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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 20 to Jan. 25 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 20, 2020
The Latin American Strings Program’s guitar orchestra will be playing at the Pabst Mansion. (Photo provided by Pabst Mansion)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. 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. King Day justice program and march: Monday, Jan. 20
The St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1927 N. Vel Phillips Ave., and the Martin Luther King Justice Coalition are celebrating the 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The program begins at 1 p.m. at the church. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a three-block march to King’s statue on Martin Luther King Drive, just north of Walnut Street. Residents can participate in an open microphone and reflect on King’s work and his impact on our lives. In case you missed it: 8 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Milwaukee
2. Youth free day for Milwaukee Museum Week: Monday, Jan. 20
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Milwaukee Museum Week is kicking off the week with free admittance for youth ages 18 and younger on Monday, Jan. 20. There are 16 museums offering free admission, including the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum, the North Point Lighthouse, the Harley-Davidson Museum, the Pabst Mansion, Discovery World and more. For the full list of activities, click here.
3. Class for expecting moms: Tuesday, Jan. 21
Saving Ourselves Charitable Corp. is offering a four-week class for expecting moms. The class will take place at the SOS Training Center, 7607 W. Townsend Ave., from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The classes will go over prenatal and postpartum care and cover information regarding stress management, budgeting, bonding and life skills. Classes are free but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call (414) 215-0878 or email soscharitablecopr@gmail.com.
4. Screening of environmental film “Artifishal”: Wednesday, Jan. 22
Milwaukee Riverkeeper and the Urban Ecology Center have partnered together to present a screening of the film “Artifishal.” The film looks at the future of wild fish and the people involved in the fight to protect the environment. The film will be screened at the Urban Ecology Center in Washington Park, 1859 N. 40th St., from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
5. LASP guitar orchestra performance: Saturday, Jan. 25
The Latino Arts Strings Program’s guitar orchestra will be performing at the Pabst Mansion, 2000 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. The orchestra plays a variety of genres from classical to folk to popular. The performance is a part of Milwaukee Museum Week. To enter the museum, tickets cost $14.

created: January 20, 2020


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 19, 2020

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: January 19, 2020

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

author: Adam Carr


text:
8 ways to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 20, 2020
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is hosting its 36th annual Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration. (Photo provided by the Marcus Performing Arts Center)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to add more events to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
On Jan. 15, 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was born. King was one of the most prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement, and his legacy continues to this day. Since his death, King’s birthday has been celebrated on the third Monday of January.
In honor of his birthday, which is being recognized on Monday, Jan. 20, organizations throughout Milwaukee are celebrating King’s life and legacy. Below are some of the celebrations taking place this weekend and on Monday.
Did we miss a celebration? Comment on Facebook or send an email to info@milwaukeenns.org.
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1. Memorial prayer service for MLK: Saturday, Jan. 18
All Saints Catholic Church, 4051 N. 25, is hosting its 29 annual memorial prayer service in honor of King from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18. The prayer service will include a presentation by Michael Adams, director of employee development for Milwaukee JobsWork.
2. 36th annual MLK birthday celebration: Sunday, Jan. 19
The Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St., is hosting its annual celebration from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Each year, students from Milwaukee Public Schools are challenged to write an essay regarding King’s message. This year’s theme is “Your Life Has Significance.” The event is free and open to the public.
3. Mercado Magic MLK celebration: Sunday, Jan. 19
Center Street Wellness, 2701 N. Martin Luther King Dr., is hosting a makers market in partnership with Botanica Galactica. The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. The market will celebrate the life of King. There will be local vendors, food drinks, cultural celebrations and more.
4. Milwaukee Public Library MLK celebration: Monday, Jan. 20
The Milwaukee Public Library will celebrate King’s birthday at the Martin Luther King Branch, 310 W. Locust St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. There will be a performance by Ton Ko Thi, a discussion with 414 Life, a photo display and more. For a full list of events click here.
5. MLK celebration breakfast at the YMCA: Monday, Jan. 20
The YMCA is celebrating King’s life and legacy with its 23 annual celebration breakfast. The breakfast will be held at the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Event Center, 1721 W. Canal St., from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20. The breakfast will also acknowledge community members and organizations dedicated to serving others. Registration is required. Tickets cost $50 for an individual for $40 for nonprofits.
6. King Day at the MLK Community Center: Monday, Jan. 20
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., will be celebrating King Day from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. There will be music, dance performances, and the Rev. Joseph Elwanger will share a few words.
7. Talk with Cedric Burrows on MLK Day: Monday, Jan. 20
The Haggerty Museum of Art, 1234 W. Tory Hill St., will be displaying Joel Sternfeld’s photograph “The National Civil Rights Museum, Formerly the Lorrain Motel, 450 Mulberry St., Memphis TN, August 1993” as part of Milwaukee Museum Week. In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Cedric Burrows will be discussing the photo in regard to King’s legacy. The talk will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.
8. Medical College of Wisconsin MLK event: Monday, Jan. 20
The Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., will be celebrating King’s life. This year’s theme is “See yourself in MLK’s legacy of service: Health of our community.” The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20. There will be stories of service from students, conversation on health in the community and more. To reserve your seat, email Toni Gray at togray@mcw.edu.
Bonus: King Day justice program and march: Monday, Jan. 20
The St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1927 N. Vel Phillips Ave., and the Martin Luther King Justice Coalition are celebrating the 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20. The program begins at 1 p.m. at the church. At 2:30 p.m., there will be a three-block march to King’s statue on Martin Luther King Drive, just north of Walnut Street. Residents can participate in an open microphone and reflect on King’s work and his impact on our lives.
Bonus: Candacy Taylor at America’s Black Holocaust Museum: Monday, Jan. 20
Candacy Taylor, the author of “Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America,” will be at America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. Taylor will be discussing her book, which looks at the historical and residual impact of the “Green Book,” a travel guide for black motorists. Registration is free. Attendees also have the option of purchasing the book when they register. To register, click here.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 16, 2020

created: January 16, 2020


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‘Even if it gets tough, fight through it’: Read the inspiring words of the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest winners | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
January 20, 2020
The six winners attend schools throughout the Milwaukee area. (Photos courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Editor’s note: For the 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest, students around Milwaukee responded to the theme, “Your Life Has Significance.” Here, we’ve collected inspiring essays of the six age category winners. The contest is sponsored by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wauwatosa School District and the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, in conjunction with the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Khaled Mohamed is in the 12th grade at Salam School.
In MLK’s speech, “What Is Your Life’s Blueprint,” he addresses the importance of our lives and the impact we can make with them. Our lives have incredible potential, which we can use to benefit others. We are the future generation, and we can do whatever we set our minds to, but to put our lives into action, we have to be determined. We need to be ready to tackle any obstacle that comes in our way and continue onto our goal. Without the proper determination and perseverance, our lives won’t be able to reach their full potential. Working hard is the key to create the correct blueprint for our futures.
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We can all accomplish our dreams if we put in that work. Everyone has the potential to do what they love; the only thing that is blocking them is their lack of perseverance. The amount of change that we can accomplish if we put our minds to it. We have to know our self-worth and the importance of our lives and that they all count. MLK never backed down from what was right. This set up the path for us, the future generation, to continue his legacy and fight for what is essential.
Once you decide what you want to do in your life, pursue that goal with everything you have in you. Even if it’s something as simple as being a janitor, work and commit and become the best janitor history has ever seen. There will be various obstacles depending on your background and origins, but don’t let that discourage the importance of your life. You can accomplish what you set out to do, work to the point where these obstacles are just stepping stones towards your end-goal. One’s economic situations or backgrounds don’t decide your future, it’s the amount of work one puts into their goals. Anyone can achieve anything if they try.
Don’t let anyone make you forget your worth. Don’t let anyone stray you off the path that you’ve made for yourself. We all must seek out a way to make our nation a better place for people of all backgrounds to live. MLK set down the road, and we have to continue it and make a life for others better. With perseverance, we can solve major global problems and help people from all around the world to improve the quality of life of people that need help. All of the possibilities are possible through constant work and determination.
MLK is one of the most influential people of human history and paved the way for various social changes that still impact us to this day. He set the road down for us, and now, as the future generation, we must continue to work hard and progress. Through hard work and perseverance, we can achieve our goals and give meaning to our lives because without the work, then all of the potentials are put to waste. Our lives all have significance, but without the effort, one can’t continue what MLK wished for and benefit the future of our nation and future generations.
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Grade 9-10:
Ilhan Mohamed is in the 10th grade at Salam School.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had one of the most influential effects worldwide, where he changed the inequality during the existence of segregation. He wanted to achieve equal rights for people of all kinds within a society that was difficult to be accepted in. Dr. King’s legacy still exists today, impacting many people’s lives and choices, and is an example for us to follow to create a life of importance. Our lives having significance can be brought by creating differences within our society, and trying our best to impact the lives of others the way Dr. King did.
Like Dr. King, step by step, we can take the steps to improve the faults of society in order to reduce racial biases and create accurate perceptions of one another. Racism has not been erased completely, but it has decreased because of Dr. King’s beliefs and ideas, such as abolishing the segregation of different races, which has benefited many lives. We need to continue his legacy by drastically spreading his beliefs, to not only show our support, but our desire to create change as well. With Dr. King playing such a significant role in history, he deserves to be remembered to help future generations.
Dr. King has also personally impacted my life because I am able to develop a perception of society and how I can affect it positively. He has taught me that equality can be a part of society but is chosen to be excluded by hate and ignorance. Everyone also has a voice, and those fighting for positive changes should be heard. Dr. King’s inspirational message has developed my character and beliefs and created the person I am today.
Last fall, an event occurred where I reflected Dr. King’s perspective and the struggles of society. It was in the afternoon. My mother and I were heading to a nearby grocery store to purchase a few vegetables. I decided that I would enter the market alone, so my mother gave me about ten dollars. I noticed a homeless African American man with ripped clothing and hardly any belongings in front of the entrance. I decided to donate any available cash I received after shopping. Soon, after purchasing, I headed out of the store, and what I had seen was unbelievable. I saw that homeless man being harassed by two white men and no one even bothered to stop and help him. They took his small amount of cash and abandoned him. Afterwards, I tried my best to comfort him and gave him the remaining cash I received. This event gave me a firsthand experience of inequality and has fueled my determination to help better society. It made me realize about the importance of making a difference within our society, which is what makes our lives important. Dr. King’s legacy might not be familiar to everyone, but the blatant social injustice is. Understanding his passion for equality might inspire myself and others to create a society where everyone can be accepted and portrayed justly.
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Naama Meadows is in the seventh grade at Bader Hillel Academy.
Having a positive outlook inspires people. Being kind, joyful, supportive, forgiving, helpful, empathetic, loving and believing in a higher power also are central to people becoming all they can be. These traits have created the world’s most influential people. People are inspired by many things in life. “What is your life’s blueprint,” a speech by Dr. Martin King Jr., inspired me to be the best I can be. It encouraged me to believe in myself, to be someone and to strive to be supportive of other people’s dreams as well.
In order to be that amazing person, you first must believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you’re lifting yourself up and bringing your dreams within reach. Many people confuse belief in yourself with haughtiness. It’s not the same thing at all. Believing in yourself is hoisting yourself up so that you can do things on your own, without relying on others. Haughtiness is making yourself seem so high and mighty, that you feel like your above everyone else.
When I was little I had very low self-esteem. One of the many reasons I didn’t believe in myself was not being able to read until I was in fourth grade. Even though I was supported by my teachers and family in every way, I hated this about myself. I had tutors all through grade school, but eventually, with everyone’s support, I learned to read. Now I’m in seventh grade and one of the top readers in my class. Reading now is effortless!
Now, if anyone needs help with anything, I’m right there for them. For instance, when my mom lost her job, she was struggling with job interviews and the idea of going back to work. She needed me and my family to be strong for her. We tried our very best. Then it started to get better. She got a job and will move to her new job in a few weeks. People sought her out and offered her an even better job. There’s a lesson to be learned here: never give up.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech has helped me see who I am and who I can become in a whole new way. For example, I failed a Hebrew Studies quiz two weeks ago. I felt sad but determined to do better. In the past, I would have given up on myself. Now, I believe in myself and my ability to reach for my dreams. As a result, I studied hard, did a retake and got a 97 on the new quiz! The lesson in this is, even if it gets tough, fight through it till the end, keep going!
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Olivia Lane-Lawrence is in the sixth grade at Hartford University School.
This year’s Dr. King writing theme is “Your Life is Significant.” I used to think I was not special and I had no significance, but his speech made me realize all the small things that make me significant like if I am outside and I see a piece of garbage I will pick it up. Or on Earth Day, my mom and I will get gloves and trash bags and pick up garbage. Our motto is: Always leave nature a little better than we found it. We try our best to recycle and use metal straws and we try to be very ecofriendly. My grandma is a great gardener, but she has a bad back so when I go over her house, I help her pull and dig things up. Another act of kindness is my other grandma has 23 grandchildren she watches . . . so the house gets kind of messy. Some days I get on a bus to her house and help her clean up and watch the kids. Like MLK I am a role model to a lot of the kids and now a lot of them like cleaning up and helping my grandma. It makes me proud to be a leader and have other people to help my grandma.
ln MLK’s 1967 speech “Blueprint,” he talks about accepting your skin color and feeling significant. I am mixed, my dad is mixed and my mom is white, so I have light-colored skin. A lot of my cousins and family members have darker skin. So, when I play with them, I feel like a lot of white people look at me weird because I am a light-colored person playing with darker people. Also, most of the people at my school are African American. When I was younger, I got called white all the time. It really upset me because I felt like I got judged on either side of my history. I used to get into arguments and fights about it a lot but then I heard Dr. Martin Luther Jr.’s blueprint speech. It taught me not to care what other people think and just be me.
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Iesha Sawyer-Green is in the fifth grade at Samuel Clemens School.
In Dr. King’s speech entitled “What is your life’s blueprint?” he challenges us to build a better community. He says that we should not “allow anybody to make us feel that you’re nobody.” What does Dr. King mean? How do we do that? A builder needs a plan, tools and bricks. Each brick is important to building a strong building. If you take one brick away, the building becomes weak. Guess what? We are those bricks and without each other, we lose our strength! As bricks we are unique and special in our own way. We are special because we each have something to give. We all have gifts and talents. We all have things that make us different and the same as other people. All of those things make us count and when you put us together, we build something amazing!
So what does this mean for our life’s blueprint? We will use our lives and our blueprint to make America great again. We will start with each other. We will work together. We will use our hands to lift each other up, instead of holding people down because someone says they are not the right skin color. We will use our assertive voices to tell people that they have worth and significance, instead of using passive behavior to sit by and let people be bullied because someone else says they don’t fit in. We will not use our bricks to build walls to keep people out. We will build each other up because we all belong and have a place in this world! We can’t build if we are fighting. We can’t build if we hate and kill. We can’t build if we take away the bricks and say they don’t matter. I am that brick. You are that brick. Together, I ask us all to build the kind of world Dr. King would be proud of!
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Nayeli Batista Sanchez is in the third grade at Honey Creek School.
I learned Martin Luther King Jr. was really helpful because he never meant to hurt people. He was responsible because he took care of his friends and family and everything he had. When he had fights he never used his fists, only his words. He was fair because he wanted people to be treated equally and peacefully. He was a caring person because he cared about everybody. He was a leader because he wanted to change bad laws to good laws.
Dr. King said we should all have a blueprint. First, I want to go to college to be a lawyer. I feel like I would be a good lawyer because I like making things right and I would love to change some laws. My laws would be to make people not hurt other people and to stop them from being racist. My job is going to give me enough money to travel and discover the world. I want to have a nice house to do all the stuff I need to do. I want to help people. I want to be a nicer person.
My vision is to give blessings and honor people that are sick to feel better. I will give people that are poor money so they can eat. I want people to feel good about themselves and not feel uncomfortable. I hope people always remember Dr. King and what he did for all of us. Thank you, Martin Luther King. Let’s all respect his memory.

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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Olivia | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 19, 2020


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How one Milwaukee group plans to build civic power beyond the 2020 presidential election | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 21, 2020
BLOC plans to hire over 70 ambassadors, taking its canvassing staff from its current 30 to over 100. (Photo provided by Black Leaders Organizing for Communities)
“What does it look like for the black community to thrive?”
That’s what BLOC, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, has asked thousands of Milwaukeeans living on the North Side since November 2017.
“Rain, sleet, snow, no matter the weather we are connecting with our people,” said BLOC Ambassador Tamer Malone, who grew up just north of Havenwoods. “That’s what we do on a daily basis here.”
Though the idea of BLOC was in the back of her mind before the 2016 presidential election, Executive Director Angela Lang began the process of launching the organization after noticing that black Milwaukeeans were being blamed by some liberals and progressives for Donald Trump winning Wisconsin by less than 1%.
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“People were pointing fingers at black voters and black people, which I thought was a harmful and interesting narrative,” she said. “People just assumed that we would show up and vote a certain way.”
For Lang and BLOC, effective voter engagement is something done year-round, not just during election season.
“The black community wasn’t engaged in a meaningful way,” said Lang, who grew up near Merrill Park. “What does it look like to not wait for a candidate or party, but to do year-round civic engagement ourselves?”
From this vision, the idea of BLOC was sharpened over the following year. BLOC would be explicitly rooted in black voices and black power. BLOC would operate exclusively in Milwaukee. While national support would be welcomed, the mission and vision would be driven by black Milwaukeeans.
Heading into 2020, BLOC has attracted national attention. Tides, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization, acts as BLOC’s fiscal sponsor, meaning it performs administrative tasks for BLOC and accepts tax-deductible donations on BLOC’s behalf. According to Lang, additional funding for the $3 million budget BLOC has for work in 2020 comes from organizations such as the Center for Popular Democracy, For Our Future, the Movement Voter Project as well as individual donors. With the money, BLOC plans to hire over 70 ambassadors, taking its canvassing staff from its current 30 to over 100.
The BLOC team celebrated its two-year anniversary in November 2019. (Photo provided by Black Leaders Organizing for Communities)
Since Nov. 29, 2017, BLOC organizers say the group has knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors in Milwaukee and connected with thousands of Milwaukeeans. In 2018 alone, BLOC said it made 227,483 doors attempts and had conversations with 20,336 people.
These thousands of conversations have attracted the attention of elected officials, but BLOC wants to ensure politicians meet black Milwaukeeans on their own terms. For instance, politicians are invited to canvass with BLOC, but only through BLOC’s Silent Canvass program. During a Silent Canvass, candidates shadow BLOC ambassadors as they go door to door but are not allowed to introduce themselves as a candidate or give any policy pitches. They can, however, introduce themselves by first name and share stories with people they meet.
“When candidates knock on doors, they are used to being able to give their pitch and having people sit back and receive that,” said BLOC’s Political Director Rick Banks. “We want to make sure it is a learning experience for the candidate. That they hear the unabridged truth from the people.”
Banks said a common takeaway from candidates is that they “see the best and worst of Milwaukee in two hours.” Other candidates have reflected on their own privilege, been moved to tears and shared stories from the experience at later stops on the campaign trail. Local elected officials, gubernatorial candidates and even aspiring presidential candidates such as Amy Klobuchar, Julián Castro and Cory Booker have participated in the program.
“We’re really trying to expand the idea of civic engagement. We want people to know that they are worth more than their ability to vote,” Lang said. “We want people to understand that whatever your circumstance, you can get plugged in.”
With 2020 being a key election year, BLOC expects to meet with dozens of political candidates. In order to get candidates caught up with what BLOC is hearing and keep them accountable, organizers created the BLOC Agenda in December.
The agenda includes such wide-ranging recommendations as creating background checks for gun reform; expanding access to mental health professionals in black neighborhoods; strengthening policies that target racial housing discrimination; and training medical professionals for implicit bias.
“The agenda was created from what people have been saying that they want,” said Banks. “So elected officials are going to come to meetings with a firm understanding of what people are saying.”
Beyond electoral politics, BLOC is engaged with other campaigns such as LiberateMKE, which seeks to reallocate funds from the Milwaukee Police Department to non-police violence prevention strategies. BLOC also is involved in the St. Joe’s Accountability Coalition, which seeks to hold officials from Ascension St. Joseph Hospital accountable in the community.
More informally, BLOC is training dozens of new organizers with roots on the North Side to act on future issues. Malone, an ambassador with BLOC since March, said she had little political experience before starting with BLOC.
“It was way out of my comfort zone,” Malone reflected. “But I love it. For as long as I live, I will continue organizing for my people.”

created: January 21, 2020

author: Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 20, 2020


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49285188231_88546ee506_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 20, 2020


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NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
January 21, 2020
For the next three days we will be running videos of the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. speech contest that was sponsored by We Energies.
Students from kindergarten to 12 grade were asked to speak on “Your life has significance” as part of the annual King Day observances held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
In case you missed it: ‘Even if it gets tough, fight through it’: Read the inspiring words of the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest winners
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!

author: Mark Doremus


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Minding your business: Four neighborhood coffee shops to know | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 22, 2020
Editor’s note: “Minding your business” is a new feature that shines a spotlight on businesses and entrepreneurs in our neighborhoods. To nominate a business or a person, please comment below or send an email with the subject line “Minding your business” to info@milwaukeenns.org
There’s more to life than Starbucks.
Just take a stroll in your neighborhood and you will see entrepreneurs are opening their own cafes and coffee shops.
Here is a list of some that are owned and operated by persons of color.
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(Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
Name: Shindig Coffee
Owner(s): Maanaan and JoAnne Sabir
Operated: Since November 2018
Location: 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave. (Inside the Sherman Phoenix)
Website: Shindig Coffee Facebook
Quote: “It’s not just coffee, it’s a place to commune,” said JoAnne Sabir.
Sabir said that Shindig has become a part of the community and a place where people come to share their stories. As co-owner, she noted that it goes beyond serving people coffee. Rather, Shindig is able to educate people, offer employment and support. Sabir said she hopes Shindig Coffee is seen as a beacon of hope for other entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Milwaukee.
(Photo by Adam Carr)
Name: Coffee Makes You Black
Owner(s): Bradley and Laurie Thurman
Operated: Since 2001
Location: 2803 N. Teutonia Ave.
Website: Coffee Makes You Black
Quote: “This was an isolated spot, and we turned it into a destination spot,” said Bradley Thurman.
Thurman has always been interested in coffee shops and after retiring from the fire department, he and his wife, Laurie, decided to open one. A lot of the struggles in opening a business have to do with the issues concerning the central city, Thurman said. There’s a lack of capital and therefore opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to start a business here. Thurman noted there’s been some progress made with organizations such as the Bader Foundation. Currently, the Thurmans have plans to expand the third floor of Coffee Makes You Black.
(Photo provided by Rise & Grind Cafe)
Name: Rise & Grind Café
Owner(s): Baboonie Tatum and Larina Hightower
Operated: February 2018
Location: 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr.
Website: Rise & Grind Café Facebook
Quote: “People come in for coffee, but it’s more about community,” said Baboonie Tatum
Tatum said that Rise & Grind Café’s regular customers come for the sense of community and the family feel the café offers. On Saturdays, during brunch, the café operates as a pop-up shop for local entrepreneurs and creatives. While it’s been a struggle at times, Rise & Grind Café plans to open a new location in Villard Commons in November and to expand its business model to incorporate a travel agency, karaoke, live performances and more.
(Photo provided by Manhattan Mocha)
Name: Manhattan Mocha
Owner(s): Randy and Rekina Walker
Operated: Since July 2019
Location: 7600 W. Capitol Drive
Website: Manhattan Mocha Facebook
Quote: “The reason I opened my coffee shop was the community,” said Randy Walker.
Walker said Manhattan Mocha has a homey feel to it and customers feel like they’re drinking coffee at their own kitchen table. In addition to having quality coffee, Manhattan Mocha has one-on-one relationships with its customers.
Did we miss a coffee shop or café? Put it in the comments below or send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org.

created: January 22, 2020


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 21, 2020


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NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
January 22, 2020
This week, we are running videos of the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. speech contest that was sponsored by We Energies.
Students from kindergarten to 12 grade were asked to speak on “Your life has significance” as part of the annual King Day observances held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
In case you missed it: ‘Even if it gets tough, fight through it’: Read the inspiring words of the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest winners
In case you missed it: NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 1


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Post from Community: Democratic National Convention community conversations | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Democratic National Convention
January 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!

author: Democratic National Convention


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DNC Community Conversation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 22, 2020


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Post from Community: Milwaukee Recreation’s annual daddy/daughter dance | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Recreation
January 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Milwaukee Recreation has partnered with the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative and the Social Development Commission (SDC) to host the annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at North Division Community Center, 1011 W. Center St., on Saturday, February 15 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The night will include dancing, food, gifts, and a live DJ. Fathers and daughters of all ages are welcome to attend.
“We are so proud of how this event has grown over the years and what it has done to strengthen relationships between fathers and their daughters,” says Lynn A. Greb, Milwaukee Recreation’s senior director. “Celebrating the 17th anniversary of the Daddy Daughter Dance is a testament to the value events like this hold in our community. We also encourage grandfathers, uncles, and other adult males who are father figures to sign up with the special little ladies in their lives.”
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Attendees have a couple registration options that include Dinner & Dance or Dance Only. The fee for the Dinner & Dance option is $30 per adult, $10 for the first child, and $5 per additional child (limit 3 children for every 1 adult). The fee for the Dance Only option is $20 per adult and $5 per child (limit 3 children for every 1 adult). Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner and dance guests. For dance only guests, doors open at 6:15 p.m. Each adult registration includes one complimentary photo.
The Daddy/Daughter Dance is limited to pre-registered guests only. Participants are strongly encouraged to sign up before Feb. 10. For more information, please call (414) 475-8811. To register online, visit MilwaukeeRecreation.net.
Additionally, the Daddy/Daughter Dance offers an opportunity for local businesses to sponsor the event. In recognition of contributions, businesses will be acknowledged with different elements leading up to the event, during the event and post event. Please contact Julie McLaren at (414) 475-8934 for more sponsorship information.
The Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative is a non-profit organization with a broad-based mission to improve the well-being of young people by increasing the proportion of children growing up with involved, responsible, and committed fathers in their lives.
The Social Development Commission (SDC) serves as a planner, coordinator, and provider of human service programs for low-income individuals and families in Milwaukee County.
Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to provide the entire community with affordable and enriching recreational activities.
For more information, visit MilwaukeeRecreation.net or contact Claire McHugh (Claire@MilwaukeeRecreation.net) at (414) 475-8634 or Brian Hoffer (Brian@MilwaukeeRecreation.net) at (414) 475-8541.

author: Milwaukee Recreation


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unnamed | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 22, 2020


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Post from Community: Urban Candlelight Hike in Three Bridges Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Urban Ecology Center
January 22, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Saturday, February 22
5:30-8:30pm
Grab your stocking caps and your crew and head out to cure your cabin fever at one of Milwaukee’s favorite winter adventures – the Urban Candlelight Hike!
Hiking on two miles of the candlelit Hank Aaron State Trail, roaring campfires, marshmallow roasting at the FOHAST Fireside Plaza, REI Snowshoe Demos and Winter Camp Lounge Selfie Station, fat tire bike demos with Wheel & Sprocket, tea tasting at Velobahn Coffee & Cycle, hot chocolate pastries at the Urban Ecology Center, local door prizes, and a magical winter walk await!
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Entrance is free to all. You can have even more fun and help support this event by purchasing an individual ($10) or family ($20) “Fun Pass” for awesome extras, including marshmallow roasting and s’mores, hot chocolate, door prizes, BOGO beer/rootbeer at Third Space Brewing, and a BOGO entree at Orenda Cafe. Be one of the first 200 to purchase a Fun Pass and you’ll get a FREE REI water bottle too!
Volunteers are an important part of this magical winter event. Volunteer here and get a Fun Pass for your good deed.
This event is co-hosted by the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail and Urban Ecology Center.
For more information and to save time by purchasing your Fun Pass in advance, visit UrbanCandlelightHike.com.

author: Urban Ecology Center


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 22, 2020


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Causey’s Career Corner: Your place for job tips, motivation and career advice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Damia S. Causey
January 23, 2020
Greetings!
I am back—this time with a call to action.
As you may know, I’m Damia Causey, the new career and resource columnist for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
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The goal of my biweekly column is to share tips and resources related to jobs and training that our readers can use such as career fairs, internship opportunities and the like. I am especially interested in helping to reduce barriers to employment by listing resources such as resume help, driver’s license clinics, GED/HSED classes, literacy programs and other tools to make searching and securing employment easier for our citizens.
In the spirit of working together for a common goal, I would like to ask for your help. If there are any upcoming events or services your organization provides that you think would make good content for my column, please email me at least two weeks in advance.
And please share this column with your neighbors, employers, schools and anyone else you think needs this information.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to helping you connect to our community.
Here are some events happening near you:
A hiring event for Fair workers
Who: Delaware North Sportservice
When: From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23.
Where: Miller Park. Enter by the Hot Corner and follow the signs. There’s a big change – no more paper applications. Apply online.
Recruitment events for Census 2020
Who: United States Census 2020
When: Recruitment sessions in January and February.
How: Click here for more information.
Employ Milwaukee hosts job fair
Who: Employ Milwaukee
What: The job fair is geared at individuals returning to our community who want or need a second chance. They will be able to meet with professionals and employers to discuss goals and vision. Resume and interview attire required.
When: From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 29.
Where: 2342 N. 27th St.
Info session on Road Building Certificate Program
Who: WRTP/BIG STEP
What:  The session will provide information on the Road Building Certificate Program, which includes training in the National Building Trades’ Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) certification.
When: 1 p.m. Jan. 29
Where:  WRTP/BIG STEP, 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Requirements: High school graduate or completion of HSED/GED (or documentation in progress), sixth grade math and reading level, be either an eligible applicant on a trade list or willing to pursue a construction apprenticeship and have the ability to pass a drug screen
For questions: Call (414) 342-9787.
TIP OF THE DAY: Check out Goodwill for job resources
Goodwill Workforce Connection Centers offer numerous resources.
They are located at:
Info provided by Common Council – City Clerk’s Workforce Development Office
In case you missed it: Help us spread the word: News414 is hiring
About this column: I will share stories of those who have taken a nontraditional approach to employment or an unusual career path. I will also list employment information such as job fairs, resource fairs and job training events. I encourage organizations to email me at damiacausey@milwaukeenns.org with career information.

created: January 23, 2020

author: Damia S. Causey


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NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 3 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
January 23, 2020
This week, we are running videos of the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. speech contest that was sponsored by We Energies.
: ‘Even if it gets tough, fight through it’: Read the inspiring words of the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest winners
In case you missed it: NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 1
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
In case you missed it: NNS Video: ‘Your life has significance’: See the winners of the MLK speech contest: Part 1


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Post from Community: Love Your Block MKE offers mini-grants for block projects in nine Milwaukee neighborhoods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Love Your Block MKE
January 23, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Do you have a project idea for that empty city-owned lot in your neighborhood? Apply to make it happen with Love Your Block MKE!
Love Your Block Milwaukee is giving nine Milwaukee neighborhoods the chance to apply for reimbursable mini-grants up to $1,000 to fund a community project. The Love Your Block (LYB) program is supported by the City of Milwaukee and Cities of Service, an international nonprofit. The grant provides opportunities for community members and organizations to engage residents in revitalizing their neighborhood through mini-grant-funded block projects on city-owned lots.
In addition to the grant, LYB MKE provides technical assistance and planning resources to community members for the project(s). Grant applications are open until April 1st 2020 and can be found here.
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Some examples of possible projects include: pocket parks, gardens, art installations, information boards, and neighborhood cleanups. However, we are open to other ideas residents may want in their community! Last year’s Love Your Block project sites were The Keefe AVE Pocket Park (2 and Keefe), Our Next Generation Community Peace Project (3320 W Lisbon), and The Walnut Hill Community Garden and Pocket Park (3118 W Brown).
The nine eligible Milwaukee neighborhoods and their boundaries are listed here.
If you live in or near these nine neighborhoods, you can apply to do a mini-grant funded project as long as it is executed within the boundary, preferably on a city-owned lot/ property.
If you are interested in applying, volunteering, and/ or have any questions, feel free to come to one of our upcoming Open Info Sessions.
You can also check out our website, email us at: loveyourblock@milwaukee.gov or call 414-286-6458 if you have any questions.
Please email: Lcasha@milwaukee.gov if you are interested in having the Love Your Block team attending a community event to speak about the program or if you would like us to drop off information!

author: Love Your Block MKE


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Love your block | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 23, 2020


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5 things to do this weekend: Jan. 24 to Jan. 26 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 24, 2020
If the weather cooperates, the Urban Ecology Center will have sledding and ice skating during Winterfest at Washington Park. (File photo by Scottie Lee Meyers)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. 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 .
America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave., will be unveiling a sculpture and making a funding announcement from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24. Both the sculpture and the funding are a part of the museum’s partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. The piece, titled “BAM (Seated Warrior), 2017” will become a permanent part of the museum.
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Ex Fabula is starting off the new year with “Middle School” storytelling at the Turner Hall Ballroom, 1034 Vel R. Phillips Ave., from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Pre-selected storytellers will share their stories about middle school and issues such as fitting in and puberty. Audience members will also be able to submit their own stories to be read by the MC.
The census, which is fast approaching, needs an additional 27,500 applicants for part-time census taker positions. Census-takers can make from $17 to $24 an hour. There will be three recruiter events this weekend: Pete’s Fruit Market, 2323 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24; Center Street Library, 2727 W. Fond du Lac Ave., from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24; and the Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. Employees will be on-site to answer questions. To apply for a census-taker position, click here.  Why the 2020 census should matter to you.
4. Winterfest at Washington Park: Saturday, Jan. 25
The Washington Park Urban Ecology Center, 1859 N. 40th St., is hosting Winterfest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. If the weather cooperates, there will be sledding and ice skating. There will also be arts and crafts and homemade pie. Everyone is welcome.
5. Leaders Igniting Transformation’s C-Space: Saturday, Jan. 25
Leaders Igniting Transformation, 2201 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, is hosting C-Space from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25. The event is for black and brown artists interested in being agents of change. This is an opportunity for networking and learning more about artist activism, career development, co-creation and more. The event is free but registration is required. To register, click here.

created: January 24, 2020


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 23, 2020


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OPINION: The police chief’s ‘listening session’ was just a performance | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jarrett English
January 24, 2020
(File photo by Mark Doremus)
Editor’s note: Got 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.
Jarrett English, an experienced professional organizer in Milwaukee, weighs in on Police Chief Alfonso Morales’ listening session on the North Side this week. He says the event may have served the chief’s interest, but not the community’s.
The only things the MPD and its leadership collectively seem to care about are force and power dynamics- with themselves lording it over the community (as was literally visually demonstrated last night at the listening session on the North Side). As long as they have the power, everything is OK. As soon as that is shaken up, even in vocabulary, things destabilize.
I used to think that this was an intrinsic issue with former Police Chief Flynn’s personality, but it seems as though this mindset infects the entire department in varying degrees.
It’s clear that the chief and his staff do not like criticism and set the entire event up to undermine that possibility. This is a dangerous mentality for an entity with 1,800-plus people with multiple forms of death strapped to their belts to have. It certainly isn’t community policing.
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What happened last night was not a community engagement event, where the chief and his staff genuinely sought the community’s input in an equitable forum. It was more of a political propaganda production that showed the chief larger than life, ready to receive the accolades and lauds of the soon-to-arrive international community, suggesting that only the MPD could possibly know what’s right for the people who are forced to employ them.
If they would have come correct last night, understanding that the forum was not the place to tout their own horn but instead a place to engage their employer-The People-with real answers to real questions with equitable time given to all, it would not have been the disaster that it was with the chief and his staff rushing out the side door.
Regardless of what the chief and the department members may think, people weren’t there to personally hate on them (as was clear by them sitting respectfully for the hour-plus he and the former police officer/pastor talked about how great the chief and the department were). Even in the most over-policed, disenfranchised communities, people don’t hate them. That’s a fallacy.
The people hate what they sometimes do and the extremes in which they act. The people were there at that meeting last night to get serious, thoughtful answers to very serious questions.
They got none of the sort, and that is, and always has been, the problem: MPD demanding respect without real engagement and accountability.

author: Jarrett English


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‘You gotta start somewhere:’ Residents speak out after listening session with Police Chief Alfonso Morales | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
January 24, 2020
Chief Alfonso Morales addresses residents Wednesday during his first listening session with the community. A second session will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave. (Photo by Sam Woods)
When the Fire and Police Commission renewed Police Chief Alfonso Morales’ contract for four years in December, he was asked to hold community listening sessions on the North and South sides. The North Side listening session was held Wednesday at Unity Gospel House of Prayer. The South Side listening session will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.
Here’s what some community residents had to say during Wednesday’s listening session:
, Milwaukee native and current Triangle North resident:
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“To hear what the chief had to say. I know the police are doing their job. You’ve got those that are not of course, but a majority of the police got a job to do, and I think they do it, personally.”
“I also wanted to see what people here suggest for the North Side. Sometimes the police take forever to come on the North Side, and that’s the truth unless there’s real violence like shootings.”
, Milwaukee resident who lives on Historic Milwaukee Street:
“I heard about this last minute, and I wanted to ask a question rooted in an actual study and the movement of the Black Panther Party, and I’m upset that I didn’t get to ask my question.”
, resident of 53206:
“I came to see what this was all about, and what the chief had to say. I didn’t think it was going to go the way it went. I thought it would be more people trying to solve an issue than trying to place blame.”
“A lot of the questions came in a question form but were really placing blame on Chief Morales. It seems . . . they had an issue with him being in that position rather than focusing on how to solve problems with him already in that position.”
, resident of 53206:
“One reason I came out was because the public not being able to participate in picking Chief Morales was a slap in the face, especially after Chief Flynn.”
“It was dog-and-pony. It was a PR show, rather than a substantive exchange of ideas and holding people accountable. There were good stats, but there should’ve been more of an exchange of ideas between the public and the chief.”
, North Side community leader:
“I wanted to get a better understanding of where our community is, where we can go together to move forward and make change and how we can build better connections with police to give people here a better way of life.”
, Milwaukee native and retired police officer:
“I wanted to come out to see what the chief had to say. I’ve been involved in the community for years. I’m a retired police officer, and even now I’m a chaplain for the community. When there’s a homicide, I come out to support the victim.”
: “No, but I wanted to ask a question about what [Chief Morales] is actively doing to address his own personal biases and uphold community values and community control of the police? I also wanted to offer a study by Sandra Bass for him to review, because he has said that in 2021, he plans to re-evaluate the police department and educate on cultural competency and diversity.”
: “No, but my question would’ve been: Regarding this last budget passed with 47% of the city’s budget going to police, my question to Chief Morales would’ve been that since budgets are moral documents, does he think this budget is moral, and why?”
“Yes. My question was: Can we find a way to supply home security cameras to anyone who wants them?” Chief Morales’ answer was that the police are not allowed to promote a particular branded product, but it is a great idea to have one. They are very productive and helpful to law enforcement.
“This is one of them. Get the community together. Get these young people off the street. It might not feel like much, but you gotta start somewhere.”
: “If the community and the police don’t get on one accord and work together, nothing is ever going to work. We can’t be placing blame, we have to get along and work together.”
: “When I imagine solutions, I see community policing with police-community liaisons, safe zones, police officers living in the city, the funding for police not going to pensions and a more inclusive practice of picking a police chief. I would also like to see the Fire and Police Commission funded more, as it is the civilian body that governs the police.”
“The irony is, this current chief could’ve wrote his own ticket by doing this kind of thing before becoming chief. With more of these town halls, maybe he could’ve got some consensus.”
Editor’s note: The South Side listening session with Police Chief Alfonso Morales will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27 at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: Jan. 27 to Feb. 1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 27, 2020
Applications to rent the Pop-Up MKE space, which formerly housed LUNA, are available through Friday, Jan. 31. (Photo provided by Pop-Up MKE)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. 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 .
The Milwaukee Public Library is holding a seminar on homeownership and its requirements. The seminar will take place at the Atkinson Branch, 1960 W. Atkinson Ave., from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. The seminar will go over the decision process, how to plan and what to expect such as mortgages.  From renting to owning: How to get a home in Milwaukee
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
County Supervisor Sequanna Taylor, expungement advocacy groups and employers are hosting a free community information session on expungement and pardons. Known as Project Restoration, the session will take place at St. Paul Church of Godin Christ, 2661 N. 53rd St., from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. It will be an opportunity to learn how to move forward after incarceration.
3. Community conversation with Police Chief Morales: Monday, Jan. 27
Milwaukee Police Department Chief Alfonso Morales is hosting a community conversation at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27. This is an opportunity for the  public to directly engage with the chief and ask him questions.  ‘You gotta start somewhere:’ Residents speak out after listening session with Police Chief Alfonso Morales
4. Pop-Up MKE information session:Monday, Jan. 27
Pop-Up MKE is hosting an information session regarding a temporary space available for local entrepreneurs looking for a storefront. The informational session will be held at the pop-up space, 1037 S. Cesar E. Chavez Drive, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27. The space will be available during March and April. To apply, click here. The deadline is Friday, Jan. 31. In case you missed it: Pop-Up MKE on North Avenue gives birth to collective for black, brown entrepreneurs
5. Neighborhood visioning session update with Greater Milwaukee Foundation: Friday, Jan. 31
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Medical College of Wisconsin are providing an update on the neighborhood visioning sessions, which took place last fall. The update will take place at Rise & Grind Cafe, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. It will focus on the input received from residents regarding the former Gimbels-Schuster’s Department Store. To attend, click here to register.
The Milwaukee Public Library is offering a workshop on the power of positive parenting. It will be held at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave., from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The workshop will take a look a children’s behavior and how to guide a child’s behavior.

created: January 27, 2020


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 26, 2020

created: January 26, 2020


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Nowhere to go: Why some homeless youths ‘don’t want to be found’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
January 28, 2020
Homelessness and criminalization further disrupt the lives of an already-vulnerable young population. (Photo by Princess Safiya Byers)
Lost.
That’s the only way Diana Sanchez, 19, knows how to describe the way she felt when she was 17 years old with nowhere to go after being escorted from her school by the police.
Sanchez had gone to school just like any other day. But once classes were over and all her friends had left, she lingered. She talked to teachers and walked the halls a little longer in hopes of waiting until one of the many couches she slept on was available.
Once the school’s staff started to leave, Sanchez was told she had to go as well.
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Still she lingered.
“I tried to explain to my principal that I was waiting for my uncle to leave work, but she wouldn’t listen.” Sanchez said. The principal eventually called the police to force Sanchez from the building.
Her story is not unusual. Young people can either be criminalized because they are facing homelessness or become homeless because they have been incarcerated, said Claudine O’Leary, a community educator and youth advocate
For these reasons and others, some youths don’t report homelessness.
“Most youth don’t want to be found because there are so many implications to being found. They could end up in a group home. They could get wrapped up in the system, or they could end up in the same unsafe space that they ran away from,” said Audra O’Connell. O’Connell is the executive director of Walker’s Point Youth and Family Center, a nonprofit that provides services to young people who are runaways, homeless or face other obstacles.
Many of the housing options that Milwaukee has available for its most vulnerable youths are for involuntary placement, such as group homes and detention centers. Usually these are places where youths are sent once they get into some sort of trouble. Unlike walk-in shelters, minors can’t gain access to these places just because they are facing homelessness.
‘We can’t track what’s not reported’
“Because so many of our youth don’t report homelessness, there is no funding out there for them. We can’t track what’s not reported,” said Sharlen Moore, co-founder of Youth Justice Milwaukee, which advocates for restorative justice programs as an alternative to youth prisons.
According to data from the Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee County has around 4,000 homeless youths. But these numbers are not representative of families and teens who fail to report being homeless.
Just like adults, when young people have nowhere to live and nothing to eat, they sometimes turn to crime to support themselves.
According to a 2014 Department of Corrections report, 33% of youths released from detention have contact with the police within the next year.
And minor infractions can result in major consequences for some youths.
O’Leary said something seemingly as small as having a fight in school can lead a minor to be assigned a caseworker or even entered into the court system. Not having a guardian can make matters worse.
“If you have a parent, they can come and advocate for you, and you may just get a ticket,” O’Leary said. “But if you are not staying at home, they consider you a greater risk factor, and they send you to court.”
“I’ve seen kids who committed no crime sent to a detention center or a group home so that they have somewhere to go,” O’Leary said. “Then when they are in these spaces that are designed for people who have committed a crime, they end up committing a crime.”
In fact, sometimes getting in trouble is the only way for youths to find a place to sleep.
“I’ve seen situations where youth get in trouble with law enforcement on purpose so that they have somewhere to go,” said Deshanda Williams, director of homeless and runaway services at Pathfinders Milwaukee, which offers an array of services for youths in crisis.
What’s being done?
Milwaukee provides services to homeless youths and youths who have been involved in the juvenile justice system.
These services include drop-in shelters, group counseling as well as family services, health services and housing resources.
“The problem isn’t necessarily that the city doesn’t have resources, because we do,” Williams said. “The problem is that most of these organizations work on grants, and these grants are meant to target certain groups, and the youth don’t always fit into those groups.”
Not all youth-serving agencies, for example, agree on who “youth” are. Some, like Pathfinders Milwaukee, considers a youth to be 24 years old and younger, while afterschool programs might consider “youth” to be 18 and younger.
“Some programs might require young people to be homeless, have a criminal record, have been a part of sex-trafficking and be under 18 to get services,” Williams said. “A young person might meet three out of four of the requirements but still not get the services because they don’t meet all of them.”
It’s a lesson Sanchez said she will never forget.
“I learned that unless I was pregnant, there wasn’t really anywhere for me to go,” she said.
Once she graduated from high school, she moved to New Jersey to be with family. She said she is doing better there.
But she still remembers her past.
“You get to a place where you’re going through so much. You aren’t afraid to beg anymore. Some nights are just so cold,” Sanchez said of her time as a homeless minor.
She offered this advice to anyone who wants to help.
“Just listen to us,” she said. “Most of the time we are willing to talk to people who are willing to listen.”

created: January 28, 2020

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 27, 2020


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Fire and Police Commission weighs ordering full investigation into leaked Haywood Sr. MPD interrogation video | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez & Sam Woods
January 29, 2020
“I didn’t leak any video and I’m looking into it,” said Milwaukee Police Department Chief Alfonso Morales during a community listening session this week at UMOS. (Photo by Edgar Mendez)
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to provide more context regarding the Milwaukee Police Department’s relationship with the city’s Office of Violence Prevention.
The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission is conducting a review to determine whether a full investigation should be ordered after the release of a video featuring the questioning of a prominent Milwaukee developer by the Milwaukee Police Department.
The video, which some allege was leaked by the MPD, was part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault.
The ongoing review was confirmed by Griselda Aldrete, executive director of the commission, during a community listening session Monday that featured recently reappointed Police Chief Alfonso Morales at UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave.
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The video shows Kalan Haywood Sr., who was accompanied by Steven DeVougas, a lawyer and chairman of the commission, being questioned by police.  Haywood is the founder of the Haywood Group, a prominent real estate development, investment and consulting firm.
Some have called the leak of the video a political maneuver to push forward the confirmation of Morales in late December. Others have accused DeVougas of violating ethics guidelines in support of a client. The leak also was heavily criticized by several Common Council members during a recent meeting of the Steering and Rules Committee.
If a full investigation is ordered, it would be conducted by an outside party, Aldrete said. No timeline for the decision was provided nor was more information given on whether or not a complaint prompted the commission’s review.
The announcement came after community members grilled Morales about the video.
“I didn’t leak any video, and I’m looking into it,” Morales said several times without specifically confirming whether or not an investigation was taking place. “We’re looking into it, and we’re looking into ways to prevent leaks from happening,” he added later.
The two-hour meeting teetered back and forth between criticism of Morales and the MPD and praise for the department.
Like the listening session last week at Unity Gospel House of Prayer on the North Side, the South Side meeting kicked off with a presentation by Morales that touted reduced homicides and robberies in addition to declines in several other categories of violent and nonviolent crimes from 2017 to 2019. It also included several personal stories about community outreach that Morales, a Milwaukee native, has conducted.
Several attendees pointed out what seems to be a frayed relationship between the police department and several local organizations, including the immigrant rights group, Voces De La Frontera.
“What strategies are in place to ensure we don’t criminalize and harm specific communities,” asked Voces De La Frontera organizer Giselle Vera, whose uncle Erick Gamboa Chay was detained in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid in Milwaukee in 2018. Gamboa was released after being held for six months, according to a Wisconsin Watch story. Vera questioned Morales specifically about Relentless Pursuit a federal initiative launched in Milwaukee and six other cities in December.
Morales, flanked by MPD executive and command staff, said MPD officials don’t make laws but are obliged to enforce them. He said some of the questions from the audience were politically motivated.
“We can’t allow organizations to politicize the role of the police department,” he said, drawing  cheers from many in the overflow crowd of more than 150.
When asked by an attendee whether he thought the Office of Violence Prevention had contributed to reducing violence in the city and if he intended supporting its efforts going forward, Morales responded by saying, “There is no one organization that can take credit.”
When asked again about the group’s efforts, Morales said he didn’t have any data to confirm whether or not the office had contributed to the drop in violence in the city.
Later in the meeting when asked again whether MPD would work with the office, Morales said it was the Office of Violence Prevention that had backed away.
“Don’t know why they won’t work with us. It’s on them,” said Morales, who added that the office still works with representatives at three of the MPD’s seven districts.
In an email to NNS, Reggie Moore, director of the Office of Violence Prevention, did not  respond directly to Morales’ comments. He did, however, mention a community meeting that took place Tuesday, Jan. 28 at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in which assault data from District 7 was to be reviewed.
When asked whether District 7 representatives would be in attendance, Moore wrote: “They have always been invited.”
Here are additional takeaways  from the meeting:
● Morales said police staffing levels will remain stable during the Democratic National Convention in July as officers will be working and supported by law enforcement from outside the city and state.
● There could possibly be another listening session on the North Side. The meeting would be held in response to citizen complaints about the meeting location, the moderator and about limited opportunities to ask the chief questions.
Here’s what some community residents had to say about Monday’s listening session:
sexual assault victim advocate at Aurora Sinai Medical Center:
“I am very concerned about how things are handled in the City of Milwaukee. I was at a different meeting, and the topic of Chief Morales came up and someone reminded me that this meeting was tonight and I thought I’d come.”
grew up on the South Side:
“I thought this meeting would be important to see what’s going on. That’s what these meetings are for. Some felt they weren’t getting fair answers. I try to understand the different things that are happening if I don’t see it, so I respect the views of people here.”
Sherman Park resident and retired Milwaukee firefighter:
“I missed the North Side meeting, but this whole city is my neighborhood. So I heard there was one here and I came to speak to the chief.”
: “I don’t have any questions at all. There is one topic that came up that is concerning to me, and that is a sexual assault case that was not handled properly. I have a lot of concern about how sexual assault is handled.”
: “Yes, the question was if there would be more beat cops this summer, when it starts getting warmer out. [Chief Morales] said yes there would be in some areas, but other areas already have enough personnel.”
: “Yes, my question was: Who do you work for? [Chief Morales] said he worked for ‘the City of Milwaukee.’ I think though that anyone who works for the city actually works for the citizens who pay him. I was a firefighter, and I always knew that I was working for [Milwaukee residents]. I think that they don’t get that.”
: “We definitely need more conversations about the divisions and historical wounds. That is a lot to put on Chief Morales because he inherited a difficult past, but it needs to happen. Monthly conversations would be a minimum, where the conversations can be addressed more in-depth. It’s difficult to air people’s deep concerns in a setting like this. We have a lot of wounds to address.”
: “[The police and community] need to listen to one another and build relationships with one another. I understand we’re not all going to get along or like what’s being said.”
“I’ve done a lot of gang outreach on the South Side, so some officers have thought I was gangbanging too, which wasn’t true. But then we had captains who were supportive of what we were doing. So you’re going to have [miscommunication] sometimes, but I think we need to respect one another and agree to disagree sometimes.”
: “I get that they want collaboration, but it’s hard for two entities to collaborate when they don’t speak. Recently in my neighborhood, a young man walked by and littered. I had talked to him a couple times before, so when I said something to him, he immediately said ‘my bad’ and picked it up. Had I not spoken to him before I think his response would’ve been ‘who are you?’ So I get what they’re trying to do, but you’re never going to get the police and community to work together on the big things if they can’t work together on the little things.”
“They want collaboration, but they drive through neighborhoods and they don’t even speak. You could say that goes both ways, and that citizens don’t speak to them. But do you know how far something as simple as a wave can go?”
In case you missed it: ‘What are we waiting for?’ Service is a family affair for Haywoods

created: January 29, 2020

author: Edgar Mendez & Sam Woods


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 28, 2020


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NNS Video: America’s Black Holocaust Museum celebrates its rebirth | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alex Perry
January 30, 2020
After closing its doors in 2008, America’s Black Holocaust Museum is showing strong signs of rebirth.
The museum, founded by lynching survivor James Cameron, went virtual in 2012 and is making progress toward a brick-and-mortar reopening at the corner of Vel R. Phillips and North avenues in Bronzeville.
On Jan. 24, officials announced the museum had received a major work of art as well as more than $1 million in funding through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and its donors. In addition, a three-year, $120,000 grant was given to the museum from the foundation.
“BAM (Seated Warrior)” is the work of Sanford Biggers, a New York-based artist, and is a gift from the foundation on behalf of an anonymous donor. The piece was acquired from Sculpture Milwaukee and was on display throughout the summer of 2018. It will be permanently housed at the museum, according to a news release.
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“At a time of hyperpolarization and growing distrust of cultures unfamiliar, we are in dire need of safe spaces and opportunities created to bring us together to explore difficult issues, to learn, to celebrate our commonalities,” Robert (Bert) Davis, president and CEO of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, said in a news release. “The re-emergence of the museum is critical for a time such as this.”

created: January 30, 2020

author: Alex Perry


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 29, 2020


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Post from Community: MPS hosts Kindergarten Enrollment Fair on February 1, 2020 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Public Schools
January 30, 2020
(Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Public Schools)
Editor’s note: Our Posts from Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
MPS will host its annual Kindergarten Enrollment Fair on February 1, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Milwaukee High School of the Arts. The Fair will help families explore schools, make choices, and enroll students for fall 2020. Wisconsin law requires children to complete five-year-old kindergarten before entering first grade.
All MPS schools that offer Head Start and kindergarten will be on hand so families can ask questions, learn about programs, and identify the best options for their children. Families will have the chance to speak directly with school staff and get help filling out enrollment forms. Interpreters will be available. Children are welcome at the fair so they can begin experiencing a school setting and be ready to attend in fall.
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Families can learn about the many programs and offerings in MPS schools. The district provides free breakfast and lunch for all students. Many schools have before- and after-school care to accommodate parents. Bus transportation is available; each school can provide information. Uniforms are worn by students in many MPS schools.
Head Start
Free preschool is available through the federal Head Start program for families who meet income limits. Head Start prepares children for school and teaches important early skills. Transportation is available.
Kindergarten
3-year-old Kindergarten: Limited programs are available at some schools. Children must turn 3 by September 1 to be eligible.
4-year-old Kindergarten: Programs are available at most schools across the district. Children must turn 4 by September 1 to be eligible.
5-year-old Kindergarten: Programs are available at most schools across the district.
Children must turn 5 by September 1 to be eligible.
For questions about enrollment or the Enrollment Fair, call 414-475-8159.
Milwaukee High School of the Arts is located at 2300 W. Highland Ave., Milwaukee, 53233.

author: Milwaukee Public Schools


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
January 30, 2020


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Why the 2020 census should matter to you | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 30, 2020
The Census Bureau is looking for people to be a census taker for the 2020 census. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the new census deadline.
Shortly after returning home from school one day in spring 2010, Iuscely Flores, who was 13 at the time, and her mother heard a knock on the door. Peering through the window, Flores’ mother saw a man dressed in business casual holding a laptop with a lanyard around his neck.
Her mother was hesitant to open the door. At the time, ICE raids were becoming more frequent and the Flores family, as undocumented residents, didn’t want to risk deportation. When Flores realized the man was a census taker, she encouraged her mother to open the door.
“I remember telling my mom, it’s going to be OK. I learned about this in school,” she said.
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Eventually, the man came inside and for nearly an hour, Flores translated for her mother, as the census taker noted everyone who was living in the house.
Currently, Flores works for Wisconsin Voices, an organization that aims to increase civic engagement. In her role as canvass training manager for the census, Flores shares her story and works on encouraging more people to participate in the census.
While the census is still a couple of months away, here’s what you need to know about what it means for Wisconsin and the nation as a whole.
Gov. Tony Evers signs an executive order for a Complete Count Committee for the 2020 census. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
What is the census and its purpose?
The census, in basic terms, is a way for the government to count every living person in the country.
The census serves many purposes. During a news conference, Rep. David Crowley (D-Milwaukee) explained the importance of the census. The population of a state determines how many seats it receives in the House of Representatives through reapportionment. It contributes to a state’s redistricting plan. And it determines how much each state receives in terms of federal funding.
There’s $675 billion of federal funding that is split among the states each year, he said. This funding contributes to education, Medicare, transportation and more.
What is the history of the census?
The first census was collected in 1790 when there were 13 states, Thomas Jefferson was the bureau’s director and the U.S. resident population totaled nearly 4 million people.
Jefferson, who was secretary of state, spearheaded the census. Under his leadership, U.S. marshals conducted a six-question survey, which was to be done every 10 years. The questions included name, age, sex and race.
In 1830, Congress approved the printing of a more uniform questionnaire. In 1940, the census had two surveys, one to count the population and the other to collect housing information. This later changed in 1960, when the two surveys were combined. In 1970 through 2000, a short-term survey was sent to all households, with a long-term survey about the household sent to some homes. In 2010, the census consisted of 10 questions.
What are hard-to-count communities?
Marilyn Sanders, a regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, said the data have shown that hard-to-count communities include single parent households, children under the age of 5 and seniors.
Sharon Robinson, the co-chairwoman of the Greater Milwaukee Complete Count Committee and director of the department of administration for the City of Milwaukee, said the hard-to-count communities also include the homeless, Latinx, African Americans and LGBTQ+ populations.
“Our census affects the monetary resources that our state can get,” Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes said. “Meaning for every person not counted our state loses out on nearly $1,400 per person per year.”
During a news conference, Gov. Tony Evers said the hard-to-count population in Wisconsin is more than 600,000.
What is being done to count HTC?
Sanders noted that the hard-to-count populations are typically uneducated when it comes to the census and its importance. The future starts with the count for 2020, she said.
“It is our goal and our mission to get a complete count in 2020,” she said. “We must count everyone once, only once, and in the right place.”
Groups such as the Complete Count Committee and Wisconsin Voices are working hard to educate people from those backgrounds on the importance of the census. To do this, the groups are relying on trusted voices in those communities to educate people on the census and that it’s quick, safe and private.
Robinson said that the Greater Milwaukee Complete Count Committee is working to break down barriers that may prohibit people from participating in the census. Part of the plan includes setting up kiosks or stations where people can take the census online. For example, the Milwaukee Public Library will have computer spaces available as well as places such as Employ Milwaukee.
What are some misconceptions surrounding the census?
There are many misconceptions when it comes to the census. Robinson said one of the most common is that it will take a long time or is inconvenient. Doing it online or by phone is quick and easy, she said, and can take about 10 minutes.
Sanders said the information collected by the census is completely private and cannot be shared with anyone.
Title 13 protects an individual’s information and prohibits it from being shared with any organization including law enforcement. Census Bureau employees are sworn to confidentiality and can face five years in a federal prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both, for violations.
A census taker will also have a census badge with an identification number, which can be verified by the Census Bureau, Sanders said.
How is data being collected for the 2020 census?
The official census date is April 1, 2020. For the 2020 census, the data will initially be gathered in one of three ways: online, by mail or by phone.
The census has an operational timeline, which will begin in March 2020. From March 12 to March 20, an invitation will be sent to a majority of households asking them to respond to the online census survey; some may also receive a paper questionnaire. A reminder letter will follow from March 16 to March 24. If that household hasn’t responded, then a reminder postcard will be sent from March 26 to April 3, followed by a reminder letter and a paper questionnaire from April 8 to April 16. A final reminder postcard will be sent from April 20 to April 27. If at that point, a household has failed to respond, then the Census Bureau will follow up in person.
Census takers will go door to door starting in June 2020 until the end of July 2020. The final deadline to respond is Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The online form and telephone line will be available in 13 languages including English, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Additionally, there will be language guides available in 59 languages other than English.
What happens after the data is collected?
On Dec. 31, 2020, the Census Bureau will report the population count to the president and the reapportionment of house seats. The following year in 2021, some census findings will be available to the public.
What can people do to help?
People can help by being a census taker or simply by spreading the word at work, parties, places of worship and elsewhere. To become a census taker, click here or call 1-855-JOB-2020.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
November 20, 2019

created: November 20, 2019


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5 things to do this weekend: Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
January 31, 2020
The Milwaukee Art Museum will be celebrating Black History Month each Saturday in February with special performances. (Photo provided by the Milwaukee Art Museum)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. 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 .
1. Friday night music at Sherman Perk: Friday, Jan. 31
Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, 4924 W. Roosevelt Drive, will have a live musical performance from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Starting at 7 p.m., the group, String Theory, will take the stage. String Theory features a duo known for making music on their acoustic guitars.
2. MPS kindergarten enrollment fair: Saturday, Feb. 1
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Milwaukee Public Schools is hosting a kindergarten enrollment fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 1. The fair will take place at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, 2300 W. Highland Ave. Families can learn about the programs that Milwaukee Public School offers such as the free preschool option, Head Start as well as available kindergarten programs. For questions, call (414) 475-8159.
3. Peak Initiative youth leadership series: Saturday, Feb. 1
Peak Initiative is hosting a youth leadership series with a focus on healthy relationships. The workshop will take place at the Marquette University Alumni Memorial Union, 1442 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. The series is for youths ages 13 to 21 who are interested in networking, building personal and professional development skills and becoming strong community leaders. To register, click here.
4. Jam Ak Jam performance: Saturday, Feb. 1
In honor of Black History Month, the Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 N. Art Museum Drive, will be featuring Haitian art and special performances every Saturday. Jam Ak Jam will be performing from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. The performance is a part of Kohl’s Art Generation Lab. Following the performance, there will be a tour of Haitian art. The Ko-Thi Dance Company, Kantara Souffrant and other groups will be performing in the weeks to come.
5. Black History Month kickoff: Saturday, Feb. 1
Vibez Creative Arts Space, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is hosting a Black History Month kickoff from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. As part of the kickoff, there will be a gallery night and the theme is all things black and Black History Month. Local artists will be featured. Tickets are free.
Bonus: Walker’s Lounge Sunday brunch: Sunday, Feb. 2
Walker’s Lounge, 626 S. 5th St., is offering brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2. Walkers Lounge offers classic brunch items with a Latin-infused twist.

created: January 31, 2020


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9 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
January 31, 2020
Rep. Kalan Haywood and Ald. Milele Coggs show the next generation the power of poetry during the Black History Month Read-in at the Milwaukee Public Library’s MLK branch last year. Throughout February, the Milwaukee Public Library will host multiple black history events at branches across the city. (File photo by Analise Pruni)
February is Black History Month, and around Milwaukee, there is no shortage of events to celebrate the achievements of African Americans.
Here are some you won’t want to miss.
(Don’t see your favorite Black History Month event? If we missed yours, please post it here. You also can send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month.”)
1. Black History Month with Black Lens and Milwaukee Film: Throughout February
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Black Lens and MKE Film have teamed up with organizations and leaders throughout the city to host a month-long series to inspire conversation, celebration and community. Highlights of their schedule include a screening of five short films directed by black women about black women, a conversation with black female filmmakers, the Milwaukee premiere of a documentary about soul singer D’Angelo, and more.
2. Black History Month with your Milwaukee Public Library: Throughout February
the Milwaukee Public Library will host multiple black history events at branches across the city. From lectures on black male suffrage in Wisconsin and the history of Bronzeville, to black history jeopardy, to book talks and “read-ins” on African American literature, there is something for everyone.
3. Black History Month Kickoff Gallery Night: Saturday, Feb. 1
Vibez Creative Arts Space, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is celebrating black history with a Black History Month Kickoff Gallery Night on Saturday, Feb. 1. Guests can stop in from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to meet local artists as well as the sponsors Canned Beatz Art Space and Feisty Impressions. Click here to get tickets.
4. Milwaukee’s Black Lives Matter Week of Action: Monday, Feb. 3 through Friday, Feb. 7
In partnership with community organizations, MPS will host Black Lives Matter Week of Action from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7. From an open mic night to an intergenerational snack and kickback night, all events are free and open to the public.
5. Black History Month Education Conference: Saturday, Feb. 8
Hosted by the Black Student Union of Cardinal Stritch University and Christian Woman Perspective Ministries, the second annual Black History Month Education Conference will focus on “The Intersectionality of the African Diaspora and the African American.” The conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Sister Camille Kliebahn Conference Center, 6801 North Yates Rd.
6. Milwaukee County Community Black History Month program: Thursday, Feb. 13
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will host its Annual Black History Month program on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum, 2620 W. Center St.
The celebration’s theme is “African Americans and the Vote” and all community members are welcome to attend. The County Board will present awards to individuals, organizations or groups nominated by their neighbors.
7. Honoring African American Environmental Pioneers: Monday, Feb. 17
This will be a night honoring African American pioneers and contemporary leaders committed to building a better environment for all.
Hosted by Nearby Nature Milwaukee, Milwaukee Water Commons, Sierra Club and Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum, 2620 W. Center St.
Drummers from Ko-Thi African Dance Company will perform a “Call to Ceremony” to begin the 6:30 p.m. program. The program will also include student poets and spoken word artists.
While registration for this event is free, participants are encouraged to join museum tours from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $5. For more information and for tickets, click here.
8. Running Rebels’ Black History Month: The past, the present, the future: Friday, Feb. 28
Join Running Rebels for its annual Black History program on Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roosevelt Middle School, 800 W. Walnut St. The event will feature the annual Knowledge Bowl as well as performances and presentations by talented youths.
9. We Are The Drum performances:
We Are The Drum 2020 is “a celebration of African American heritage, history and culture” hosted by Capita Productions at Milwaukee Marshall High School, 4141 N. 64th St.
The community show is Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., and public shows are on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door (excluding the community show) and $10 online here. For more show dates and information, see the Facebook event.
Don’t see your favorite Black History Month event? If we missed yours, please post it here. You also can send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month.”

author: Bridget Fogarty