On Friday, June 19, 2020, the Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. (MHSI) hosted a special event to celebrate Juneteenth Day. As regular Juneteenth Day events were canceled due to coronavirus (COVID-19), MHSI decided to host a "Conquer COVID-19 Safety Kit Giveaway," at their MLK Heritage Health Center, 2555 N. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. The kit contained a mask. gloves, … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. hosts Juneteenth Day “Conquer COVID-19” giveaway event
National and Local News
Milwaukee spiritual leaders host first ever ‘Sit-In for Change’
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, Souls to the Polls, an organization that unites ministers and their congregations in Milwaukee’s central city to strengthen the voting power of the Black community, hosted a "Sit-In for Change," on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr., and North Ave. The event was organized by Pastors United President Gregory Lewis and King Solomon … [Read more...] about Milwaukee spiritual leaders host first ever ‘Sit-In for Change’
Harambee Neighborhood hosts 3rd annual clean-up
On Saturday, May 30, 2020, more than 1,000 volunteers helped clean 160 city blocks in the Harambee Neighborhood during the "3rd Annual MKE Harambee Clean-Up." Volunteers shoveled, raked, swept, and picked up garbage and debris. There were also booths throughout the neighborhood providing information and various health and community services. … [Read more...] about Harambee Neighborhood hosts 3rd annual clean-up
Safe & Sound’s Bridget Robinson promoted to senior director of operations and administration
Safe & Sound announces that Program Director Bridget Robinson will be promoted to Senior Director of Operations and Administration. This crucial new position for the organization will oversee and implement all internal operations. Robinson will serve as the number two at the organization, coordinating overall strategy around internal structure, culture and function … [Read more...] about Safe & Sound’s Bridget Robinson promoted to senior director of operations and administration
Milwaukee County declares Juneteenth Day an official holiday
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson announced on Monday, June 15, 2020, Executive Order #20-15, which makes Juneteenth Day an official holiday in Milwaukee County. "Beginning this year, Milwaukee County will officially recognize this important day in American history," said Crowley, the first African American elected to the … [Read more...] about Milwaukee County declares Juneteenth Day an official holiday
AABN hosts first annual ‘Well Mommy & Baby Care Package Drive-Up’
On Saturday, June 13, 2020, The African American Breastfeeding Network (AABN) and the Office of Early Childhood Initiatives (OECI) hosted the first annual Well Mommy & Baby Care Package Initiative Drive-Up at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2nd Street. More than 250 families received packages of essential goods and educational supplies. Items were purchased … [Read more...] about AABN hosts first annual ‘Well Mommy & Baby Care Package Drive-Up’
Trump signs police reform executive order that focuses on training, falls short of protesters’ demands
President Trump on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 addressed the issue of police brutality by taking executive action that would provide incentives for police departments to increase training about the use of force and to strengthen a national database to track misconduct. The president’s approach, which he announced at a Rose Garden event, seeks to leverage federal grant money to … [Read more...] about Trump signs police reform executive order that focuses on training, falls short of protesters’ demands
Milwaukee Common Council approves “I can’t breathe” resolution
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the full Common Council voted unanimously in approving a resolution urging the Fire and Police Commission to adopt a policy addressing any “I can’t breathe” plea by an individual who is in police custody. The resolution was introduced by Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II in response to the recent death of George Floyd as well as previous deaths of … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Common Council approves “I can’t breathe” resolution
What is Juneteenth? Holiday marking Emancipation Proclamation takes on extra importance in 2020
On June 19, Americans around the country will celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the Emancipation Proclamation in the USA. This year, the annual celebration of freedom comes as the country grapples with its long-standing history of systemic racism, as well as the fate of its Confederate monuments, flags and symbols amid nationwide protests against police brutality … [Read more...] about What is Juneteenth? Holiday marking Emancipation Proclamation takes on extra importance in 2020
George Floyd and #BLM protests continue for second week
Sunday, June 7, 2020 marked the tenth day of protests in the city of Milwaukee, more than two weeks after Floyd George died in police custody when a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost nine minutes. Over the past two weeks of protest we have seen violent and militaristic response from the police departments around the country. Many have used tear gas, … [Read more...] about George Floyd and #BLM protests continue for second week