5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: March 29 to April 3 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
March 29, 2021
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is celebrating the birthday of civil rights giant César E. Chavez on Wednesday, March 31. (File photo by Adam Carr)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Neighborhood Improvement District information session: Monday, March 29
The Lindsay Heights Neighborhood Improvement District is hosting an information session for homeowners and landlords. The meeting will take place virtually from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 29. To register, click here.
2. MATC hosts conversation with “How to be an antiracist” author Ibram X. Kendi: Wednesday, March 31
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Milwaukee Area Technical College will host a virtual “Conversation with Professor Ibram X. Kendi,” one of America’s foremost historians and leading antiracist scholars, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 31 on the Zoom platform. The free, public event will feature Kendi answering questions that have been submitted by the audience.
Kendi, the author of “How to be an antiracist,” is the Andrew W. Mellon professor in the humanities and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research. ty. In 2020, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world. The event is co-sponsored by MATC; MATC’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee; and Milwaukee PBS. It will be moderated by Earl Arms, host of Milwaukee PBS’ “Black Nouveau.”  Space is limited, and you can pre-register by clicking here.
3. Amani and Metcalfe Park community vaccine clinics: Wednesday, March 31
The City of Milwaukee and Northwestern Mutual have partnered to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to residents living in the 53206 and 53210 ZIP codes. This week’s community clinic will be at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2626 W. Center St., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31. This is a walk-up clinic; no appointment necessary. For additional dates, click here.
4. Third annual César E. Chavez birthday celebration: Wednesday, March 31
The Marcus Performing Arts Center is hosting its third annual César E. Chavez birthday virtual celebration at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31. This year’s theme is “commUNITY.” The celebration will include performances by local organizations, an essay contest for youths and more.
5. Milwaukee County Transit System Fair Chance Thursday: Thursday, April 1
Employ Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Transit System are hosting an information session on job opportunities at MCTS. Those interested must first attend the “Do’s and Don’ts Virtual Interviewing Workshop” at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 31.  The meeting will take place on Zoom at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 1. To RSVP for both webinars, contact Frederick Nelson at 414-335-5208 or Frederick.Nelson@employmilwaukee.org. Space is limited.
Bonus: Side Hustle workshops registration deadline: Wednesday, March 31
Walnut Way is offering its Side Hustle workshops series, which helps entrepreneurs take their business to the next level. The workshops are free and start Thursday, April 15. Advanced registration is required by Wednesday, March 31. To register, click here. Participants who attend all four workshops and present a pitch in workshop five will be eligible to receive a grant or a spot in the WWBIC business accelerator program. Award winners must live or have a business in the Lindsay Heights neighborhood.  The workshops will be online from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For more information, contact Chandra Ellis, community wealth building coordinator, at cellis@walnutway.org or call 414-264-2326, Ext. 14.
Bonus: Milwaukee Rep to reopen in April: Tuesday, April 27
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is reopening for in-person performances beginning in April. The theater will be performing “Ella Fitzgerald: First Lady of Song” at the Quadracci Powerhouse Theater, 108 E. Wells St., starting Tuesday, April 27. The show stars Alexis J. Roston as Ella Fitzgerald. Tickets for the show are on sale now and can be purchased online or by calling the ticket office at 414-224-9490.
Bonus: The Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division recently issued a reminder that local mental health resources are available for county residents. The resources are free. Those in need of help can reach out to the following: IMPACT 2-1-1; the Milwaukee County 24-hour health crisis line, 414-257-7222; the Milwaukee County Children’s Mobile Crisis team, 414-257-7621; and the Milwaukee County resource and referral line, 414-257-7607.