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Milwaukee Urban League to Host Annual Black & White Ball

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With Ceremonial Changing of the Guard to recognize New President and CEO Dr. Eve M. Hall

MILWAUKEE (June 9, 2017) The Milwaukee Urban League (MUL) will host its 32nd Annual Black & White Ball on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, 1001 N. 4th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Miller Lite Entrance) at 5:00 p.m. The theme is “Changing of the Guard: Be the Change” as the organization welcomes new President and CEO, Dr. Eve M. Hall.

The League’s Annual Ball has become one of the most prestigious events recognizing education and youth, economic empowerment and equity and inclusion in the Greater Milwaukee area. Over 1000 guests are expected to attend and will enjoy grooving to the sounds of “The Spinners.”  In 2019, The Milwaukee Urban League will celebrate its centennial year. Guests will hear special remarks about what the organization is doing to “Be the Change” as the MUL makes the journey to 100 years. The African American organization has been a stabilizer in Milwaukee for nearly 100 years. It’s truly a testament to the leadership and community support.

“I am honored to be at the helm of an organization with a long lasting history and rich legacy that has made a significant difference in the lives of Milwaukee African Americans,” said Dr. Hall, Milwaukee Urban League president and CEO.

The Honorary Ball Co-chairs for this year are Greg Marcus, Marcus Corporation and Ugo Nwagbarocha, Diamond Disc International. Ball Co-chairs are Melissa Shneyder, U.S. Bank and Jocelyn Johnson, GE Healthcare.

The 32nd Annual Black & White Ball is a black-tie event. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with a champagne reception and silent auction followed by dinner and the program beginning at 7:30 p.m.

About the Milwaukee Urban League
The Milwaukee Urban League was founded in 1919. Using a three-prong approach, the League provides services and advocacy in the areas of education and youth, economic empowerment, equity and inclusion.The Milwaukee Urban League works in collaboration with other partners and receives financial support through individuals, corporations, foundations, and other pubic and private entities.

City of Milwaukee Health Department Invites Community to 2nd Annual Family Health Fairs

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City health center locations to offer free screenings, services and health information

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department invites the community to its 2nd Annual Family Health Fairs, to be held at each City of Milwaukee Health Center location throughout the month of June.

 

“Our City of Milwaukee health center locations are home to many programs and services available to community residents,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “I invite neighbors and residents citywide to join us for free health screenings, information and fun.”

 

The Family Health Fairs will be held:

Thursday, June 15         11 am – 5 pm    Northwest Health Center

7630 W. Mill Rd.

 

Thursday, June 22         11 am – 5 pm    Keenan Health Center

3200 N. 36th St.

 

Thursday, June 29         11 am – 5 pm    Southside Health Center

1639 S. 23rd St.

 

Each event will offer a variety of free health screenings for all ages while offering attendees a chance to learn more about services and programs provided by the MHD and City departments. Partner agencies will provide additional health services and information for all ages along with children’s activities and games.

 

Adults will be able to receive free cholesterol and diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, and clinical breast exams. Mammograms are available at select events by appointment.* Children will be able to receive school-required immunizations, blood lead testing, sports physicals and more. Attendees of all ages will also be able to access oral health and vision screenings and confidential HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing.

 

All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to be eligible for services and screenings.

 

“Each year our health centers welcome thousands of individuals for health services and programs,” said Commissioner of Health Bevan K. Baker. “During our Family Health Fair events we welcome all who want to learn about City of Milwaukee Health Department services and work.”

 

For more information, visit www.milwaukee.gov/health or call (414) 286-3521.

 

*Mammograms must be scheduled in advance. Please call (414) 286-2133 for information.

Black Violin Comes to Milwaukee Tickets on Sale Friday, July 9!

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Appearing at the Marcus Center’s Uihlein Hall on Saturday, October 28 at 7:30pm

 

Milwaukee, WI (Thursday, June 8, 2017) – Black Violin comes to Milwaukee for one night only on Saturday, October 28, at 7:30pm at Marcus Center’s Uihlein Hall.  The concert is a co-presentation by Black Arts MKE and the Marcus Center.  Tickets go on sale Friday, June 9, at Noon at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street, by phone at 414-273-7206, or online at MarcusCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more should call Group Sales at 414-273-7121, ext. 210 or ext. 213.

 

Black Violin is composed of classically trained violist and violinist Wil B.and Kev Marcus who combine their classical training and hip-hop influences to create a distinctive multi-genre sound that is often described as “classical boom.”  The band released their major label debut Stereotypes (feature Black Thought of The Roots and MC Paroache Monch) on Universal Music which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Chart and #4 on the Billboard R&B Chart.  Black Violin has shared stages with top names including Kayne West, Aerosmith and Tom Petty, and has creatively collaborated with the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean and Alicia Keys.

 

Wil and Kev place heavy emphasis on educational outreach, and have performed for more than 100,000 students in North America and Europe in the past 12 months, including the featured musical act for the Blue Ribbon Festival at the Music Center in Los Angeles, CA where they performed for 19,000 fifth grade students from the Greater Los Angeles area over a 3 day period. The band is endorsed by Yamaha Music, and has partnered with the National Association for Music Manufacturers (NAMM) to continue their advocacy for accessible music education.

 

“Through the message of Black Violin’s music, we’ve spent the last 10 years working to encourage and empower people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to find what connects us, rather than shine a light on what divides us. This past year alone, we’ve played for nearly 100,000 students and over 125 public shows across the US and Europe. We’ve taken this opportunity to spread a message that challenges the world’s view of what it means to rise above labels, be daring enough to follow their passion and most of all, be true to themselves. As black men living in America, we understand challenges and we also understand the power of “I can’t”, yet we decide to live by and promote the power of “I can”. We realize that every opportunity to connect our diverse fans is an opportunity to break down the barriers that separate us, empower individuality and encourage progress. Our UNITY tour, with concert dates throughout the US, will be our most energetic and inspired shows yet. #BLACKVIOLINUNITY” – Wil B. & Kev Marcus

 

For more information, visit blackviolin.net.

Six Emerging National and Milwaukee Bands Announced for Radio Milwaukee’s Free “88Nine Block Party” Concert and Celebration on June 24

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National Acts Noname, Strand of Oaks, Field Report to Headline All-Day Celebration of Non- Commercial Station’s 10th Year in Community

Milwaukee (April 24, 2017) – Nationally acclaimed rapper Noname and rockers Strand of Oaks and Field Report will headline Radio Milwaukee’s “88Nine Block Party, Presented by Educators Credit Union,” a free, all-day concert and celebration on June 24 outside the non- commercial station’s studios in Walker’s Point, the station announced Monday.

In addition to the three emerging national groups, the block party will feature leading Milwaukee artists REYNA, D’Amato and Abby Jeanne.

The 88Nine Block Party is being held to mark Radio Milwaukee’s 10th year on-air, online and in the community. The station (WYMS 88.9-FM, www.radiomilwaukee.org) launched Feb. 26, 2007.

The event is being presented by Educators Credit Union, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, and is in partnership with the Pabst Theater Group.

The block party is free and open to the public. The event runs from 1:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. It takes place outside Radio Milwaukee’s home at E. Pittsburgh Ave. and S. Barclay St.

In addition to enjoying on-stage entertainment, attendees can spend time in Workshop Architects’ recently renovated Studio 1, where they can contribute to the 88Nine Block Party playlist, play a round of Milwaukee-themed games and get to know their neighbors.

 

Several interactive art installations, designed by Workshop, will take place throughout the festival grounds, and local food vendors will offer a variety of items.

A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for the event, with sales to the general public starting at noon next Monday (May 1). 88Nine and Educators members can buy pre- sale VIP tickets at noon Tuesday (April 25). VIP tickets are $88.90 for Educators and 88Nine Members and $100 for the public. VIP tickets are available at bit.ly/88nineParty.

The VIP experience will include two complimentary food servings, access to two private indoor bars, special sessions and interviews with headliners and admission to the VIP After Party in the 88Nine building and on the roof from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.

88Nine encourages attendees to bike or use public transportation or ride-sharing to get to the event. A pop up Bublr Bikes bike-share kiosk will be located on Barclay St.

The tentative music schedule:

  • 3 p.m. – Abby Jeanne
  • 4:15 p.m. – D’Amato
  • 5:30 p.m. – REYNA
  • 6:45 p.m. – Field Report
  • 8 p.m. – Strand of Oaks
  • 9:15 p.m. – NonameOver its 10 years, Radio Milwaukee has become recognized for its unique mix of new and Milwaukee music, its Community Stories features and for fostering community engagement and positive change. Since it began broadcasting, Radio Milwaukee:
  • Has introduced Milwaukee to an array of national and international artists through the diverse recorded music it plays and the more than 120 “Studio Milwaukee” live, on-air sessions with these musicians in front of audiences. The station is credited with helping break several artists nationally, including Alabama Shakes, Valerie June, Michael Kiwanuka, James Vincent McMorrow and PHOX.
  • Has championed Milwaukee musicians through its annual Milwaukee Music Awards; weekly “414 Live” sessions featuring Milwaukee bands broadcast with a studio audience; playing at least one song on air by a Milwaukee artist every hour; and by promoting Milwaukee’s live music scene on air, its website and its social media outlets.
  • Broadcasts more than 200 original short-form Community Stories a year throughout its weekday on-air schedule and online, including video. The stories feature non-profit organizations and individuals making a difference in Milwaukee.
  • Renovated and outfitted a vacant former foundry in the Walker’s Point neighborhood into its $2.8 million state-of-the-art studios and offices. The complex includes a 99-seat performance space for live broadcasts and sustainable green roof. The station moved to its new home in September 2013. More than 1,700 donors contributed to the project. 
  • Has been widely recognized for its on-air music, community affairs features, digital media and new studio complex, winning awards from the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, Milwaukee Press Club, Wisconsin Area Music Industry, Shepherd Express newspaper, American Institute of Architects Wisconsin, Milwaukee Business Journal, Milwaukee Magazine and the International Competition for Marketing and Communication Professionals.
  • Created its “Cultural Commons” initiative, which involves more than 20 organizations in an effort designed to break down barriers and bring people together. The station’s mission, its young and diverse staff and new home are enabling it to spearhead an effort by local organizations to create events welcoming all Milwaukeeans.
  • Airs an average of 400 free public service announcements a year for up to 45 organizations; helps collect donations of needed supplies and goods for the community through campaigns with groups such as Milwaukee Public Schools, Hunger Task Force and Hispanic Professionals of Greater Milwaukee; and invites the non-profit community to use its new home for events.
  • Receives the great majority of its financial support from its 5,200 contributing members, more than 200 underwriters and 25 foundations.Information on the station’s history and birthday-year plans is posted at www.radiomilwaukee.org/10 and will be updated periodically.

YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee to offer a day of environmental education as part of National Get Outdoors Day on June 10

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Partners with Other Local Organizations on Let’s Move! Initiative

MILWAUKEE – (June, 2017) – The Milwaukee YMCA’s Camp Minikani (875 Amy Belle Rd, Hubertus) is hosting a morning of environmental education activities for families of 4th grade students on Saturday, June 10 from 10am to 12pm. The event is part of the Milwaukee Y’s commitment to the Let’s Move! initiative that then-First Lady Michelle Obama started in 2010.

“The Milwaukee YMCA is excited to serve alongside other dedicated partners committed to connecting children, youth and families to outdoor recreation and play, and we appreciate activities like National Get Outdoors day which serves as an example,” said Shanee’ Jenkins, Associate Vice President of Community Relations, YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Y hosted a summit in December of 2016 with the local purpose of increasing coordination, collaboration, and communication among service providers; developing strategies to increase awareness of and participation in outdoor programs through service; and creating activities like the one scheduled at Camp Minikani on June 10.

Let’s Move! is a comprehensive initiative, launched by the then-First Lady, dedicated to solving the problem of obesity within a generation, so that children born today will grow up healthier and able to pursue their dreams.

The Department of the Interior is the lead agency for the Let’s Move! Outside initiative. The Department was joined by the YMCA of the USA and the National League of Cities (NLC) to coordinate efforts to bridge the growing disconnect between young people and the great outdoors by creating meaningful connections to nature through four pillars: play, learn, serve and work.

Local community partners who participated in the summit and are a part of the Let’s Move! initiative include Milwaukee County Parks, Milwaukee Recreation Department, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center and The Urban Ecology Center – Washington Park.

Registration for the environmental education activity day at Camp Minikani on June 10 is limited. Please contact Jon McClaren, Operations Executive, at 262-251-9080. YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to

strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Since 1858, Milwaukee YMCAs have helped kids and families live healthy lives in spirit, mind and body. Supported in part through contributions to the Annual Campaign, the Y provides membership assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee

The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion to strengthen the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Since 1858, Milwaukee YMCAs have helped kids and families live healthy lives in spirit, mind and body. Supported in part through contributions to the Annual Campaign, the Y provides membership assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure. www.ymcamke.org.

Survivors, Volunteers and Advocates Will Not Be ‘Quiet’ About Sex Trafficking in Milwaukee Ahead of Golf’s Biggest Event

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Gathering planned downtown tomorrow will call out prevalence of abuse, educate on warning signs

 

MILWAUKEE (June 6, 2017) – Survivors of human sex trafficking, as well as volunteers and advocates from Serve Marketing, will gather downtown tomorrow, Wednesday, June 7, to call attention to the expected rise in trafficking activity that typically occurs around major sporting events.

 

WHO: More than 20 survivors and volunteers who are passionate about calling attention to the issue of human sex trafficking in Milwaukee. They will be holding large “Don’t Be Quiet” signs to advocate for the cause, and will be speaking to the public about warning signs of trafficking and how to prevent it.

 

The following individuals will be available to speak with the media:

  • Rosalind Metcalf, human trafficking survivor, advocate and founder of Healing Starts Today
  • Jarrett Luckett, Executive Director of Exploit No More, a local nonprofit dedicated to ending child sex trafficking in the Greater Milwaukee region
  • Maria Bishop, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor and psychotherapist at New Life Resources, Inc.
  • Laura Gainor, Executive Director of Serve Marketing

 

These sources can speak to: the extent of the problem here in Milwaukee and Southeast Wisconsin, the profile of a sex trafficking buyer from anecdotal police information, the clinical care and cost of treatment afterward, as well as the subtle signs of sex trafficking which can potentially save a life.

 

WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the corner of Wisconsin Ave. and Jefferson St., Milwaukee

 

WHY: According to the FBI, Milwaukee has consistently ranked among the top five cities in the nation for the recovery of trafficked adolescents over the past several years. And, Milwaukee is tied with Las Vegas for the third-highest number of young people rescued during trafficking-related FBI raids across the U.S.

 

According to Exploit No More:

  • There has been a human trafficking case in every county in Wisconsin
  • 79% of trafficking cases in Wisconsin occur in Milwaukee
  • 92% of Milwaukee’s known trafficking cases involve female youths
  • From 2010-2014, law enforcement identified 102 child sex trafficking victims
  • 600 homeless or runaway children in Milwaukee are at risk of being trafficked
  • As recently as 2014, 150 domestic sex trafficking cases were being investigated in the Milwaukee area
  • 200 youth in Milwaukee that receive emergency housing resources and supportive services annually are at risk of being trafficked
  • 5,783 children were reported being sexually abused in Milwaukee and/or at risk of being trafficked in 2013

 

About Serve Marketing

Serve is the country’s only all-volunteer, nonprofit advertising agency whose mission is to give under-served charitable causes a stronger voice in the community. Founded by Milwaukee ad man Gary Mueller in 2002, Serve volunteers have created behavior-changing public service campaigns for over 50 local and national non-profits on issues ranging from teen homelessness, child sexual abuse and shaken baby syndrome to teen pregnancy, brain injury and statutory rape. Causes that aren’t hot. That aren’t sexy. And that don’t have a lot of money. Serve’s provocative brand of work is sometimes controversial, but it gets people to notice and talk about these silent causes, which leads to an increase in awareness, volunteerism and funding. To date, Serve has donated over $15 million of in-kind creative, media, web, public relations, print and broadcast production and strategic planning services to non-profits. Through its educational seminars, podcasts and Small Servings program, Serve has also helped educate thousands more non-profits on the importance of public service marketing. For more information, visit www.servemarketing.org.

Bus Rapid Transit Design Kickoff Meetings This Week

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Bus Rapid Transit Design Kickoff Meetings This Week
First Opportunity to See Project Details, Station Designs and Service Renderings

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County and Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) are looking to get input about the planned nine-mile, regional, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. The route will connect major employment, education and recreation destinations through downtown Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s Near West Side, Marquette University, Wauwatosa and the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.

The project is expected to reduce congestion, spark economic development and speed up travel times through the area.

The public is being asked to give feedback on the location of the proposed dedicated lanes as well as the locations and design of the planned stations. People can stop by anytime during the meetings to see renderings, route roll plots and talk with project staff.

TWO MEETING OPTIONS

Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Marquette University High School
3306 W. Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI  53208

Thursday, June 8, 2017, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Zoofari Center
9715 W. Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI  53213

Both meeting locations offer free parking and are accessible via transit. Plan your trip at RideMCTS.com.

If you can’t make the meetings but want to learn more about the project and provide feedback, visit. All of the information from the meetings will be available online starting the week of June 12.

Tonight: The Hidden Impact of Segregation in Milwaukee

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Residents & Friends of the 10th,

The Hidden Impact of Segregation in Milwaukee County

I would like to inform you all of an educational opportunity tonight, June 6, from 6:30-8PM hosted by America’s Black Holocaust Museum in association with Shorewood Public Library.

This event includes a presentation byReggie Jackson, who will discuss how Milwaukee became the most segregated metropolitan area in the nation as well as the wide ranging impacts of segregation on the community at large. Reggie Jackson currently serves as the Head Griot of America’s Black Holocaust Museum and is a board member of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, RID Racism Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Humanities Council.

This event takes place at the Shorewood Public Library and will be free of admission. I hope many of you are able to attend and learn about this important aspect of our community’s history.

  • WHEN: June 6, 6:30-8PM
  • WHERE: Shorewood Public Library, 3920 N Murray Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
  • WHAT: Presentation on the Hidden Impact of Segregation

Yours in Service,

David Bowen

Alderman Rainey to host Jobs Town Hall Event TONIGHT at Parklawn YMCA

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Event will feature information about construction jobs, other positions

 

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, along with Milwaukee Bucks, will join forces for a Workforce Development Jobs Town Hall Event TONIGHT Tuesday, May 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Parklawn YMCA, 4340 N. 46th St.

The session will begin at 5:30 p.m., and prospective attendees should RSVP to WisconsinESC.com/Careers.  Light refreshments will be provided.

“With the Bucks arena project and other developments under construction in the city, this is an exciting time of growth for many local companies and employers, with plenty of new career opportunities,” Alderman Rainey said. “Those interested in jobs in construction and other trades are highly encouraged to attend this event.”

The session will include remarks by Alderman Rainey and Bucks Senior Vice-President Alex Lasry. Representatives from the Social Development Commission, WRTP/BIG STEP, Mortenson Construction, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin and other local businesses and organizations will be on hand to provide employment information. Attendees will also be able to register for SkillSmart’s online job portal to access opportunities in construction and other areas and to sign up for additional career resources.

Milwaukee Man Dies After Smoking Synthetic Pot With Girlfriend

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Synthetic Cannabinoids refer to man made mind-altering chemicals that are typically sprayed on dried plant material so they can be smoked.

Detrimental to an individuals health if used, this chemically induced drug has been known to claim the lives of many. This time the victim’s name was Kenneth Taylor.

On Thursday May 25th, the life of Mr. Kenneth Taylor came to an abrupt end after he and his girlfriend smoked artificial pot.

“Synthetic cannabinoids are so potent and so dangerous that there’s no telling how it’s going to act on the individual using them,” said Robert Bell, assistance special agent in charge, DEA. 

According to Milwaukee county’s medical examiner report, the initial 911 call was made by Taylor’s 43 year-old girlfriend. She said, after they’d both smoked the synthetic drug, Taylor fell asleep but became unresponsive after some time.

While paramedics did arrive on the scene, they were unable to revive Kenneth Taylor.

Kenneth Taylor- Milwaukee Wisconsin

“It’s like playing roulette with your life when you’re purchasing something on the street and putting it in your body,” said Bell.

The package that was discovered Thursday night, was that of a synthetic marijuana named, “Dead Man.”

The packet was found on a nearby table beside Taylor’s body.

The cause of death hasn’t been determined pending toxicology tests on Taylor’s body, however. An autopsy revealed no signs of trauma.

Taylor is said to have been the most recent local victim of what is commonly known K-2. 

Officials say the product often comes in from China and the drugs and potency often changes.

Dangerous to many, and even life-threatening to others, synthetic marijuana products are becoming more deadly each and every day.

Labels of the artificial drugs normally state that they contain “natural” chemicals taken from a wide variety of plants, leading youth and young adults to believe that the drug is safe.

It has also been said that the chemicals used in the synthetic substance is hard to detect many of the chemicals by simply drug testing, which is another reason people tend to be more open to using the drug.

The medical examiner’s office says Kenneth Taylor’s death is the third death in recent months that they believe is linked to synthetic marijuana. 

“If we don’t get you today, we’re coming after you if you’re selling these kinds of substances and putting our kids and our youth and our communities at risk,” said Bell. 

 

Sources: National Institute of Drug Abuse, AP Wire Service & Myra Sanchick, (Fox6 Now)