Nearby Nature Milwaukee recognizes African American environmentalists
Photos by Yvonne Kemp
On Monday, February 24, 2025, Nearby Nature Milwaukee hosted the 6th annual “African American Environmental Pioneer Awards” (AAEPA), at the Urban Ecology Center located at Washington Park. The event recognized those in Milwaukee’s African American community working for a better environment. Nominees were chosen by previous honorees and event organizers. This year’s honorees included Nicki Espy of Neighborhood House for the Pioneer Award; LaDonna Green of Victory Garden Initiatives; Erin Moore of DNR Havenwoods; Kevin Patterson of Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District; Julien Phifer of Milwaukee County Parks, and Olivia Raasch of Urban Ecology Center were recognized with Rising Star Awards. The event also featured drummers from Ko-Thi African Dance Company; and Brenda Coley of Milwaukee Water Commons was the featured speaker.
