Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Jason Rae: LGBT Commerce and Community

Posted by Editor | Mar 28, 2016 |

The youngest person ever elected to the Democratic National Committee, Jason Rae is a political advocate for government accountability and works to build social equality for the LGBT community of Wisconsin. | Q&A with Jason Rae Milwaukee Independent: What do you enjoy most about the electoral process of our democratic form of government? Jason Rae: What I enjoy most is that we, the general public, get a direct say in selecting our representatives and have the opportunity for our voices to be heard on issues. I love that people are able to get out and advocate on behalf of the...

Arte Para Todos festival returns to support schools

Posted by Editor | Mar 25, 2016 |

Join Milwaukee musicians and artists at neighborhoods around the city in a festival that supports art programs in local schools. Arte Para Todos (APT), Art for Everyone, is a four-day music that will run from Thursday, April 21 to Sunday, April 24. Participating local bands will waive one hundred percent of their fees so that the proceeds will go towards art and music programs in four local schools. The event will span over 25 venues and feature over 90 local bands. Last year’s inaugural Arte Para Todos raised $21,235.19 and the festival promises to generate even more for school...

Carla Brockman: Remembering our veterans of color

Posted by Editor | Mar 24, 2016 |

Growing up in the same neighborhood as Vel Phillips, Carla Brockman never expected to one day be part of a re-enactment group for Wisconsin’s only colored troops in the Civil War. But working with wounded soldiers at the VA has given her a unique perspective for the timeless effect of war. | Q&A with Carla Brockman Milwaukee Independent: When did you first discover Company F, 29th Infantry Regiment U.S. Colored Troops (USCT)? Carla Brockman: The Milwaukee Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center used to have a multi-era event called Reclaiming Our Heritage. It was held annually on the VA grounds and...

Carla Brockman: Heroes of the Union

Posted by Editor | Mar 24, 2016 |

Growing up in the same neighborhood as Vel Phillips, Carla Brockman never expected to one day be part of a re-enactment group for Wisconsin’s only colored troops in the Civil War. But working with wounded soldiers at the VA has given her a unique perspective for the timeless effect of war.

Milwaukee Wins Intergenerational Communities Award

Posted by Editor | Mar 24, 2016 |

City of Milwaukee Wins America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Award for Community with Emphasis on Programs, Policies Benefitting All Generations. The City of Milwaukee has been awarded the MetLife Foundation / Generations United America’s Best Intergenerational Communities Award. Since 2010, the awards program has recognized 18 innovative communities across America that are leading the way by incorporating intergenerational solutions that engage the wisdom and vitality of all generations. Mayor Barrett, in partnership with the St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, applied for the award. A blue-ribbon panel of judges selected the winning entries from among a host of applicants from...

Educators show concern by voting early

Posted by Editor | Mar 24, 2016 |

The general election for Wisconsin is April 5, but in-person absentee voting began on March 21 at the Frank P. Zeidler Municipal Building. A group of educators from the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) system gathered on Monday to cast their votes, and bring public attention to the early voting opportunity. “This election is to important to sit out. The future of our city and schools is at stake,” said Alex Brower, a substitute teacher at Bayview High School who came to vote early because he will not be able to on election day. The Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA)...