Village of Brown Deer celebrates 2nd annual Black History Month

The 2nd Annual Black History Month program took place on February 18, 2025, at Brown Deer Middle School, bringing together friends, neighbors, business owners, and government officials to celebrate the achievements of black village residents and highlight often-overlooked history.

Building on last year’s success at the Brown Deer Library, this year’s program was a collaborative effort by the Brown Deer Community Foundation, the Brown Deer School District, and the Village of Brown Deer. Three distinguished residents were honored, including Chief Circuit Judge Carl Ashley, who is the first African American man to hold this position in Milwaukee County; Carol Haywood, a former teacher turned opera singer who was the first African American to sing with Milwaukee’s Skylight Theatre; and Dennis “Bose” Biddle, a former Negro League baseball player, who made history in 1953 as the youngest player to debut with the Chicago American Giants at age 17.

Attendees enjoyed food and refreshments from Perkins Boyz on the Grill; along with performances by Frani Robinson; student poet Zoe Robinson; Benito and Shirley Leatherwood; and Brown Deer Elementary 4th and 5th graders in an African drum and dance presentation.