Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

A Milwaukee street located next to Dr. Lester Carter’s historic pharmacy renamed in his honor

Posted by Editor | May 23, 2018 |

After six decades as a practicing Pharmacist, Dr. Lester L. Carter, Jr. was recognized for his service to multiple generations of the community with an honorary street name outside the pharmacy that he built into a pillar of the Amani neighborhood. The street naming ceremony was held at the corner of 24th and Burleigh streets, in front of the Hayat Carter Herbal Pharmacy. The event was attended by dozens of area residents, who have depended on Dr. Carter’s remedies over the years, and elected officials from the city, county, and state. “Dr. Carter is a trailblazing Black business owner...

Hashim Zaibak: Expanding the dream of Dr. Carter to build healthy communities

Posted by Editor | May 23, 2018 |

Two men who were separated by age and place of birth, found a shared bond in their love of helping people, experience in the study of pharmacy, interest in herbal remedies, and finding themselves as outsiders who relocated to Milwaukee. Dr. Lester L. Carter, Jr. grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and was the first African American to open his neighborhood pharmacy in 1968. Hashim Zaibak, Pharm. D. was born in Palestine and came to America in 1992. In 2011 he began the Hayat Pharmacy chain in the Milwaukee area, taking the company’s name from the Arabic word for ‘life.’...

Chris Abele and Microsoft partner to fund expansion of Computer Science in local High Schools

Posted by Editor | May 16, 2018 |

County Executive Chris Abele recently announced his personal donation of $250,000, together with a matching commitment for contribution from Microsoft Philanthropies, to expand Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS) program in the Milwaukee area. The program helps high schools build and grow sustainable computer science programs through partnerships between classroom teachers and technology industry volunteers. “It is more important than ever for children in Milwaukee to be prepared for the jobs of the future,” said Abele. “Computer science is a vital and inevitable driver in today’s global innovation economy and our students need to be able to...

Historical Society honors Steve Marcus for longstanding contributions to Milwaukee

Posted by Editor | May 15, 2018 |

The Milwaukee County Historical Society hosted its 65th Annual Awards Dinner at the Pfister Hotel on May 10, recognizes individuals and organizations that have played a significant role in preserving Milwaukee history. This year’s award recipients included Steve Marcus, Justice Janine Geske, David Uihlein, and Kevin Abing. The milestone anniversaries of Milwaukee companies ranged from the Milwaukee Bucks at 50 Years to St. John’s on the Lake at 150 Years. The honor for Steve Marcus coincided with The Pfister Hotel’s 125 Year Anniversary, a relationship he has had special long-term connection with. Hosted by Tom Pipines, Former Fox 6...

Five news features from military heroes to racial trauma honored at Press Club Awards

Posted by Editor | May 12, 2018 |

The Milwaukee Independent has now won 7 awards for excellence in journalism over the past two years.

Vietnam combat medic George Banda honored at tribute to Latino veterans

Posted by Editor | May 12, 2018 |

The Latino Veterans’ Legacy of Valor Foundation also received a personal donation from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele to kick-off the group’s fundraising efforts for a public monument. The Latino Veterans’ Legacy of Valor (LVLV) Foundation honored local Latino heroes at their Fourth Annual Benefit on April 13 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, and presented the 2017/2018 Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo Latino Veteran of the Year Award to George Banda. Latino Veteran of the Year Award is given to a local Latino veteran who has extended his or her service to the Latino community beyond...