Milwaukee author and activist Reggie Jackson speaks at the Milwaukee Public Library. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Black History Month celebrates accomplishments of African-Americans and marks their roles is U.S. history. Milwaukee has its own history of prominent black Americans and their achievements. Here are ways those interested can learn about black history during February.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
Milwaukee is home to America’s Black Holocaust Museum, 11933 W. Burleigh St., which aims to educate people about the legacy of slavery and actions people can take to create a more equal society. The museum is hosting different tours and exhibits throughout February.
Wisconsin Black Arts Festival
The 2018 Wisconsin Black Arts Festival will be held Feb. 2-4 at the Milwaukee African-American Women’s Center, 3020 W. Vliet St. The event will offer music, food, fashion and more featuring black Wisconsin artists. Registration is available here.
Wisconsin Black Historical Society
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., is hosting Genealogy Conference: What’s your story from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. There will also be Urban Heroes: Urban Wood Art Exhibition from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
Milwaukee Public Library
The Milwaukee Public Library is hosting several events to celebrate Black History Month including a class on the history of jazz; film screenings of “13th” and “Milwaukee: 53206”; and a talk by Milwaukee activist Reggie Jackson on structural and institutional racism. Dates, times and locations are available here.
Jewish Museum Milwaukee
Jewish Museum Milwaukee, 1360 N. Prospect Ave., is celebrating Black History Month with events that include a film screening of From Swastika to Jim Crow at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, and a talk by Reggie Jackson on Redlining, Racism and Reflection at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. Information on registration, prices and more events is available here.
UWM Union Cinema
The UWM Union Cinema, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. is hosting several films in observance of Black History Month. The films include Marshall at 6 p.m. Feb. 8 and Whose Streets, a documentary about the Ferguson Uprising, at 6 p.m. Feb. 28. More information about tickets, dates and times is available here.
If you know of other events celebrating Black History Month in Milwaukee, please feel free to comment below.
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Capita Productions presents “We Are the Drum” 2018 at Milwaukee Marshall High, 4141 N. 64th Street.
“We Are the Drum” is an educational, enlightening and entertaining production that is filled with powerful singing, poetry and dance. The show embarks on an inspirational journey, celebrating a rich African-American Heritage. The show consists of actors and actresses ranging from ages 5 to 70 which will leave a positive impact on every audience. This year’s production will encourage all viewers to move from ‘hate’ to ‘love’.
Shows this weekend are Friday, Feb 16th at 7:00 PM, buy one ticket, get one half price for Saturday, February 17th at 3:00 PM or 7:00 PM. All shows are $10 each. Special Super Sunday, February 18th at 4:00 PM, all seats are $5. Tickets will be available at the door one hour before show time for all dates.
Tickets also available for Friday and Saturday shows at http://www.eventbrite.com.
It’s good to know that Milwaukee has its own history of prominent black Americans and celebration.