Author: Staff

WisDOT podcast features pandemic-specific safety tips for highway travel across Midwest states

Midwestern states have been collaborating on a variety of transportation issues, from the future of vehicle technology to their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts, led by the Mid America Association of Transportation Officials (MAASTO), are the topic of a special three-part series of Transportation Connects Us, the official podcast of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). “While each of the 10 states in the Midwest have their own unique characteristics and challenges, at the same time there are a lot of similarities in some of the issues that we deal with,” said Craig Thompson, MAASTO President and...

Read More

Blackistory: Milwaukee-based family business launches educational Black History App for mobile devices

A local family-owned business announces the launch of a new educational product, “Blackistory,” an African American History app available on Apple and Google platforms as well as online. The company, Kairo Communications – owned by business partners Deborah Blanks, Geraud Blanks, and Element Everest Blanks, finalized the app after several years of product development and testing. Kairo developed Blackistory with technical support provided by App Brewery, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee mobile innovation lab. Blackistory consists of 1,000 multiple choice questions organized in 10 categories: Africa, Inequality, Civil Rights, Government, Community Development, Individual Achievements, Diaspora, Quotations, Music, the Arts, Writing,...

Read More

Michael Snowden: Storytellers have a responsibility to facilitate spaces for sharing the authentic truth

Three C’s define Michael Snowden’s work: curiosity, compassion and conversation. Snowden is a Milwaukee-based creative, and the founder of Evelyn’s Angel – a nonprofit that advocates, trains, and provides individually curated care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Through filmmaking, photography, collaborative projects and community programs, Snowden creates spaces for Milwaukeeans to tell their stories. | Q&A with Michael Snowden Milwaukee Independent: How would you describe your mission as an artist and storyteller? Is there a philosophy to your narrative? Michael Snowden: Being a storyteller is an ever evolving journey. I am learning that there is no...

Read More

MCTS NEXT: Milwaukee County Transit System rolls out campaign to inform riders about bus route upgrades

The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) launched a new website and telephone hotline on February 1 to help passengers learn about upcoming changes related to the first phase of its MCTS NEXT system redesign. Milwaukee County has evolved over the years, especially regarding the locations of job centers, shopping destinations, schools, and residential areas. Following the shift of area demographics, MCTS started working in 2018 on a new approach to improve the rider experience and meet the community’s modern needs. The project aligned with Milwaukee County’s mission to advance racial equity and enhance the quality of life through great...

Read More

Milwaukee Repertory Theater reworks 2021 season due to pandemic and cancels performances through April

In response to the ongoing pandemic, The Milwaukee Rep announced on February 1 that it must cancel all live performances through April and make significant changes to its previously announced Season Reset programming. Originally slated to start mid-February, “Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song” with Alexis J Roston (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) will be rescheduled for in person performances beginning April 27 and running through May 23, 2021 in the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. In person and virtual performances of “Nina Simone: Four Women” have been canceled, while “McGuire” is indefinitely postponed and the world premiere “Antonio’s...

Read More

Milwaukee Film will focus on Black voices and experiences for its February programming

As part of its nationally renowned Black Lens program, Milwaukee Film announced on January 12 that the nonprofit would devote all of its new public film and event offerings in February to celebrate Black voices and culture for Black History Month programming. Thirty films and a dozen events that showcase the Black experience will be available virtually, highlighting themes from Black joy to workforce development. “Milwaukee Film’s Black Lens program serves to elevate Black filmmakers, and Black History Month is a tremendous opportunity to continue that mission, as well as celebrate the impact of African Americans across the arts...

Read More