Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Ceremonial changing of the guard at Urban League’s Black & White Ball

Posted by Editor | Jun 19, 2017 |

The Milwaukee Urban League (MUL) hosted its 32nd Annual Black & White Ball on June 10 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, with the organization welcoming Dr. Eve M. Hall as the new President and CEO. This year’s theme was “Changing of the Guard: Be the Change” to reflect the new leadership direction under Dr. Hall. The League’s annual ball has become one of the most prestigious events recognizing education and youth, economic empowerment and equity, and inclusion in the Greater Milwaukee area. It also serves as a venue for bringing together the area’s diverse community. “I am honored...

How the murals of Reynaldo Hernandez transcend generations

Posted by Editor | Jun 16, 2017 |

The inspiring and public body of work produced by Reynaldo Hernandez has presented powerful social messages to the Milwaukee community for the past few decades. Even if his name is not recognizable, his iconic murals are.

Jim Obergefell opens PrideFest with keynote about equal justice

Posted by Editor | Jun 13, 2017 |

Milwaukee’s PrideFest celebrated its 30th year at its opening ceremony, with diverse members of the community, political leaders, and keynote speaker Jim Obergefell on June 9. Milwaukee’s festival is unique among Pride festivals in that it has its own, permanent festival park to call home. While most Pride events around the country, including Chicago, take place at block parties, neighborhood parks, or temporary stages, PrideFest Milwaukee celebrated its 21st year at Henry W. Maier Festival Park, home to Summerfest, the nation’s largest music festival, as well as Milwaukee’s summer ethnic festivals. PrideFest has come a long way over the...

Female artists transform Kinnickinnic streetscape into mural tapestry

Posted by Editor | Jun 12, 2017 |

For the second summer in a row, Milwaukee has seen a partnership between local businesses and the art community to improve the city’s economic health and social wellbeing. In 2016 it was the installation of Black Cat Alley, a project on the east side that turned a troubled space into an art destination. This summer, two projects in as many months have rolled out with the purpose to put Milwaukee on the art map and generate more tourist driven foot traffic. In May, Steve Marcus rolled out his Sculpture Milwaukee installation along downtown’s Wisconsin Avenue. This week Bay View’s...

Frank Juarez Gallery to exhibit street artists of Milwaukee

Posted by Editor | Jun 12, 2017 |

The Frank Juarez Gallery will present the “Street Artists of Milwaukee” exhibition, featuring works by five Wisconsin artists with street art experience, from June 24 to August 5. This exhibition, co-curated by Frank Juarez and Stacey Williams-Ng of Wallpapered City, will feature the works of a select few artists who have made a difference in the Milwaukee urban landscape with outdoor murals and artistic expressions. Juarez a career of supporting artists who work in painting, photography, sculpture, video, installation, and mixed media works. Along with being a gallery director, Juarez is also an art educator who is active in...

Denis Sullivan makes long voyage across Milwaukee’s freshwater sea

Posted by Editor | Jun 9, 2017 |

The S/V Denis Sullivan left Discovery World for Port Washington on June 1 for the maiden excursion of its 5-hour Lazy Day Sail program. The world’s only re-creation of a 19th Century Great Lakes Schooner offered its first day trip, nearly tripling the time and distance of its regular sailing tours. The vessel left port along the downtown Milwaukee lakefront and made the 25 nautical mile voyage to Port Washington. Its arrival at Coal Dock Park coincided with the Pirate Fest celebration from June 2 to 4. “We had an arrangement up in Port Washington for the weekend to...