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’
Visit ABHM for Doors Open Milwaukee
ABHM is one of several destination that will have free admission on September 25 as part of Doors Open Milwaukee. Please join us!
Read MoreVote for ABHM in the 2022 Mandi Awards
Show your appreciation for ABHM by voting for us in the People’s Choice category of the Mandi Awards, open until August 10th.
Read MoreJoin Us for Bronzeville Week
Join American’s Black Holocaust Museum for these events during Milwaukee’s Bronzeville Week to learn about the city’s Black history.
Read MoreABHM Book Club Presents Voices of Milwaukee Bronzeville
ABHM is proud to invite readers to our next virtual (Zoom) book club meeting to discuss Dr. Sandra Jones’ Voices of Milwaukee Bronzeville.
Read MoreFirst Black woman nominated as Milwaukee’s assistant fire chief
After 19 years with Milwaukee’s Fire Department, Sharon Purifoy-Smoots will be Deputy Chief and highest-ranking black woman in state fire departments.
Read MoreMilwaukee County Recognized with Lowest Unsheltered Homeless Population in America
Efforts to combat homelesseness in Milwaukee have been recognized as successful by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Read MoreAfter 176 Years, Milwaukee Elects First Black Mayor
Cavalier Johnson stepped in as acting mayor of Milwaukee in December, after the former Mayor Barrett left for another role. This spring election shows that citizens want him officially in the position.
Read MoreJoin Us on February 25th for ABHM’s Ribbon-Cutting and Celebration!
It’s been 14 years since ABHM closed its doors – but finally, thanks to the hard work and dedication of a small group of community volunteers and staff, a very generous anonymous donor and many other individual donors, Alderwoman Milele Coggs and developer Melissa Goins, the physical museum has been reborn!
Read MoreAmerica’s Black Holocaust Museum receives a $10 million commitment!
America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) is the recipient of a $10 million commitment made by an anonymous donor through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. This transformational commitment is in support of ABHM’s recent announcement to reopen on February 25, 2022, and a strategic plan by NMBL Strategies that provides a roadmap to growth and sustainability for generations to come.
Read MoreRevamped Harambee building honors neighborhood philanthropists Reuben and Mildred Harpole
The new Bader Philanthropies building in Milwaukee was named the Harpole Building in honor of Reuben and Mildred Harpole, a fair housing advocate, civil rights activist and benefactress of multiple causes.
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