9 ways to celebrate Black History Month in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
January 31, 2020
Rep. Kalan Haywood and Ald. Milele Coggs show the next generation the power of poetry during the Black History Month Read-in at the Milwaukee Public Library’s MLK branch last year. Throughout February, the Milwaukee Public Library will host multiple black history events at branches across the city. (File photo by Analise Pruni)
February is Black History Month, and around Milwaukee, there is no shortage of events to celebrate the achievements of African Americans.
Here are some you won’t want to miss.
(Don’t see your favorite Black History Month event? If we missed yours, please post it here. You also can send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month.”)
1. Black History Month with Black Lens and Milwaukee Film: Throughout February
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Black Lens and MKE Film have teamed up with organizations and leaders throughout the city to host a month-long series to inspire conversation, celebration and community. Highlights of their schedule include a screening of five short films directed by black women about black women, a conversation with black female filmmakers, the Milwaukee premiere of a documentary about soul singer D’Angelo, and more.
2. Black History Month with your Milwaukee Public Library: Throughout February
the Milwaukee Public Library will host multiple black history events at branches across the city. From lectures on black male suffrage in Wisconsin and the history of Bronzeville, to black history jeopardy, to book talks and “read-ins” on African American literature, there is something for everyone.
3. Black History Month Kickoff Gallery Night: Saturday, Feb. 1
Vibez Creative Arts Space, 3536 W. Fond du Lac Ave., is celebrating black history with a Black History Month Kickoff Gallery Night on Saturday, Feb. 1. Guests can stop in from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to meet local artists as well as the sponsors Canned Beatz Art Space and Feisty Impressions. Click here to get tickets.
4. Milwaukee’s Black Lives Matter Week of Action: Monday, Feb. 3 through Friday, Feb. 7
In partnership with community organizations, MPS will host Black Lives Matter Week of Action from Feb. 3 to Feb. 7. From an open mic night to an intergenerational snack and kickback night, all events are free and open to the public.
5. Black History Month Education Conference: Saturday, Feb. 8
Hosted by the Black Student Union of Cardinal Stritch University and Christian Woman Perspective Ministries, the second annual Black History Month Education Conference will focus on “The Intersectionality of the African Diaspora and the African American.” The conference takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Sister Camille Kliebahn Conference Center, 6801 North Yates Rd.
6. Milwaukee County Community Black History Month program: Thursday, Feb. 13
The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors will host its Annual Black History Month program on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum, 2620 W. Center St.
The celebration’s theme is “African Americans and the Vote” and all community members are welcome to attend. The County Board will present awards to individuals, organizations or groups nominated by their neighbors.
7. Honoring African American Environmental Pioneers: Monday, Feb. 17
This will be a night honoring African American pioneers and contemporary leaders committed to building a better environment for all.
Hosted by Nearby Nature Milwaukee, Milwaukee Water Commons, Sierra Club and Greater Milwaukee Foundation, the event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society & Museum, 2620 W. Center St.
Drummers from Ko-Thi African Dance Company will perform a “Call to Ceremony” to begin the 6:30 p.m. program. The program will also include student poets and spoken word artists.
While registration for this event is free, participants are encouraged to join museum tours from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for $5. For more information and for tickets, click here.
8. Running Rebels’ Black History Month: The past, the present, the future: Friday, Feb. 28
Join Running Rebels for its annual Black History program on Friday, Feb. 28 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roosevelt Middle School, 800 W. Walnut St. The event will feature the annual Knowledge Bowl as well as performances and presentations by talented youths.
9. We Are The Drum performances:
We Are The Drum 2020 is “a celebration of African American heritage, history and culture” hosted by Capita Productions at Milwaukee Marshall High School, 4141 N. 64th St.
The community show is Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., and public shows are on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door (excluding the community show) and $10 online here. For more show dates and information, see the Facebook event.
Don’t see your favorite Black History Month event? If we missed yours, please post it here. You also can send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org with the subject line “Black History Month.”