Lee Matz, Author at Milwaukee Independent

George Banda: An American story from Mexico to Vietnam

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 24, 2017 |

Celebrated as an American hero for his service in Vietnam, Milwaukee native George Banda has always been uncomfortable with any titles of honor. In a reflection of his humility for being awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star as an Army Medic, he says he was just doing the job our country trained him for. As the grandson of legal immigrants from Mexico, Banda understands the social perceptions of Latinos in his hometown, and the shared struggle with self-identity and pride at being an American who is ethnically Mexican.

Photo Essay: Day Without Latinos brings Courthouse protest

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 14, 2017 |

An estimated 30,000 people marched on February 13 to protest Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke’s intention to enroll his department in the Federal 287g program, which would empower his deputies to act as ICE agents.

Mayor Barrett’s Home Gr/own initiative to expand Fondy Market

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 13, 2017 |

“HOME GR/OWN converts Northside vacant lots into healthy green spaces for neighborhoods, which drive economic development, job creation, increases the quality of life, and we are proud to say that since we started in 2014 we have worked on 30 site so far.” – Tim McCollow, HOME GR/OWN Project Manager Mayor Tom Barrett announced his vision and construction details for a new green space, during a press conference seeking public input on the plans that was held on February 8 at the St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. The lot had been vacant and blighted for decades, and in...

Photo Essay: Milwaukee Gathers in Unity for Human Dignity

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 10, 2017 |

On February 7, concerned members of the Milwaukee public attended an event organized by the Unity for Human Dignity Coalition (U4HD), where advocacy, community organizations, elected officials, and local citizens showed their support for immigrants.

From ‘on location’ to public ‘screening’ with “Around the Corner”

Posted by Lee Matz | Feb 2, 2017 |

The preview party for the Whitefish Bay episode of “Around the Corner with John McGivern” was held in a packed auditorium at the Whitefish Bay High School on January 24. The highly rated Milwaukee PBS series began filming its sixth season in the spring of 2016. The Milwaukee Independent spent a full day traveling with the crew of “Around the Corner with John McGivern” on June 9, while filming the Whitefish Bay episode. The Milwaukee PBS program has a staff of 14 who work full-time to produce each show. In the series, Emmy Award-winning actor John McGivern explores what...

Photo Essay: ZIP MKE Exhibit

Posted by Lee Matz | Jan 31, 2017 |

ZIP MKE, which has collected almost 900 photographs of all 28 zip codes in Milwaukee since the end of September 2016, presented an exhibition of selected images their online gallery at the Milwaukee Public Library’s Central Branch. The kick-off celebration featured guest speakers, food, jazz, feature photographers, and neighborly conversation. The mission of ZIP MKE has been to break down the geographical and social barriers that divide us in the city of Milwaukee, by helping us to see each other and the places we inhabit. This formal exhibit was the first public step in that effort. As the online...