Black women have been on the forefront of the fight for labor rights for decades, helping improve conditions for all of America’s workers. Historically excluded from many good jobs, they’ve performed much of the essential but difficult work underpinning our economy without the protections afforded to other workers. For example, the Social Security Act of 1935 initially excluded … [Read more...] about Eight black female labor leaders you should know
Black History Month
Black History Month observances at MPS raise awareness of contributions to society
Black History Month began February 1, 2025. All this month, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is celebrating and commemorating the contributions of black Americans throughout U.S. history. To raise awareness of those contributions, students district-wide have been researching, rehearsing, making art, and planning events and observances. Black History Month began as a week-long … [Read more...] about Black History Month observances at MPS raise awareness of contributions to society
Celebrating Black History Month 2025: African Americans and Labor
The 2025 Black History Month theme, African Americans and Labor, focuses on the various and profound ways that work of all kinds – free and paid; skilled and unskilled; vocational and voluntary – intersect with the collective experiences of black people. Indeed, work is at the very center of much of black history and culture. Be it the traditional agricultural labor of enslaved … [Read more...] about Celebrating Black History Month 2025: African Americans and Labor
Trump marks Black History Month while Pentagon declares ‘identity months dead’
The Trump White House issued a proclamation Friday, January 31, 2025 recognizing February as Black History Month around the same time the U.S. Department of Defense issued guidance declaring "identity months dead.” The conflicting messages came as President Donald Trump has been targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs for removal in the first weeks of his … [Read more...] about Trump marks Black History Month while Pentagon declares ‘identity months dead’
Writing the next chapter
In the days following President Barack Obama’s first inauguration, the preparations for Black History Month felt especially joyful. That was a moment when the entire nation could see black history and American history being written at the same time. The record-breaking sea of nearly two million multicolored faces of all ages and from every nook and cranny of America cheering … [Read more...] about Writing the next chapter
Here’s the story behind Black History Month —and why it’s celebrated in February
Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. This year's theme, focuses on "African Americans and Labor,” focuses on the various and profound ways that work of all … [Read more...] about Here’s the story behind Black History Month —and why it’s celebrated in February
A Black History wake-up call
It is time for African Americans to wake up and see reality as it is. February is here, which means it is once again Black History Month. This is the month where African Americans can focus on understanding history and possibly changing their present. It is time for African Americans to wake up and make some radical changes or they won’t have a future. February 2025 needs … [Read more...] about A Black History wake-up call
African American Environmental Pioneer Awards hosts 5th annual event for Black History Month
The 5TH Annual African American Environmental Pioneers Awards (AAEPA) were held on Monday, February 19, 2024 at the Ivy House, 906 S. Barclay St. These awards were first held in 2020, in effort to recognize African American community members who have dedicated themselves to work in service to the Milwaukee community and the planet, through their work in environmental … [Read more...] about African American Environmental Pioneer Awards hosts 5th annual event for Black History Month
Black history, women’s history: Septima Clark
As Black History Month ends and Women’s History Month begins, it’s always a special privilege to honor leaders who overlap in both—black women who did their part to change American history. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement’s Freedom Summer, one of these leaders to know and honor is Septima Clark, the woman Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., called the … [Read more...] about Black history, women’s history: Septima Clark
Village of Brown Deer hosts first-ever Black History Program
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the Village of Brown Deer hosted its very first community-wide Black History Program. The theme: "We Are Black History - We Are Brown Deer." The village took this time to celebrate the month and recognize three Black History Makers who live in and/or have a business in Brown Deer. This year they honored: Angela Walters, past President of the … [Read more...] about Village of Brown Deer hosts first-ever Black History Program