Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

MKE United shares feedback for vision of Greater Downtown

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 24, 2017 |

MKE United held an open house and informational session at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Library on August 16 to share planning progress and invite community feedback for its action agenda outlining the future for Downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. With an estimated $5 billion of private development projected for the downtown Milwaukee region, a shared and inclusive vision for the direction of that investment has not existed between government, business, and the community. Milwaukee is experiencing once-in-a-generation development cycle in and around downtown that is creating tremendous opportunities for the city. Milwaukee United was formed to respond to this...

Photo Essay: Wisconsin’s first Main Street Day celebrated

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 23, 2017 |

“We are excited to be a part of the Wisconsin Main Street Program. As we work toward bringing new businesses and creating more vibrancy in the commercial district, the Wisconsin Main Street program will provide valuable tools and resources to help make Milwaukee’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive the best of the nearly 900 King Drives in the nation.” – Deshea Agee The Historic King Drive Business Improvement District (BID) No. 8 became the state’s 34th Wisconsin Main Street community on August 22, and is the only organization in the state to earn the designation in 2017. The...

Photo Essay: Faith group stands up to racism with silent vigil

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 22, 2017 |

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) chapter of the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee (FUSM) held a public vigil against White Supremacy outside of its church after Sunday Worship Service on August 20.

Photo Essay: New Age Narcissism featured at 414 Live school supply drive

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 21, 2017 |

“Supporting MPS students by helping them have the supplies they need while at school is just one way we are activating the community to hope make Milwaukee a better place. 88Nine is committed to supporting our community. Whether that be supporting the local music scene or education efforts. Our mission is to be a catalyst in creating a better more inclusive and engaged Milwaukee.” – Ken Sumka, Assistant Program Director at 88Nine. Members of New Age Narcissism, solo artists Lex Allen, WebsterX, Siren, Q then Sun, Lorde Fred33, and Bo Triplex partnered with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for the station’s...

Photo Essay: From little wings to big teeth, the gift of imagination

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 17, 2017 |

The Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) opened its doors to the public for free on August 12, a gift made possible by a community program from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF). Since it was officially chartered in 1882, the Milwaukee Public Museum (MPM) has provided generations of area residents with immersive learning experiences that inspired curiosity, introduced unknown worlds, and offered memorable environments for quality time with family. The Gifts to the Community program has offered unique opportunities for individuals from the Milwaukee area to make personal associations, while showcasing the positive resources of the metro region. Over the last...

First Hmong-language local news to broadcast on Nyob Zoo Milwaukee TV

Posted by Lee Matz | Aug 16, 2017 |

The inaugural Hmong-language television news programming for Milwaukee was celebrated at a preview showing and fundraiser on August 12 at the Phongsavan Asian Market. For the first time since thousands of Hmong refugees settled in Milwaukee in the 1970s, the displaced community will be able to watch local news produced in their native language. Nyob Zoo means “Hello” in Hmong, pronounced “nyaw zhong.” “Nyob Zoo Milwaukee TV is so much more than a news show. It is the platform we are creating to lift up and inspire future leaders to tackle the challenges of our time,” said Chia Xiong,...