Milwaukee
Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin and the home of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. Originally settled by German immigrants, Milwaukee became more of a melting pot during subquest immigration waves. The city was well known for manufacturing materials and beer, and local sports teams such as the Brewers still pay homage to those roots. Milwaukee’s Bronzeville neighborhood, of which America’s Black Holocaust Museum is a part, was originally settled by Germans before becoming the African-American center of the city.
Currently, Milwaukee has 1.18 more Black or African American residents than any other race. Racism is often prevalent, and Milwaukee is also known as the most segregated city in the country. The economic disparities are especially dire, with Black Milwaukeeans experiencing poverty at five times the rate of their white counterparts. Racial issues in Milwaukee made the city important in conversations about race during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Milwaukee is more politically liberal than much of Wisconsin, perhaps because of the demographics of its residents. Due to political lean, some politicians have attempted to influence politics by closing polling places in the city, much like they attempt to control elections by changing polling maps.
Nevertheless, the Black community and culture survive and even thrive in Milwaukee. The city welcomes speakers, organizations, and events recognizing and celebrating Black culture, including an annual weekly celebration of the Bronzeville neighborhood, which includes America’s Blakc History Museum. Mayor Cavalier Johnson is the city’s first Black mayor, while the city recently inducted its first Black woman as deputy fire chief.
Posts Tagged ‘Milwaukee’
The Meaning of Independence Day for Milwaukee’s People of Color
This article explores why Independence Day and patriotism in America mean something different to the African/African-American community than to white Americans. It shows how Black Americans have endured vastly differing experiences from white Americans, because unalienable rights supposed afforded in America do not apply, have not applied, to them.
Read MoreABHM Co-Sponsors “Racial Justice: The Courage to Act” with Head Griot Reggie Jackson Speaking on Segregation in Milwaukee
Written by: Keith McAllister Edited by: Zak Morse April 1st fell on a Saturday this year, and community members from more than 20 different churches and organizations around Milwaukee gathered at Alverno College to engage in the impactful social justice event, Racial Justice: The Courage to Act. The event left attendees with much…
Read MoreApril 2017
Listing and descriptions of community education programs presented by ABHM in April 2017.
Read MoreHow Does a City Choose to Remember its Past?
Many Milwaukeeans are familiar with the 1854 abolitionist rescue of Joshua Glover, an African American who escaped slavery and found sanctuary in Wisconsin. Far fewer know about the horrific racial lynching of George Marshall Clark, a free black man, that happened only seven years later in Milwaukee. What was their story, and how have we remembered these two men?
Read MoreGeorge Marshall Clark
George Marshall Clark was 22 years old when he was murdered. He had been a barber, a trade he learned from his father, George Sr., who ran his business on Wisconsin Avenue. Clark resided with his friend, James Shelton, near 5th and State Streets. Shelton and Clark were arrested together, but Shelton escaped being dragged…
Read More3 Adults and Baby Died In A Jail Run By Potential Homeland Security Head
Four people, including a newborn baby, have died at the Milwaukee County Jail since April. One died of “profound dehydration.” The string of deaths is concerning. The jail’s operation is the main responsibility of Sheriff David Clarke, a leading contender for the Trump’s head of Homeland Security.
Read MoreSherman Park youth earn stipend for cleaning up neighborhood
Program the Parks, a grassroots Sherman Park youth initiative started early last summer to train and employ young people ages 12 to 25 to help youth learn leadership and employment skills and earn money.
Read MoreOur Museum’s Response to Milwaukee’s Recent Unrest
Because America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, visitors to ABHM online have inquired about our response to the recent unrest in a predominantly black neighborhood in our city. Though not immediately apparent on the ABHM website, our museum’s principal spokesperson has been helping local, national, and international press explain these events…
Read MoreTime of Terror Book Talks & Exhibits in June 2016
Listing and descriptions of book talks and traveling exhibit locations in June 2016.
Read MoreProtecting history: Meet MKE’s rare books librarian (and ABHM Board member)
Maria Cunningham is Milwaukee Public Library’s new Rare Books Librarian and a member of the Board of Directors of the Dr. James Cameron Legacy Foundation, which operates ABHM. She talks about her early fascination with rare books and what excites her about the job.
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