It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please submit your news by clicking here at least two weeks in advance.

The African American Roundtable, a nonprofit organization that advocates for better policies for the Black community, is hosting a block party on Saturday. (NNS file photo by PrincessSafiya Byers)

1. Open mic at Mobay Cafe: Saturday, Aug. 12

With just a $5 entry fee, you can participate in a Sole Healing Arts open mic at Mobay Cafe, 1022 S. 1st St. Singers, poets and musicians will display their craft on Saturday, Aug. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. More information here.

Advertisement

2. Northwest Side block party: Saturday, Aug. 12

A Northwest Side community block party will take place at Thoreau Elementary School, 7878 N. 60th St. on Saturday, Aug. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. This event is presented by the African American Roundtable, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the Black community. There will be entertainment, vendors, food and resources. More information here.

3. Free neighborhood health outreach: Saturday, Aug. 12

Every second Saturday of the month, a free neighborhood health outreach is held for guests where they receive services such as health screenings, walk-ins for a dental hygienist, breast exams and more. The next outreach is Saturday, Aug. 12 at City on a Hill, 2224 W. Kilbourn Ave., from noon to 2 p.m. More information here.  

4. A Mother’s Healing in Hope’s prayer brunch and conference: Saturday, Aug. 12

Recovering after losing a child isn’t easy. A Mother’s Healing in Hope supports grieving mothers through a prayer brunch and conference that discusses resilience and provides  encouragement on their healing journey. This is free for mothers who have lost a child. The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to  3 p.m. at 5112 N. 37th St. More information here.  

5. Community book fair: Saturday, Aug. 12

LucasCares MKE is hosting a community book fair on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on 5501 W. Fond du Lac Ave. All books will be free for students in kindergarten to sixth grades. More information here.

BONUS: NNSpirit Week ends Friday, Aug. 11

It’s not too late to help ensure that Milwaukee residents continue to have access to trustworthy and meaningful news and information—news that truly serves our neighborhoods and is free to all. We have set a goal of raising $12,000 to celebrate our 12th anniversary. But we need you to get there. Help support our efforts to give Milwaukee the newsroom it deserves.

Creative Commons License

Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.

Chesnie Wardell serves as the intergenerational reporter for NNS. In addition, she writes features on notable North Side and South Side residents. She reported for other newsrooms like the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, covered teacher vacancies through an O'Brien fellowship and was selected as an inaugural member of the New York Times Corps. She is a 2025 graduate of Marquette University, where she studied journalism and theology.