Indigenous community members participate in a painting activity led by the Urban Indigenous League. The next event will include back-to-school festivities on Saturday, Aug. 24. (Photo provided by Jami Balicki Photography)

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.

1. Opening Reception: Friday, Aug. 23 

Latino Arts Inc. will host an opening reception for its new solo exhibit called “Alluding to Realities” by Ernesto Atkinson. The reception will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 at 1028 S. Ninth St. More information here. 

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2. Heal the Hood MKE Back to School Block Party & Resource Fair: Saturday, Aug. 24 

The Heal the Hood block party will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 between North 35th Street and West Villard Avenue. Attendees will receive free school supplies, food and other resources. More information here. 

3. Washington Heights Boulevard Bash: Saturday, Aug. 24

Join the Washington Heights Neighborhood Association for an evening filled with fun activities, including music, a pickleball tournament, silent auction, vendors and more. This bash will take place from 2 p.m. to 8  p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 on West Washington Boulevard between North 52nd and North 54th streets. More information here.

4. Native Community Spaces with Urban Indigenous League: Saturday, Aug. 24

The Urban Indigenous League will host a giveaway, as Native students head back to school. It will take place at Jackson Park across from West Arthur Court and South 43rd Street. Arrive from 4 p.m. to  7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 to receive a free backpack, health screenings and more. More information here. 

5. Free Your Mind Youth Mental Health Pop-up: Saturday, Aug. 24 

A youth mental health pop-up event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 at 1313 W. Reservoir Ave. Youths, 17 and under, will engage in a school supply giveaway, face painting, a nature walk and more to relax their minds. More information here. 

Bonus: Calling All MKE Artists! Submissions due Oct. 15

The City of Milwaukee Office of African American Affairs is launching a campaign to display local art in its new office space at 4828 W. Fond du Lac Ave. Paintings, drawings, sculpture, poetry and photography can be submitted. Selected local artists will have the opportunity to display their artwork to the community at no charge and gain exposure during the six-month exhibit.  For consideration, email photos of your artwork to oaaamke@milwaukee.gov. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 15. If your artwork is selected, you will be contacted with next steps.  More information here.

Bonus:: It’s back-to-school time in Milwaukee: Here are free giveaways and resources you need to know about


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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.