City of Milwaukee hosts ’15th Annual Bronzeville Week’ in celebration of African American culture and community
From August 2 – 9, 2025, neighbors, visitors and business owners will celebrate the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts and Africanbn American heritage with various events
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Bronzeville Week, a citywide celebration of African American culture, commerce and community in one of Milwaukee’s most historic neighborhoods. From Saturday, August 2, through Saturday, August 9, Bronzeville Week will host nearly 30 events that highlight the area’s revitalization and deep cultural roots, and foster positive community engagement.
“In 2025 we are celebrating the 15th year of Bronzeville Week, and with this year’s celebration comes a variety of returning events, as well as new offerings that include a look at Bronzeville’s past in addition to its future,” said Alderwoman Milele Coggs. “I hope the community is as excited as I am about the tremendous schedule of events we have lined up this year, and I encourage everyone to participate in one, or multiple, events as part of this year’s celebration.”
The week-long celebration offers activities for all ages, featuring daily events that showcase local businesses, artistic talent and opportunities for personal and professional development. While some events return as community favorites, others are brand new, sparking opportunities to discover the breadth of what Milwaukee has to offer.
The Milwaukee community is invited to events throughout the week.
A complete lineup of events and activities to engage in during Bronzeville Week can be found below:
Saturday, August 2:
HaRUNbee 5k Walk Run, 7:30 a.m. – Race day packet pick-up and registration 8:30 a.m. – 5k begins at Pete’s Fruit Market, 2323 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Mi Case Su Café: 1835 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr. Rise & Grind Café: 2737 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr. and Pepperpot: 2215 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Following the HaRUNbee 5k, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., stop by Mi Casa Su Café, Rise & Grind Café or Pepperpot for a delicious brunch meal.
Sunday, August 3:
Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
North Ave. between Dr. MLK, Jr., Dr. & 7th St., enjoy a day of celebration with local vendors, food tastings, three stages of live entertainment, and a kids’ zone that will line North Ave.
Monday, August 4:
United We Stand: The Power of Partnership and Collaboration, Reception at 5:00 p.m. – Program begins at 5:30 p.m. at America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave.
Tuesday, August 5:
BronzeHeal, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Allah Mode, 1942 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Wednesday, August 6:
Bronzeville Good Neighbors Block Party, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Garfield Ave. between Dr. MLK, Jr., Dr. & Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Celebrate community spirit at a fun, family-friendly block party featuring art, games and free activities — hosted by Jazales Art Studio, CopyWrite Magazine and Black & White Barbershop. It will be a fun-filled day where creativity and community come together to inspire!
20 Years of Building Bronzeville, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Rise & Grind Café, 2737 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Dr.
Join us for a powerful lunchtime conversation with local developers, Kalan Haywood of Haywood Group, Michael Emem of Emem Group, James Phelps of ICP Construction and Anthony Kazee of KG Development Group.
Mommy to Bee: Community Baby Shower, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
MLK Heritage Health Center, 2555N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Milwaukee Health Services, Inc. will be hosting a community baby shower to provide mothers with much-needed baby supplies and foster a positive community among moms.
Bronzeville Trolley Rides:
1st Tour 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., 2nd Tour 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Pick up at ThriveOn King Drive, 2153 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Board the Bronzeville Trolley Rides for a one-hour guided tour of the district featuring new developments, current businesses and historical references in Bronzeville. The first tour begins at 2:00 p.m. and the second at 3:30 p.m. *Space is limited. First come, first serve.
Line Dancing with Lady Jai Janay, – 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Garfield Ave. between N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr. & Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Mosey on down to Garfield Ave. between Dr. MLK Dr. & Vel R. Phillips Ave. to join line dancing instructor Lady Jai Janay for a line dancing lesson. No registration required.
Thursday, August 7:
Bronzeville Business Breakfast, 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave.
Start your day on Thursday, August 7, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. with the Bronzeville Business Breakfast. At this event, business owners and community members can connect, hear key neighborhood updates and explore resources to support business growth and success.
Backstage Pass: The Making of a Bronzeville Mural, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
1916 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Get an exclusive behind-the- scenes look at how a Bronzeville mural comes to life. Join the Reginald Baylor Studio Team for an interactive evening where fine art meets fashion. Hosted by 1916 Black, Culture x Design, and Reginald Baylor Studios.
What’s up with the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
YWCA, 1915 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Enjoy great food, fun activities, and resources as we celebrate the power of community and collaboration. We’re growing, rebuilding, and evolving—and we want YOU to be part of what’s next at the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin, right here in the heart of Bronzeville!
Voices of Milwaukee Bronzeville, Bronzeville Talk Back with Author Dr. Sandra E. Jones, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Niche Book Bar, 1937 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Dr.
A book reading and conversation with Milwaukee author Dr. Sandra Jones. A history of the Cream City’s lost black neighborhood told by the people who lived there.
From Script to Screen: An Acting Workshop with Rotimi of the Chi, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy, 2212 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Nigerian-American actor and singer Rotimi—known for Power and The Chi— will be the featured speaker at the Bronzeville Actors Workshop. Rotimi will share personal stories, behind- the-scenes insights and tips for aspiring creatives, followed by a fun, interactive Q&A.
Upon arrival, participants will check in and pick from several workshops, including: Director’s Workshop, “Filmmaking & Educational Series”, “Swift Motion Pictures: Movie Mastery, Shoot It Right: Mastering Scene Coverage”, and the “Actor Workshop”.
The Bronzeville Ride, Meet-up 10:00 a.m.; ride begins at 10:30 a.m.
Niche Book Bar, 1937 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Celebrate the end of Bronzeville Week with a community bike ride starting at the Niche Book Bar. Participants may join the ride for as long as they would like.
Crowned in Color: Bronzeville Art Walk, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Food for Health, 2007 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Throughout Bronzeville Week, the work of local professional and amateur artists will be displayed in businesses along King Drive, inviting visitors to explore the neighborhood and vote on their favorite pieces.
The week-long celebration wraps up with a final art showcase at Food for Health from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 9. During the event, attendees can enjoy live performances, participate in interactive demonstrations, purchase artwork, and support local artists and businesses.
Feel the Culture: An Intimate Evening with LaRoyce Hawkins of “Chicago P.D.”, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Rise & Grind Café, 2737 N. Dr. MLK., Jr., Dr.
Experience the soul of music, culture and healing as we welcome LaRoyce Hawkins of Chicago P.D. for an intimate conversation hosted by Promise and music by Gee-A. Enjoy TV-inspired games, an interactive Q&A session and the opportunity to connect with LaRoyce in a powerful, culturally rich setting. This unforgettable evening invites you to come together in peace, love and unity because Milwaukee deserves celebration.
Bronzeville Week is hosted by Alderwoman Milele Coggs and is supported by the City of Milwaukee, Historic King Drive BID No. 8, the Brewers Community Foundation, Bader Philanthropies, Visit Milwaukee, Mueller Communications, ThriveOn Collaboration, Walmart, JJ Fish and Chicken, area businesses, and numerous sponsors, including corporate and philanthropic sectors.
