Celebrate National Black Lives Matter Week of Action
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, January 31 - February 4, 2022, is designed to engage the community in topics that address four national demands and foster discussions and solutions to current issues.
All events will be virtual and are free and open to the public. Registration is required to participate.
Register for all Black Lives Matter Week of Action events at https://mpsmke.com/blmweeksignup
Participants can submit their video for the Staff and Student Talent Showcase, the event on February 4, when registering for the event. Videos are due no later than January 26, 2022.
Monday, January 31, 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Week of Action Kick-off
Author and scholar Decoteau J. Irby, Ph.D., focuses on creating and sustaining organizations that contribute to Black people’s self-determined well-being, development, and positive life outcomes. His book Stuck Improving: Racial Equity and School Leadership outlines practices that make schools better places for Black and Brown youth. Dr. Irby will share five essential resources and practices that school leaders and educators can implement to increase their racial knowledge, grow improvement, and create learning experiences and outcomes that demonstrate Black Lives Matter tenets.
Participants are encouraged to wear Black Lives Matter or social justice apparel all day.*
Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Black Film Festival Conversation
Students will view films during the school day. Students, staff, and community participants will break into groups to discuss themes. Facilitators will engage group participants in a talk-back related to questions posed.
- K – Gr. 2: Garrett’s Gift and Dancing in the Light
- Gr. 3 – 5: Ruby Bridges
- Gr. 6 – 8: The Watsons Go to Birmingham
- Gr. 9 – 12: John Lewis: Good Trouble
Participants are encouraged to wear the colors of the Pan-African Flag (red, black, green).*
Wednesday, February 2, 2022, 6:00–7:30 P.M.
Intergenerational Panel Discussion
Listen to students and elders engage in a Q&A dialogue around relevant topics of race, equality, and the future of America. The audience can participate through Jam Board or Zoom chat.
Participants are encouraged to wear apparel that represents an older or younger generation.*
Thursday, February 3, 2022, 6:00–7:30 P.M.
HBCU & Divine 9 Greek Organizations
Engage with participants and learn about the background of Historically Black Colleges & Universities. Members of the Divine 9 Black Greek Organizations will share their experiences and benefits of being a member of these organizations.
Participants are encouraged to wear college/university shirts or Greek paraphernalia.*
Friday, February 4, 2022, 6:00 - 7:30 P.M.
Staff and Student Talent Showcase
Watch students and staff from across the district battle it out for bragging rights for their school. Would you like to submit a video for the talent show? Submit your video on the registration page for BLM events. Videos are due Tuesday, January 26, 2022.
All participants are encouraged to wear their new Black Lives Matter t-shirts.*
*Black Lives Matter t-shirts will be available through MTEA. Schools may also place a t-shirt order prior to the submission date to ensure shirts will be printed in a timely fashion.
