Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Friendship, slavery, and asylum are focus of 2017 Muslim Film Festival

Posted by Editor | Apr 4, 2017 |

The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition recently announced its 3rd Annual Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival to be held from April 17 through May 7. One of America’s Leading International Muslim Film Festivals, the 2017 event will screen films at three venues in the city, Times Cinema, Oriental Theatre, and UWM Union Theatre. The Milwaukee Muslim Film Festival has paved a way for award-winning motion pictures to be discovered by a local audience, while offering creative filmmakers the attention they deserve. “The point is to generate discussion,” Najeeb says. “Too often the conversation about Islam has antagonized Muslims.” The Film Festivals...

Hispanic leaders push for statewide holiday to honor César Chávez

Posted by Editor | Apr 3, 2017 |

City of Milwaukee employees and members of the public attended the second annual César E. Chávez Day celebration at City Hall on March 31. The public event was held at the first floor rotunda of “the people’s house.” Along with resource tables for the community, the gathering proudly marked the birthday of the renowned civil rights activist. Alderman José G. Pérez hosted the press conference, which also featured speeches by local Latino leaders. “Milwaukee’s César E. Chávez Day is a great example of our progress to celebrate people of all cultures,” said Alderman Pérez. “Our community is excited to...

Milwaukee Makers Market showcases local business talent

Posted by Editor | Mar 31, 2017 |

The Milwaukee Makers Market held its 2017 shopping extravaganza on March 25 at Discovery World, where more than 30 vendors sold their locally produced goods. Thousands of visitors attended the open emporium that offered a range of local products such as jewelry, candles, soaps, handcrafted toys and dolls, hats and T-shirts, and artwork like watercolors, digital, and 3-D printed objects. The special shopping venue at Discover World offered something for everyone at one place along the Lakefront. “The event showcases makers of Milwaukee, but also offers a chance to connect with the community,” said Ryan Laessig, Milwaukee Makers Market...

Map: A City Built Around Water

Posted by Editor | Mar 28, 2017

“Milwaukee Water Bus Tour with John Gurda” was one of the Water Week events presented by the City of Milwaukee and its partners, to recognize all the public, private, and non-profit efforts underway to make Milwaukee a Water Centric City. The 22 mile route covered more than two hundred years of history, following the waterways that the communities and industries of Milwaukee grew around. From the shore of Lake Michigan, to the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, and Kinnickinnic River, water was a necessity for every aspect of Milwaukee life. “It was this conjunction of three Rivers at the lakefront...

Beers with the Mayor wraps up a successful Water Week

Posted by Editor | Mar 27, 2017 |

To conclude the week-long Water Centric City initiative, Good City Brewing hosted a “Beers with the Mayor” event on March 24. Dan Katt, co-owner of Good City Brewing, welcomed the crowd of more than two hundred to the freshwater capital, otherwise known as Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “We are able to enjoy one of the benefits of having great access to freshwater, and that is great beer,” said Katt. “And Good City Brewing was intentionally located about three blocks from the Great Lakes, just over the hill.” To show his bipartisan support on this issue, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett borrowed a...

Stewards of Cream City’s musical journey

Posted by Editor | Mar 24, 2017 |

Cream City Music is an owner operated, world class guitar shop located at the edge of Milwaukee. As a destination for all things guitar, the shop attracts enthusiasts of every level from all over the world. The Milwaukee Independent recently sat down with the shop’s leadership Ben Derickson, John Majdalani, and Brian Douglas, to talk about guitars and the personal passion behind their instruments. | Q&A with Cream City Music Milwaukee Independent: How is music a part of your life, and what does it mean to you? John Majdalani: It is a huge part of my life. It is...