Author: Staff

Art display of River Deities reflect immigrant cultures that settled along South Side waterways

As part of the restoration of Pulaski Park on Milwaukee’s south side, handful of river deities were given temporary residence along the Kinnickinnic River Trail between 13th and 16th Streets. The detailed works of art were installed as panels and spaced out along the trail. The displays are part of a public art project sponsored by the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center, KK River Neighbors in Action, and the Haggerty Museum of Art. The panels include bilingual stories about each deity, and were produced through WaterMarks: Art and Science Walks. The collaborative programming series focuses on the Kinnickinnic River...

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Local refugee women crochet plastic bags into craft items and earn income while saving environment

Displaced women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who settled in Milwaukee have built a growing business by “upcycling” plastic bags and using them to create beautifully designed handmade baskets and mats. The group of craftswoman comprise 12 refugees who have each come from very difficult and unimaginable situations. Now living in Milwaukee, the women are doing the best they can to contribute to a society that has been so welcoming to them. They are supported by Why Not Now Missions, a local nonprofit focused on empowering vulnerable populations so that they can reach their full potential. “It...

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Chinese owners of former Northridge Mall get served with demolition order by city

The City of Milwaukee issued a raze or restore order on April 11 to the owner of the former Northridge Mall building, a move that will lead to the removal of the long-vacant structure. Mayor Tom Barrett and Alderwoman Chantia Lewis of the 9th District stated that the site, which is owned by a company based in China, has become a public safety hazard and a blight to the area residents. “The Chinese company that owns the building has refused to secure the building or make repairs, and since 2017 we have seen repeated trespassing and vandalism there,” said...

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Shorewood School District investigating teacher who forced black students to reenact slavery games

A seventh-grade physical education teacher at Shorewood Intermediate School was temporarily suspended recently for instructing her African American students to develop a “negro-centric” game that enslaved children would have played on a Southern plantation before the Civil War. The incident occurred as part of a curriculum in which the teacher “shared an activity with students on the subject of games from around the world.” The class participated in the activity on April 1, and allegations reached the school administration by April 3. The Shorewood School District sent a notification letter to parents and guardians on April 11 to explain...

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Day Reporting Center re-opens inside St. Anthony’s Place as alternative to incarceration

Milwaukee County aims to promote rehabilitation and treatment for individuals in the justice system through the re-opening of the Milwaukee County Day Reporting Center on April 9. Operated by Wisconsin Community Services, the DRC provides community-based treatment and rehabilitation options for nonviolent offenders, in partnership with Milwaukee County’s House of Correction. County Executive Chris Abele and Wisconsin Community Services re-opened the DRC from its former location at 3732 W. Wisconsin Avenue to 1036 N. 10th Street, in the lower level of the new St. Anthony’s Place. The former St. Anthony Hospital, located at 1036 N. 10th Street, sat vacant...

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Yarn Junkie: Women of color crochet the nurturing bonds of love and identity

Jonah Larson and his family made a special trip from La Crosse to Yarn Junkie and Gifts on April 6, visiting the black-owned yarn shop near Milwaukee to join a special crochet circle and teach them how to make one of his “identity-inspired dish cloths.” Invited by owner Michelle Buckhanan, Jonah can already earn a hefty fee at the age of 11 for attending such events. But his willingness and desire to travel to 12527 W. Hampton Avenue and spend the afternoon with a small group of women demonstrated his character and mission. Crocheting is popular for many reasons...

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