The Milwaukee community will have opportunities to listen, learn, and add their voices to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) narrative to bring about positive change. Leading off Black History Month in February, the Black Lives Matter Week of Action is designed to engage the community in topics related to the principles of Black Lives Matter.

2024 Theme 

 A Lifetime of Practice with Power in Our Voice and Action in Our Steps

Mission 

MPS Black Lives Matter aims to decrease the racial and social disparities by activating our voice, sparking action in our steps, ensuring that equitable practices exist, and uniting humanity for a better tomorrow. 

Evening events are free and open to the public. 

Download the flyer

Monday, February 5, 2024 

Week of Action Kickoff: “Intergenerational Night”

Welcome and Introduction of Superintendent: Felice Beal, Instructional Leadership Director, MPS East Region 
Words of Appreciation: Dr. Keith P. Posley, MPS Superintendent 
Speakers: Janie Hatton, Shawn Muhammad, Jamila Carney, Glenn Carson, Kwabena Antoine Nixon, Catherine Miles, and four student ambassadors 
Question-and-Answer Moderator: David Bowen, Wisconsin politician 
Closing Remarks: Nuntiata Buck, District Manager, Liberal Arts.  

Office of Academics, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Location: Central Office Auditorium, 5225 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.  

A panel of adults and youths of varying ages will explore topics related to Black lives and the principles of Black Lives Matter, to support the fostering of collectivity, community, and justice.  

All participants are encouraged to wear any Black Lives Matter or social justice shirts or other apparel for the entire day. 

Tuesday, February 6, 2024 

Collective Value In-School Activity  

Welcome: Principal 
Location: MPS Schools 
Time: School Day  

School communities unite, engage and enjoy one another through cultural activities, creativity and exploration. Each activity encourages awareness of the Black Lives Matter principles and the importance of our collective value.  

All participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter, Black history or family-identified items. 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 

Loving Engagement Panel Discussion: “Real Men Talkback”

Welcome: Donavon Johnson, Black and Latino Male Achievement Planning Assistant III, and Richard Watkins, Assistant Principal in Charge, Maple Tree School 
Facilitators: BLMA Ambassadors and Staff 
Panel: Ed Hennings, Kenneth Locke, Apostle Radontae Ashford, Walter Lanier, Alderman Mark Chambers, Khalif El-Amin, Kyle Ashley, and Muhibb Dyer.
Entertainment: Kevin Durham (Special K), a teacher at River Trail School 
Closing Remarks: Gary Thomas, MPS Recreation Supervising Associate II, and Nate Deans, Director, Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement  

Location: Hi-Mount Community School, 4921 W. Garfield Ave., Milwaukee
Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  

In partnership with MPS Black and Latino Male Achievement and United Way, male leaders engage in open dialogue with male youth about embodying and practicing justice, liberation, and peace in our engagements with one another. This activity will allow all participants to collaborate, question, and learn from one another.  

All participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter, Black history, or family-identified items. 

Thursday, February 8, 2024 

Collective Value In-School Activity 

Welcome: Principal 
Location: MPS Schools 
Time: School Day  

School communities unite, engage and enjoy one another through cultural activities, creativity, and exploration. Each activity encourages awareness of the Black Lives Matter principles and the importance of our collective value.  

All participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter, Black history or family-identified items. 

Friday, February 9, 2024 

Kuumba Student Showcase

Welcome: Dr. Toni Dinkins, Regional Superintendent, MPS Northwest Region 
Facilitators: Felice Beal, Instructional Leadership Director, MPS East Region, and Principal Anesia Hayes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School
Performances: MPS students 
Closing Remarks: Nate Deans, Director, Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement, and Nuntiata Buck, District Manager, Liberal Arts, Office of Academics, Department of Curriculum and Instruction  

Location: Milwaukee High School of the Arts, 2300 W. Highland Ave., Milwaukee
Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.  

Students will showcase their creativity through the power of their voice and other talents, in song, dance, storytelling, and other art forms.  

All participants are encouraged to wear their new Black Lives Matter T-shirts. 

Thank you to partners and sponsors for helping to host the week of events.