Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Photo Essay: A look at Milwaukee’s small business success

Posted by Editor | May 9, 2016 |

During Milwaukee Small Business Week (MSBW), in honor of the Brew City’s thriving entrepreneur community, a small business bus tour and discussion was held on May 5. The invitation-only event was hosted by Nepherterra Estrada Best, who organized MSBW, and highlighted a range of success stories in an effort to raise awareness of programs that connect small business owners with the resources they need. The four locations visited were: Glorious Malone’s Fine Sausage Glorious Malone’s Fine Sausage began as a neighborhood store at the corner of Sixth and Hadley Streets on Milwaukee’s North Side. Malone’s presently operates out of a...

Small Business Week highlighted opportunities and challenges

Posted by Editor | May 9, 2016 |

The 2016 Milwaukee Small Business Week was a powerful celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. Running from May 2 to May 6, the event brought together all sectors of the community from business owners, elected officials, financial institutions, educators, and prospective entrepreneurs. “I think we all understand how important small business is to our economy. The more you can grow, the more jobs you create and the stronger this city is,” said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. “And so that is what our interest is. We want to make sure the city is a good partner.” While not every startup finds...

Charles P. Ries: Standing naked with clothes on

Posted by Editor | May 6, 2016 |

Growing up in a strict Catholic home where nothing changed except dates on the calendar, it was no small step to leave behind the family mink farm to study Sufi mysticism in North Africa. Yet that step was only one of the many along a journey that Charles P. Ries has walked in his life. Taking him from an experience with the Dalai Lama, to the Hollywood film industry, fundraising for hundreds of nonprofits, becoming a prolific published author, supporting Milwaukee startups, and many points between and beyond in his search for peace, understanding, and God. | Q&A with...

Charles P. Ries: The Good Monk

Posted by Editor | May 6, 2016 |

Growing up in a strict Catholic home where nothing changed except dates on the calendar, it was no small step to leave behind the family mink farm to study Sufi mysticism in North Africa. Yet that step was only one of the many along a journey that Charles P. Ries has walked in his life.

Photo Essay: Dousman Civil War Encampment

Posted by Editor | May 5, 2016 |

The Elmbrook Historical Society held its 22nd Annual Civil War Encampment on May 1 at the Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum. During the two day event, soldier re-enactors camped overnight on the grounds. Their period campsites allowed visitors to step back in time to the era when our States fought each other. Along with tours of the Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum, Cushing’s Battery (USA) and Pelham’s Battery (CSA) demonstrated their artillery skills by firing cannons. Other historical performances included a field hospital, telegraph office, blacksmith shop, and concert. About the Dousman Stagecoach Inn Museum Originally built in 1842 by Talbot...

Evangelicals and Muslims facilitate community relationships

Posted by Editor | May 3, 2016 |

The capacity crowd of more than one hundred attendees came together in response to the growing trend of fear and hatred from Christians towards Muslims that has grown over time in Milwaukee and the country. Brew City Church hosted a panel discussion featuring local faith leaders and educators on April 29, in cooperation with Peace Catalyst International and the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. “It’s like a wave that is really hard to stop,” said Randy Knie, Lead Pastor of Brew City Church. “So this event is a way to push the pause button on this wave of misinformation and...