Monday, January 30, 2023
The Milwaukee community will have opportunities to listen, learn, and add their voices to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) narrative in order to bring about positive change. Leading off Black History Month in February, the national Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action, February 6–10, 2023, is designed to engage communities in discussions about the injustices of race, class, and gender.
Across the country, activities will focus on improving the school experience for students of color. Topics are centered on the Black Lives Matter at School guiding principles based upon the Black Lives Matter movement.
MPS wishes to congratulate Brenda Robbins of Roosevelt Middle School for winning the Black Lives Matter at School logo contest. Her design will appear on t-shirts available to MPS students and staff.
All events are free and open to the public. Registration is NOT required to participate.
Monday, February 6, 2023, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Week of Action Kick-off: “The Power of the Black Story”
Speaker: Dr. Teaira McMurtry
Location: Green Tree Preparatory Academy, 6850 N. 53rd St.
This session will celebrate what makes the Black culture unique and dynamic. Dr. McMurtry will show the other (beautiful) side of the story by unapologetically centering Blackness without comparison. Through vivid examples found within children’s and young adult literature, Dr. McMurtry will highlight Black/African American cultural capital that money can’t buy in a way that will make everybody say it loud: Black is beautiful, period!
You can read her articles on Black Language (also known as African American Vernacular English).
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter or social justice apparel all day.
Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Intergenerational Panel Discussion: “Real Men Talkback: Barbershop Style”
Location: Gee’s Clippers, 2200 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
In partnership with the Office of Black and Latino Male Achievement, male community leaders engage in open dialogue with male youth regarding topics related to self-empowerment, community, and restorative justice. This activity will allow all participants to learn from one another.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter or social justice apparel all day.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 5:00–7:00 P.M.
Celebrating Black Families: BLM Family Night
Location: America's Black Holocaust Museum, 401 W. North Ave.
The Harambee neighborhood offers many cultural experiences that families can participate in. The Black Lives Matter Committee, aligned with the Black Holocaust Museum, invites families to discover and view historical components associated with African American History.
Participants are encouraged to wear the colors of the Pan-African Flag (red, black, green).
Thursday, February 9, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Collective Value Activity Night
Location: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, 3275 N. 3rd St.
Families unite, engage, and enjoy one another through cultural activities. Each activity encourages happiness and the importance of our collective value.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter, Black History, or family identified paraphernalia.
Friday, February 10, 2023, 5:30–7:00 P.M.
Kuumba Student Showcase
Location: Milwaukee High School of the Arts, 2300 W. Highland Ave.
Students will showcase their creativity using the power of their voices through song, dance, storytelling, and other forms of art.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter t-shirts.