Here's where you can learn more about Black History Month in Milwaukee
Children can learn about activism, racial justice and resiliency during Black History Month through a new interactive exhibit based on the book “Magical Black Tears: A Protest Story.”
Penned by Decoteau J. Irby, the book is about a girl named Maya, who questions unusual events unfolding in her neighborhood. Her curiosity leads her to seek answers amid clashes between police and protesters in the streets. With her brother, Kyle, in tow, they discover the magical power of everyday people taking direct action to make the world a better place.
Children can experience a similar journey in an exhibit of the same name at Milwaukee Area Technical College’s Create Gallery. Aimed at children ages 4-12, the Magical Black Tears exhibit focuses on how to create a just and equitable world.
“We want young people to know what racism is and why it's bad,” said Irby, an associate professor of educational policy studies at the University of Illinois Chicago.
“We want them to know what direct action and protest are and how those things contribute to making a world that’s free from racism,” he said. “We also want them to imagine the things they can do in creating a world where we are fighting against racism.”
The Magical Black Tears exhibit is just a sampling of what Milwaukee-area residents can experience or learn about racial justice and Black accomplishment during Black History Month, which began Feb. 1.
The exhibit features six interactive sections, including one that allows children to make their own protest signs and slogans. The goal is for young people to understand the role of art in protest movements.
The “Speak Up! Voices for Justice” section of the exhibit encourages children to express themselves creatively with spoken words or songs on issues they care about. A portion of the exhibit is set up as a living room where guest speakers and presenters can share ideas about approaches to direct actions. The last section is the garden area which is about healing, reflection and planting seeds to grow a better future.
The 2016 Sherman Park uprising was the genesis for the children's pictorial book. Irby lived in Milwaukee before moving to Chicago. When protests erupted in Sherman Park following the police shooting death of Sylville Smith, it had a profound effect on Irby and piqued his two children’s curiosity.
He said they understood why people protested, but couldn't comprehend why they burned their neighborhoods.
Irby wanted to write a book to give adults an entry point to answer children’s questions. Most have questions about what’s going on, but adults rarely engage them.
“Children’s curiosity is the opportunity for us to really wrestle with questions about why these things happen,” he said. “Why people react the way they do in different ways – sometimes peacefully and sometimes not peacefully. Those are all questions that I hope the book invites readers to explore with their children in more direct ways.”
If you go:
What: Magical Black Tears Experience an interactive exhibition based on the children’s picture book “Magical Black Tears: A Protest Story” by Decoteau J. Irby. The exhibition teaches children ages 4-12 about direct action as a vehicle for creating a more just society for Black people. Additional programming includes a book discussion with the author.
When: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Now through Feb. 28
Where: Create Gallery at Milwaukee Area Technical College, 1015 N. 6th St. M Building.
For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/magical-black-tears-experience-museum-exhibition-pilot-tickets-462581472637?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Check out these other Black History Month events:
Hue Revue: BIPOC Cabaret
Hue Revue is the place for BIPOC artists to shine and showcase their talent. In addition to the stage show, the audience will have an opportunity to shop the exclusive BIPOC vendor market and support a variety of local artists. Cost: $20 at the door.
When: Doors open 7 p.m. Fri, Feb 3.
Where: The Cooperage 822 South Water Street.
For more information: https://fb.me/e/23aNXiG1v
The 4th annual Indaba African Ball
Indaba African Ball helps raise funds for free weekly programming and stipends for local performing artists at the Indaba Band Shell on the Bucyrus Campus grounds. This year’s summer lineup will be announced at the ball. Guests decked out in the finest African-inspired attire will be treated to live music, dancing, African and Caribbean-style hors d’oeuvres. Other festivities include a unique fashion show starring attendees and performances by the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Pan Ensemble. Selected local history makers will be honored. Registration is required. Costs $75 per person.
When: 5:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 4
Where: St. Ann Center’s Bucyrus Campus, 2450 W. North Ave.
For more information and to register: StAnnCenter.org/IndabaBall
Stars, Stories, & Rhythms of Africa
Celebrate Black History Month under the stars with a night of music, dancing, storytelling, and stargazing. This free event is co-sponsored by the Black Student Cultural Center and Sociocultural Programming at UWM. The program will include indoor stargazing sessions of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions. No advance registration is required; check in at the ticket table to reserve your spots for the planetarium shows. Not recommended for children under 4. For questions about this event, please email planetarium@uwm.edu.
When: 6-8 p.m. Thur., Feb., 9
Where: UWM Manfred Olson Planetarium, 1900 E Kenwood Blvd.
For more information: https://uwm.edu/planetarium/event/stars-stories-rhythms-of-africa-5/
PAGE’s Black History Month Celebration
Come and celebrate Black history month with PAGE or People Advocating For Greendale Equity. We will have African dancers, poetry, MLK contest winners, food, and more. PAGE is a group of people of all races, genders, ages, and orientations who have come together to uplift those who are not given a voice in the community and provides resources to those who need support.
When: 5-6:30 p.m. Thur. Feb. 16.
Where: Greendale Community Church, 6015 Clover Lane, Greendale.
For more information: Home - PAGE Greendale
Nature Tales - Black and Green History
Celebrate Black History Month with story time featuring local and international Black environmentalists. Throughout history, Black people have been at the center of environmentalism and Friends of Havenwoods State Forest will share some of those stories in February and all year long. Geared toward younger audiences, they will learn about the impact Blacks have had in protecting natural resources and promoting environmental justice. Books featured for this event include ‘Saving American Beach: The Biography of African American Environmentalist MaVynee Betsch,’ ‘Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya,’ and ‘I am Emily.' Afterward, stick around to create a poster to promote environmental stewardship or justice.
When: 1-2 p.m., Sat. Feb 18.
Where: 6141 N Hopkins St.
For more information: https://fb.me/e/29TNWAEWD
CAPITA Productions: We are the Drum
The Black History revue “We are the Drum” returns for its 29th season. This annual production takes the audience through a musical journey of the Black experience in America. The story of Blacks Americans from Africa to America from slavery to the civil rights movement and to the present day will be told through song, dance, and spoken word. This year's production is themed "Revive, Restore, Resolve." Tickets are $15 in advance; $20 at door.
When: 7 p.m. Fri., Feb. 24; 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. Sat., Feb 25; 4 p.m. Sun., Feb. 26.
Where: Marshall High School, 4141 N. 64th St.
For more information and to purchase tickets: Capita Productions "We Are the Drum - MKE" - TICKETS "We Are the Drum" 2023
Month-long events and activities
Nuestros Cuerpos, Nuestros Almas (“Our Bodies, Our Souls”)
5 Points Art Gallery + Studios launches its 2023 exhibition season with an exhibition featuring the multifaceted works of nine Afro-Cuban artists. Nuestros Cuerpos, Nuestros Almas (“Our Bodies, Our Souls”) is a multidimensional, multimedia artwork that expands Black history, identity, and prowess of Afro-Cuban diasporic art. The exhibition is a three-year collaborative project between 5 Points Art Gallery + Studios and CoCo Colectivos. The exhibition dates back to 2016 when a diverse mix of artists met in Centro Habana to answer the complex question of “What is Afro-Cuban?” Nuestro Cuerpos, Nuestras Almas is a visual representation of their colorful debates about the implications of race in modern-day Cuba. An artist talk will occur at 7 p.m. opening night, Friday, Feb. 3, in person and via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87811030628?pwd=VUxpRWxNOFRQUUJKUm1wSlI0Y3pXQT09
Zoom Call-In: +1 (312) 626-6799 Meeting ID: 878 1103 0628 Access Code: 394935
When: 6 p.m. Fri., Feb. 3 and remains on view until March 26.
Where: 5 Points Art Gallery + Studios, 3514 N. Port Washington Ave.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/5PtsArtGallery/
Black History Month Racial Healing and Meditation Series
Attend a month-long Black History Month series centered racial healing and mediation based on readings from Dr. Catherine Meeks' new book: “The Night is Long but Light Comes in the Morning--Meditations for Racial Healing.” These gatherings are free, and copies of the book will be available to borrow on-site. A light meal will be provided.
When: 6 p.m., every Thursday in February (2, 9, 16, & 23)
Where: Tricklebee Café, 4424 W North Ave.
For more information: https://fb.me/e/23aNXiG1v
UScellular’s 7th Annual Black History Month Art Contest
Residents have the chance to vote online for their favorite artwork in UScellular’s seventh Annual Black History Month Art Contest with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Boys and Girls Club members created original artwork representing influential Black STEM icons. These included historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators who have made vital contributions to the world of science, technology, engineering, and math. The top three vote-getters will receive gift cards in the amounts of $250 for 1st Place; $150 for 2nd Place and $100 for 3rd Place. Finalists’ artwork will also be displayed digitally in four stores across Milwaukee: 3415 S. 27th Street, 2145 Miller Park Way, 544 E. Ogden Ave., and 4138 N 56th Street. Voting is online and continues through February. Anyone 18 or older can vote in the art contest. Winners will be announced in March.
When: Voting will remain open until Feb. 28.
Where: Vote here: https://newsroom.uscellular.com/uscellular-2023-black-history-month-art-contest/
For more information: UScellular Kicks Off Black History Month Art Contest
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here's where you can learn more about Black History Month in Milwaukee
