New York Times’ travel list recognizes Bronzeville’s achievements
The New York Times has released its annual list of 52 Places for Travelers to visit for 2022 and atop the list is Italy’s island town of Chioggia in the Venetian lagoon.
At No. 52 is the Daintree Rainforest in Australia.
But, look, nestled just below Monaco and just above Thaidene Nëné National Park Reseve in Canada’s Northwest Territories, at number 49, is “Bronzeville, Milwaukee!”
Not just Milwaukee. But Bronzeville.
The year’s list has taken a slightly different approach, called “52 Places for a Changed World,” The Times says, “The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution.”
What a coup, especially for the many Milwaukeeans – business owners, residents, local leaders, visitors – who have helped spark a renaissance there.
From the good news over at America’s Black Holocaust Museum – which recently received a generous donation and will soon open its doors to the public – to the thriving Gee’s Clippers and Skybox Sports Bar – to name but two businesses – to the in-progress build-outs at the new homes on King Drive of the Dohmen Foundation and the Thrive On Collaboration in the former Schuster’s/ Gimbels to the recently expanded Milwaukee Youth Arts Center and on and on, Bronzeville is notching win after win these days.
And the nation’s newspaper of record has taken notice.
Here’s some of what Washington D.C.-based writer Shayla Martin said about Bronzeville (alongside a great photo by Milwaukee’s Kevin Miyazaki):
“At times overshadowed by its namesake neighborhood in Chicago, Milwaukee’s Bronzeville district is again distinguishing itself as a center of African American culture. … Today’s Bronzeville is supported by about $400 million of redevelopment funds from organizations like the Historic King Drive BID, P3 Development Group and Maures Development Group (all led by people of color). Symbolic of this reinvigoration is the reopening next year of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. … Nearby, businesses like Gee’s Clippers (a barbershop housed in a 1930s bank) and the Bronzeville Collective (a retail space featuring local Black brands) elevate African American artistry, while the newly opened Maranta Plant Shop, Sam’s Place Jazz Cafe and soon-to-open Niche Book Bar prove that Bronzeville is back.”
In a statement released by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs on Janurary 11, 2022, she states, “Whether you live locally or are a visitor to our great city, I would encourage everyone to heed the advice of the New York Times and make Bronzeville an addition to your travel destination list this year.
