Author: Editor

Patrick Jones: Milwaukee’s struggle for racial justice as the Selma of the North

The Milwaukee County Historical Society (MCHS) hosted a “200 Nights of Freedom” event on November 3 with author Patrick Jones, who discussed his book about Milwaukee’s Open Housing Marches of 1967-1968. Stories about the Civil Rights era of the 1960s traditionally focus on events in cities like Selma, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Greensboro in the South. They are an important part of the movement’s narrative, but by overlooking what was going on in the North at that time a vital part of the history is missing. The City of Milwaukee was central to the struggle of urban crisis, and foreshadowed...

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Unknown vandals deface social justice mural at Black Cat Alley

“My piece deals with the history of mass incarceration in Wisconsin, which has the highest rate of black male incarceration in the nation. One out of eight African American men in the State of Wisconsin, or 12.8%, is currently incarcerated. It’s an issue that we have not solved and it’s an issue that we rarely address as a community. I think we must open that dialogue up of what’s happening in Milwaukee to a wider audience. We need to think about it, and we need to create solutions.” – Adam Stoner, artist of the “Devontay” mural The iconic “Devontay”...

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“Oberwise in China” gains global attention with Shanghaiist article

Based on the exclusive coverage by Milwaukee Independent, “Vintage color photos provide a fascinating window into life in Shanghai in 1945” was published as a headline news report in Shanghai, bringing the Lyle Oberwise story to millions of Chinese in that historic port city and beyond. Shanghiist is one of the top city-centric websites in the world that focuses on news, events, food, culture, and all things related to Shanghai and China. It is a must read for the international community wanting a window into Chinese society, and the go to site for expats and China watchers. When the...

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Long forgotten Lyle Oberwise photos show life in 1945 Kuomintang China

The social media post to a veterans group and a commemorative marker along Old World 3rd Street connected one of Milwaukee’s most famous photographers to a rare and unexplored history in the Orient. Read the featured article, view the historic photo essay, and listen to the audio interview that were produced for this news report.   Displayed in the obscurity of plain sight, on the former Hotel Wisconsin building, is a 1963 dedication to the 1948 creation of the World War II China-Burma-India (CBI) Veterans Association. It was the only national organization representing veterans from the entire CBI theater...

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Exclusive First look: Photographic treasures from Oberwise in Shanghai revealed

During World War II, Milwaukee’s Lyle Oberwise served in the United States Army as a military photographer with the 3374th Signal Photo Corps, and travelled between China, Burma, and India. Read the featured article, view the historic photo essay, and listen to the audio interview that were produced for this news report.   The CBI material is probably the least known of the extensive Oberwise Collection, and the overseas experience allowed him to hone the skills that he would use to record Milwaukee moments for the rest of his life. Photos from his deployment during World War II include...

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Photo Essay: Inside the transformation of the Historic Garfield Apartments

The Historic Garfield Apartments will celebrate its Grand Opening on October 26, closing a chapter on a half year of remodeling as the second phase of development continues at North Avenue and 4th Street. The public is invited to attend the newest residential apartments in the Bronzeville commercial corridor, with an art house party at 2215 N. 4th Street. The festivities reflect a long intended hope for the rebirth of the Bronzeville Art and Entertainment District, which the housing projects begin to fulfill. Christopher McIntyre Perceptions and Dasha Kelly will give performances at the event, along with a display...

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