Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Milwaukee’s last Civil War veteran memorialized on his 75th anniversary

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 10, 2017 |

The public was invited to a special ceremony presented by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) that honored Milwaukee County’s last living Civil War veteran, Charles L. Blanchard, with a special marker at Forest Home Cemetery on September 17. Blanchard was a private in Company D of the 40th Wisconsin Infantry, a unit that guarded supply lines around Memphis, Tennessee. He served for four months in 1864 at age 18, and went on to live until the start of World War II at 96 years old. More than 91,000 men from Wisconsin served in the...

Valley Week explores foundations and transformation of the Menomonee area

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 9, 2017 |

The inaugural Valley Week celebrated Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley from September 23 to 30, highlighting the history and evolution of the vital industrial region, ending with a special tour of the area. The week of events invited the community to explore and experience the Menomonee Valley, from a beer run, to a bike ride along the Hank Aaron State Trail, to a Menomonee River Kayak Tour, to family-friendly campfire gatherings, and tree plantings with environmental education about the urban district. Hosted by the Menomonee Valley Business Improvement District #26, Menomonee Valley: Behind, Above, & Below the Scenes was a special...

Photo Essay: Brew City History Museum Now On Tap

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 5, 2017 |

Instead of a ribbon cutting, the Shops of Grand Avenue welcomed Brew City MKE with a ceremonial keg tapping on October 4.

Black Women’s march sets example of empowerment over oppression

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 4, 2017 |

Women of color were united with locked arms as they gathered in Milwaukee and around the nation to demand racial justice on September 30, during the Black Women’s Empowerment March. The Uplifting Black Liberation and Community (UBLAC), along with Black women, Black men, and allies assembled at Victory over Violence Park in Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. The movement was coordinated in solidarity with national efforts in Washington DC and sister cities, and hosted by the Black Women’s BluePrint. “Black women are the backbone of the family. We’re the nurturers and the caregivers. We work hard, often two or three jobs.”...

Photo Essay: Uplifting unity at march for Black Women

Posted by Lee Matz | Oct 4, 2017 |

Women of color were united with locked arms as they gathered in Milwaukee and around the nation to demand racial justice on September 30, during the Black Women’s Empowerment March.