Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Tears for Orlando during last day of PrideFest

Posted by Editor | Jun 13, 2016 |

Editor’s Note: This feature is a follow-up to our original PrideFest coverage that was produced before the Orlando tragedy, but held for publication until the three-day festival was over. In view of that terrible event, the Milwaukee Independent felt it was important to release those reports as intended. The article and photo essay expressed the inner-light and happiness that visitors had originally experienced at PrideFest. There will be much mourning and sadness in the days and weeks to come. But ultimately, if we give into darkness and fear then we let those who commit terrible acts like in Orlando...

Senator Baldwin opens PrideFest with nod to Harvey Milk

Posted by Editor | Jun 13, 2016 |

PrideFest 2016 ushered in the 30th consecutive year of Milwaukee’s celebration of LGBTQ culture and community, and the 20th anniversary of the event being held at Henry W. Maier Festival Park. It is also the only PrideFest in the world to have a permanent festival location. “This milestone means so much to us, because the community has come out and supported our effort year after year,” said Jorna Taylor, member of the Milwaukee Pride Board of Directors. The honored distinction was highlighted during the opening ceremony, which featured United States Senator Tammy Baldwin as keynote speaker. Addressing the audience,...

Photo Essay: Three decades of Pride

Posted by Editor | Jun 13, 2016 |

PrideFest 2016 ushered in the 30th consecutive year of Milwaukee’s celebration of LGBTQ culture and community, and the 20th anniversary of the event being held at Henry W. Maier Festival Park.

Khalif El-Amin: Cutting the net with YES

Posted by Editor | Jun 10, 2016 |

Known more for his athletic achievements on the basketball court in high school and college, Khalif El-Amin is challenging the social values placed on sports, changing the perception of what an entrepreneur is in Milwaukee, and proving that young African Americans have a place in the tech startup industry. | Q&A with Khalif El-Amin Milwaukee Independent: What experience or individual was the biggest influence on your youth? And what was the biggest lesson you learned from your father Saleem? Khalif El-Amin: Seeing people like my mother, father, and grandparents work so hard day in and day out, it just became...

Khalif El-Amin: Athletics, Academics, and Algorithms

Posted by Editor | Jun 10, 2016 |

Known more for his athletic achievements on the basketball court in high school and college, Khalif El-Amin is challenging the social values placed on sports, changing the perception of what an entrepreneur is in Milwaukee, and proving that young African Americans have a place in the tech startup industry.

Op Ed: Is the public listening to “Can You Hear Us Now?”

Posted by Editor | Jun 8, 2016 |

“I know why the caged bird sings. When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore. When he beats his bars and he would be free. It is not a carol of joy or glee. But a prayer that he send from his heart’s deep core. But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings. I know why the caged bird sings.” It is easy to talk about change when it involves someone else. The truth is, for change to happen, it has to start with us. That is the hard part. “If you want to make the world...