Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Janan Najeeb: On being Muslim in Milwaukee

Posted by Editor | Mar 1, 2016 |

A microbiologist by profession and mother of five, Janan Najeeb left her career to advocate for the understanding of Muslim culture in Milwaukee, and uses education to change public misperceptions. As founder of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition and spokeswoman for Muslim issues in the city, she has been dedicated to social justice and positive change that touches all Milwaukee communities and people of faith. | Q&A with Janan Najeeb Milwaukee Independent: Experiences are different for each individual, but what is it like for Muslims in Milwaukee to practice their faith? Janan Najeeb: In general, it is not difficult. However,...

Janan Najeeb: An Interfaith Education

Posted by Editor | Mar 1, 2016 |

A microbiologist by profession and mother of five, Janan Najeeb left her career to advocate for the understanding of Muslim culture in Milwaukee, and uses education to change public misperceptions. As founder of the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition and spokeswoman for Muslim issues in the city, she has been dedicated to social justice and positive change that touches all Milwaukee communities and people of faith.

Photo Essay: Founder’s Day

Posted by Editor | Feb 29, 2016 |

Highlights from the stage play rehearsal and Founder’s Day Gathering held at the Milwaukee Public Library, presented by America’s Black Holocaust Museum.

Local leaders detail epic fail at Lincoln Hills and lack of public interest

Posted by Editor | Feb 28, 2016 |

City officials and Milwaukee citizens expressed their frustration and outrage at State authorities over the ongoing scandal at Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls. The Community Brainstorming Conference hosted the breakfast forum on February 27 at Saint Matthew C.M.E. Church to a packed crowd of concerned parents and local residents. “We need to not lose sight of the fact that there are kids up there that deserves so much better than what they’re getting right now,” said Chris Abele, Milwaukee County Executive. He noted that because Lincoln Hills is three and half hours north...

Usinger Day honors 136 years of its sausage in Milwaukee

Posted by Editor | Feb 27, 2016 |

Since 1880, Usinger’s has been making sausage on Old World Third Street. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele declared February 23rd Fred Usinger Day in Milwaukee in recognition of Usinger’s lasting legacy in the community. This special proclamation, issued originally in 2005, recognized Usinger¹s as a family owned and operated local business spanning 136 years and four generations. After arriving in Milwaukee from Frankfurt, Germany, Fred Usinger Sr. eventually took over a small butcher shop where he was an employee. He later married a niece of the former owner, and the company has remained in...

Milwaukee Film expands for 2016 Festival

Posted by Editor | Feb 27, 2016 |

Milwaukee Film announced that the 8th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival will take place from September 22 to October 6, 2016. The 15-day festival will include feature films, shorts programs, education screenings, post-film conversations, and panel discussions. Donald and Donna Baumgartner have also renewed their support of the Milwaukee Film Festival for another five consecutive years, pledging $600,000 towards the festival through 2020. The Baumgartner family’s support has grown dramatically since the festival began, from their initial membership in 2010 to today, and includes Donna’s involvement on Milwaukee Film’s Board of Directors since 2012. Their renewed contribution for the 2016-2020...