Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

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.

Photo Essay: Day Without Latinos brings Courthouse protest

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 14, 2017 |

An estimated 30,000 people marched on February 13 to protest Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke’s intention to enroll his department in the Federal 287g program, which would empower his deputies to act as ICE agents.

Mayor Barrett’s Home Gr/own initiative to expand Fondy Market

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 13, 2017 |

“HOME GR/OWN converts Northside vacant lots into healthy green spaces for neighborhoods, which drive economic development, job creation, increases the quality of life, and we are proud to say that since we started in 2014 we have worked on 30 site so far.” – Tim McCollow, HOME GR/OWN Project Manager Mayor Tom Barrett announced his vision and construction details for a new green space, during a press conference seeking public input on the plans that was held on February 8 at the St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. The lot had been vacant and blighted for decades, and in...

Photo Essay: Milwaukee Gathers in Unity for Human Dignity

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 10, 2017 |

On February 7, concerned members of the Milwaukee public attended an event organized by the Unity for Human Dignity Coalition (U4HD), where advocacy, community organizations, elected officials, and local citizens showed their support for immigrants.