Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Photo Essay: Defining the future of Milwaukee

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 7, 2017 |

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett delivered his 2017 State of the City address on March 6 at the Harley-Davidson University to a crowd of hundreds.

Photo Essay: Panel on Repairing Milwaukee’s Racial Trauma

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 3, 2017 |

“As a nation we have some ugly parts of our history. We can’t repair anything unless we are honest about what happened. We believe that it is time our nation opened up and started telling this truth about our history.” – Reggie Jackson “Let’s Face It: How Communities Remember and Repair Racial Trauma,” was the theme of the annual celebration for the legacy of America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) founder and lynching survivor, Dr. James Cameron on February 25. Held in Milwaukee Public Library’s downtown Centennial Hall, the event explored the issues of how our nation and local community...

Auto Show invites Milwaukee to look under the hood

Posted by Lee Matz | Mar 1, 2017 |

The Greater Milwaukee Auto Show returned to the Wisconsin Center, showcasing hundreds of the latest cars, crossovers, and trucks from February 25 to March 5. Thousands of visitors attended the annual event, featuring more than 30 manufacturers in a non-sales environment. With the latest vehicles on display, everyone had the opportunity to sit behind the wheels, inspect engines, and learn about new fuel technologies and safety features. The public was also invited to take test drives from manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and FIAT. “No one is here to pressure or try convincing anyone to...

Cheers to ten years: February 26 proclaimed 88Nine Day

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 28, 2017 |

Showing its love for Milwaukee over the past decade, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee celebrated its ten year anniversary as a community centerpiece on February 26. The first three hours of music and programming from the station’s 2007 original show was broadcast at noon. “At our 10th birthday celebration Sunday, we unveiled plans for a series of special events and new programming throughout 2017,” Tarik Moody, digital director and music host, posted in a statement.“ It marks our first decade and highlights Milwaukee music and community. A free block party will take place on June 24, we plan to celebrate our...

Photo Essay: City Hall hosts inaugural Black History Program

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 27, 2017 |

The first of its kind Black History program for the City of Milwaukee was held in the rotunda of City Hall on February 24.

George Banda: An American story from Mexico to Vietnam

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 24, 2017 |

Celebrated as an American hero for his service in Vietnam, Milwaukee native George Banda has always been uncomfortable with any titles of honor. In a reflection of his humility for being awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star as an Army Medic, he says he was just doing the job our country trained him for. As the grandson of legal immigrants from Mexico, Banda understands the social perceptions of Latinos in his hometown, and the shared struggle with self-identity and pride at being an American who is ethnically Mexican.