

Robert Smith, the resident historian of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, will be moderating the panel for the “Systems of Racial Violence” discussion series. (NNS file photo)
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. Boys & Girls Clubs summer programming: Monday, June 14 and Monday, June 21
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee is ready to begin its summer programs. Programming at the Legacy Clubs will begin on Monday, June 14 with school-based clubs set to open on Monday, June 21. Click here to enroll or contact your club manager. Clubs provide a safe space for children and teenagers and offer various activities and healthy meals and snacks.
2. Ma’ruf Center commUNITY barbeque: Monday, June 14
The Ma’ruf Center for Youth Innovation is hosting a community barbeque. The theme is “stop the violence.” The barbeque will take place at the Ma’ruf Center, 2110 W. Hampton Ave., from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 14. The event is free and open to the public.
3. Native Wellness Garden: Sunflower garden planting: Tuesday, June 15
The Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center’s Native Wellness Garden will be planting a sunflower garden. The event will take place at the garden, 3780 S. 6th St., beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 15. The clinic’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention team will also be in attendance.
4. “The Black Fatherhood Project”: Documentary screening and discussion: Wednesday, June 16
The Black Child Development Institute of Milwaukee is screening Jordan Theirry’s 2013 documentary, “The Black Fatherhood Project.” The screening and talk back will be held at the Abundant Faith Church of Integrity, 7830 W. Good Hope Rd., from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16. This event is free and open to the public. The documentary looks into Thierry’s personal history, explores the roots of Black absentee parenting, covers conversations on parenting and more.
5. Systems of Racial Violence: A discussion series: Thursday, June 17
The Milwaukee Public Museum and America’s Black Holocaust Museum are hosting the second part of their panel discussion series, “Systems of Racial Violence.” The series is a part of the Nelson Mandela exhibition currently on display at the Milwaukee Public Museum. This session’s theme is “The Long Struggle: Resistance Movements Against Apartheid and Jim Crow.” The panel discussion will be moderated by Robert Smith, the resident historian of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. It will take place on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 17.
Bonus: Mission Fuel pitch event and celebration: Tuesday, June 15
Cardinal Stritch University’s Mission Fuel’s fourth cohort is hosting a celebration. The cohort consists of seven nonprofit organizations, including TransCenter for Youth, Escuela Verde, Progress Center for Black Women and more. Members of the organizations will pitch their strategy ideas designed to diversify revenue streams and create more vibrant social enterprises. The event will take place online from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15. To register, click here.
Bonus: Metcalfe Park mural draft rollout: Monday, June 14
Metcalfe Park is getting a street mural. Community partners including Imagine MKE, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Artists Working in Education, Quan Caston, a community artist, and several more are getting ready to roll out the mural design. The event will take place in Butterfly Park, 3717 W. Meinecke Ave., from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday, June 14. There will be resources, music, barbecue and more.
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