Alzheimer’s Association is hosting a webinar  “Coming Together with the African American Community: Advancing Health Equity through Alzheimer’s Resources, Caregiver Support and Research.” The discussion will feature keynote speaker Dr. Carl Hill, the Alzheimer’s Association acting chief diversity and inclusions officer. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 18. Click here to register.
Support Black-owned food trucks: Saturday, Feb. 20
MKE Black is encouraging people to support Black-owned food trucks. Vendors will be located at the Beerline Trail Plaza, 3356 N. Holton St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20. Karol’s Kitchen, Africa’s Finest Cuisine and Bebe’s Food will be in attendance.
Black History Month Showcase: Saturday, Feb. 27
Milwaukeeans are invited to turn into Black History Month Showcase on Facebook Live from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. The event features local poet, Kavon Cortez James, and will be filmed by Cristina Ossers. The showcase will include performances of “Paris of the Midwest,” “Fried Boloney-N-Koolaid,” “A Love Letter to Milwaukee” and several more.
City of Milwaukee: “28 Days of Black History”: All month
In honor of Black History Month, the City of Milwaukee is doing “28 Days of Black History.” This year’s theme is ‘a nod to the past.’ Ald. Milele Coggs and Ald. Chantia Lewis are serving as co-coordinators. Each day, the individuals and institutions who have helped make Black history are being featured on the city’s website and channel (channel 25 on Spectrum Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-verse).


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Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market brings fresh produce to food deserts across Milwaukee County | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
February 2, 2021
The Hunger Task Force operates the Mobile Market, which takes fresh groceries across Milwaukee County. (File Photo by Sue Vliet)
The Hunger Task Force’s Mobile Market makes two stops a day Monday through Friday, bringing fresh, affordable foods to communities in Milwaukee County that might not have them otherwise.
Sherrie Tussler, executive director of the Hunger Task Force, said the food comes from Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, which partners with the food bank. She said a licensed dietitian helps decide what foods go on the truck, making sure the options are healthy and suitable for a balanced diet. In addition, thanks to federal funding, the goods are sold at a 25% discount.
Shoppers can use a debit or credit card as well as FoodShare and other forms of food stamps to pay. Cash is not accepted.
The Mobile Market provides food in a city where most people live further than a 10-minute walk from their nearest grocery store, according to a 2019 report from the Milwaukee Department of City Development. The report found a majority of Milwaukee residents had low access to food based on this metric.
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There are 13 food deserts in Milwaukee, most of which are located in communities of color on the North Side. “Food deserts” are defined as a geographic area where residents have limited access to food.
Tussler said the market makes stops all over Milwaukee County, including public housing units, universities and rescue missions. The market, which is handicap accessible, makes regular stops at sites for the elderly as well as Industries for the Blind.
On the first Monday of every month, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the market visits Westlawn Gardens, 6041 W. Silver Spring Drive. Ald. Cavalier Johnson, who represents the 2 Aldermanic District, said the markets provide quality food for members of his district.
Johnson said this is especially important because his district has lost two grocery providers, and the pandemic has added other challenges to residents as well.
“Food scarcity has become a bigger and bigger issue,” Johnson said.
For more information
Check out the full schedule with dates and locations on the Hunger Task Force website to see when the Mobile Market is heading your way.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
February 1, 2021

author: Adam Carr


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OPINION: How the redistricting process can finally and fairly recognize Native American peoples | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Tehassi Hill (Tehassi tasi)
February 2, 2021
(Photo by Wes Tank)
Editor’s note: Have something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
(Photo provided by Tehassi Hill)
Tehassi Hill is serving his second term as chairman for the Oneida Nation. Hill is committed to preserving the Oneida’s language, culture and traditions. He was born and raised on the Oneida reservation and continues to live in Oneida, Wisconsin, with his wife and family.
Tehassi tasi niyukyats, wakeslewake niwakitalota on^yote ake niwakahuntsyota
My name is Tehassi tasi, I am bear clan and my nation is people of the standing stone. I am the chairman for the Oneida Nation, and I would like to share some information about our perspective on Wisconsin’s redistricting process.
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You may ask, what is “redistricting?” Redistricting is the process of redrawing congressional and (in this case) state legislative district boundaries every 10 years.
The Oneida Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe with approximately 17,000 Oneida citizens worldwide; 4,471 (26%) Oneida Nation citizens live within the nation’s reservation boundaries; and approximately 8,000 (49%) of our citizens live within Brown and Outagamie counties. Our reservation was established in 1838 and covers nearly 65,400 acres.
The Oneida Nation operates a multifaceted government operation, successful business ventures and a wide array of community development projects. We have 149 direct-service programs, while employing approximately 2,100 people. The purpose of our inherent right to self-governance is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our members while protecting our culture, revitalizing our language and restoring the environment to improve the quality of life for the community as a whole.
There are 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin. Each tribe has its own unique history, tradition, customs and languages. In addition, each has democratically elected governments, which provide leadership and services to their citizens. As with any population, there are differences in social, economic and geographic conditions in Native American communities.
I recently testified before The People’s Map Commission to provide insight about the Oneida Nation’s priorities with respect to Wisconsin’s redistricting process.
The Oneida Nation supports an independent redistricting process.
Since the redistricting process focuses on where populations reside, we believe it’s important for policymakers to understand the historical and contemporary experiences of Native Americans throughout the U.S. — specifically how federal relocation, allotment, termination and assimilation initiatives have determined where and how Native Americans live today.
Nationally, Native American voters have been marginalized through discriminatory redistricting practices such as: racial and cultural vote dilution, intimidation, distances to voting locations and forms of voter suppression tactics such as restrictive voter identification requirements.
It is therefore important to not only include tribes in community input sessions but also actively engage each of the individual 11 federally recognized tribes and their leaders in the process.
The Oneida Nation wishes to see stronger Native American communities of interest in the process of determining congressional, state Senate and state Assembly district boundaries. The process should take into account Native American tribes’ historic and contemporary relationship with each other, with the State of Wisconsin and their cultural preservation, sovereignty and economic development objectives.
The redistricting process should provide Native Americans with as much opportunity to elect candidates of their choice, recognizing that past federal policies make that objective difficult. The redistricting process should also reflect the specific wishes of the individual tribes.
Further, we believe it is important that the redistricting process recognize both the reservations and urban populations and incorporate to the greatest extent.  Again, the goal is to see stronger Native American communities of interest.
Through these recommendations, I hope we can accomplish a fair method that can recognize Native American peoples. We encourage policymakers in the process act with a good heart, a good mind and strong fire.

author: Tehassi Hill (Tehassi tasi)


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NNS Spotlight: New name, same mission: How one organization is lifting up Milwaukee residents | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
February 3, 2021
VIA is a community development corporation that serves residents in Silver City, Layton Park and Burnham Park. This photo was taken before the pandemic. (Photo provided by VIA)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify the name of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation.
When Gavino Martinez Rosas, a Silver City resident, wanted to start his own business, he turned to VIA, a nonprofit organization formerly known as Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, for help.
VIA, 1545 S. Layton Blvd., began in 1995. A community development corporation that works with the residents of Silver City, Burnham Park and Layton Park, it focuses on affordable housing, economic development and grassroots leadership.
The organization announced its new name last year.
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“There was difficulty in remembering the name and the name not honoring the work we do.” Celia Benton, the economic development director, said. “We wanted something that was easier to remember and more appropriate for our Spanish-speaking population.”
The group explained that the word “VIA” (road, or route) in Spanish signifies forward movement and connection, which relates to its overarching goal: to connect neighbors to the resources they need to build a strong and equitable community.
Gavino Martinez Rosas hopes to commit more hours to his company, Gavino’s Painting, in the year to come. (Photo provided by Gavino Martinez Rosas)
“We exist because it is very clear that not every neighborhood in Milwaukee through its history has had equitable access to the many great resources that are available in other neighborhoods of Milwaukee,” Benton said. “We exist to help connect neighbors and give voice and leadership to neighbors in order to have access to these resources and create communities that they want and deserve.”
Martinez Rosas, for example, had years of experience as a painter and the passion to create his own business, but he needed the resources to build his skill set as a business administrator, Benton said.
The organization helped him create a business plan for his business, Gavino’s Painting LLC, 821 S. 37 St., Martinez Rosas said. His company paints both the interior and exterior of buildings.
“I believe VIA is important because it helps new entrepreneurs and small businesses in the community,” he said in Spanish.
Alejandra Gonzalez, a VIA board member and resident of Silver City, first encountered VIA during a neighborhood cleanup several years ago. She’s been involved in the group ever since and joined the board two years ago.
When Gonzalez started her business Artesanía LLC, she turned to VIA. With VIA’s support, she turned her idea of selling unique and handmade artisanal products from Mexico into a viable business. Currently, she runs the business out of her home.
The nonprofit organization, which began in 1995, announced its name change from Layton Boulevard West Neighbors to VIA last year. (Image provided by VIA)
Benton, who has been with the organization for over five years, said VIA’s economic development program is split into three sections: small business technical assistance, overall neighborhood vibrancy and financial well-being.
It’s critical that the business community reflects and supports the neighborhood around it, she said.
A prime example of this is the Orenda Cafe, 3514 W. National Ave., which opened in May 2019.
The 3500 block of West National Avenue had a ton of potential for growth, Benton said, and many neighbors expressed the desire for a diner.
With help from its partners, the organization purchased and renovated the space, which had been vacant for nearly a decade. Currently, it rents the space to Leticia Muñoz, who also owns Michael’s Family Restaurant, 2220 W. Wisconsin Ave. The hope is that Muñoz will be able to purchase the building within five years.
Benton said VIA encourages community-oriented businesses. For example, if a neighbor owns a commercial building, she is more likely to take care of it versus someone who doesn’t live in the neighborhood, she said.
The organization, she said, has seen challenges crop up because of the pandemic.
“It’s been really hard,” Benton said. “The pandemic has exacerbated preexisting inequities in communities. Entrepreneurs without digital literacy or a Social Security number don’t have access to all of the resources that have been offered by the government or other entities.”
VIA and its partners, including the Zilber Family Foundation and the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, have provided financial resources to small businesses.
“It’s about being a champion for the life of their business,” Benton said. “We have to be cognizant of how COVID-19 continues to impact the businesses in the neighborhood and being able to support them based on what happens. I’m making sure that I continue to advocate for their needs, financially and beyond, so they can survive through this and thrive.”
This story is part of an  occasional series that highlights groups and people worth knowing in Milwaukee. To nominate a person or a group, email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “Spotlight” in the subject line.

created: February 3, 2021


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
February 2, 2021