‘Urban Heroes, Urban Wood’ tells story of Milwaukee’s black community

(All photos by Sue Vliet)
Cri-Edward Chapman depicts images from the Al Moreland Boxing Club, located in the Milwaukee Athletic Club. Moreland taught boxing to Milwaukee youth for more than 50 years, until his death in 2009.
At left, a portrait of Bernice Copeland-Lindsay by Darron Reed. At right, artist Larry Leake's depiction of William T. Green.
Artist Darron Reed stands with his portrait of Lloyd A. Barbee, a Milwaukee attorney who sued to integrate Milwaukee Public Schools and who later served in the Wisconsin state legislature.
(At left) Artist Bobby Sanford, Jr. portrays Joshua Glover, an escaped slave who came from the south to Wisconsin, was jailed in Milwaukee under the Fugitive Slave Act, then freed by abolitionists. He eventually made it to Canada via the Underground Railroad. (At right) Artist Willie Weaver-Bey portrays the late Milwaukee radio broadcaster Eric Von.
(At left) Artist Darron Reed's portrait of Milwaukee attorney and activist Lloyd A. Barbee. (At right) Artist Alicia Christina's portrait of attorney Mabel W. Raimey, who attended Marquette University Law School and became the first black woman to be admitted to the Wisconsin bar.
Depiction of a black Milwaukee worker by artist Luther Hall, also known as "Mistaloo Meff."
(At left) A portrait of Caroline Quarrells, an escaped teenage slave who received sanctuary in Milwaukee in the mid-19th century. (At right) A portrait by artist Ras 'Ammar Nsoroma of Milwaukee activist Juanita Adams, who fought for school desegregation and later on behalf of victims of abuse and human trafficking.
Willie Weaver-Bey, a U.S. military veteran who learned to paint while serving a 40-year sentence in federal prison, stands with his portrait of Milwaukee radio broadcaster Eric Von, who passed away last year.

A group exhibit of paintings and photographs displayed on wood from Milwaukee’s ash trees is running at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 Center St., until March 17.

The exhibit, called “Urban Heroes, Urban Wood,” tells the story of Milwaukee’s black community. It is presented by the Fresh Perspective Art Collective, the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Wisconsin Urban Wood.

Among the Milwaukeeans portrayed in the artwork are Lloyd A. Barbee, William T. Green, Bernice Copeland-Lindsay, Mabel W. Raimey and Eric Von.

Participating artists include Cri-Edward Chapman, Alicia Christina, Luther Hall, Larry Leake, Ras ‘Ammar Nsoroma, Darron Reed, Bobby Sanford, Jr. and Willie Weaver-Bey.

The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is free for Wisconsin Black Historical Society members. General admission is $5; $4 for children age 12 and younger; and $4 for senior citizens.

‘Urban Heroes, Urban Wood’ tells story of Milwaukee’s black community

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