Bronzeville Week — the Milwaukee neighborhood’s annual celebration of African-American culture, commerce, arts, history, entertainment and more — kicks off this weekend.
Backed by King Drive, Bronzeville was a major economic and social hub for African Americans from the early 1900s through the 1960s, according to the city of Milwaukee website.
It is on its way again.
Earlier this year, the neighborhood was named to The New York Times annual list of 52 places to visit this year.
And what better time to visit than Bronzeville Week, which runs Saturday through August 13th?
From the Bronzeville Cultural and Arts Festival to the Bronzeville ArtWalk to the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Celebration, here’s what you need to know about the week’s worth of festivals. Most of this information was pulled from the festive schedule.
culture and art
Bronzeville Center for the Arts Community Murals, Free Programming (Multiple Dates)
The Bronzeville Center for the Arts hosts community mural projects and other free programs throughout Bronzeville Week, according to a news release.
The 24-by-8-foot mural, designed by MIAD communication design major Dasia Bryant, celebrates Bronzeville’s “rich artistic history,” said Brad Anthony Bernard of Bernard Art Studio and lead of the mural project.News release .
“By incorporating and depicting Milwaukee artists, organizations, and history, the murals highlight the heritage and future of the Bronzeville community, as well as our cultural pride. We are delighted,” said Bernard, professor and artist at the Milwaukee College of Art and Design.
Murals are painted throughout the week. It will be located on the west-facing wall of 2300 N. King Drive, the future home of the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, according to a news release. It will remain on site until construction begins, and may become permanent once the center opens.
This project is being done in collaboration with six MIAD student interns.
BCA is working with multiple partners for free programming, the news release states:
- a Della Wells x BCA limited tote bag gift According to the news release, it will be held throughout the week on a first-come, first-served basis. The bag features art by BCA Vice President and Milwaukee artist Della Wells.
- Mobile Coles Art Studio at the Milwaukee Art Museum Free activities for children 12 and under on August 6, 9 and 12 from 10am to noon.
- Banner art projects for families It will take place on August 13th from noon to 5pm. Art His Build Her workers and interns at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Art Education work with children and families to color Bronzeville-themed posters that they can take home.
- The Wisconsin Chapter of the American Art Therapy Association will host three events. art therapy session August 13th from 11am to 3pm. Guided and supported by a licensed professional therapist.
- Local artists Amar Nsoroma, JBird Sterling and Tia Richardson free caricature sketches They will be distributed to Bronzeville Week attendees on a first-come, first-served basis on August 13th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.
All programming is done at the 2300 N. King Drive.
Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival (August 7)
According to the Bronzeville Week schedule, the Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival on August 7 will feature vendors, food, three live entertainment stages, and a kids zone.
The Fest runs from 10am to 6pm on North Avenue between King Drive and 7th Avenue.
Rooted in Culture (August 9)
The Maranta Plant Shop 1739 N. King Drive will host “Rooted in Culture” on August 9th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. A description of last year’s event of the same name states: Plant care information.
Kool-Aid & Canvas (August 10)
A limited number of Cool-Aid & Canvases will be held at noon on August 10th at the Martin Luther King Chapter of the Milwaukee Public Library (310 W. Locust St. Paul).
Paint-N-Sip (August 12)
Jewels Caribbean Bar Restaurant & Lounge (2722 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Drive) will host a paint and ship event on August 12th at 7:00 PM.
activities and celebrations
Healthy Birth with HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run (August 6th)
Hosted by the National Coalition for Healthy Black Families, the HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Healthy Birth Outcomes will take place on August 6th.
According to the event’s website, the run aims to raise awareness, prevent unhealthy birth outcomes, and encourage families to stay healthy and fit, both mentally and physically.
Registration begins at 7:30am and racing begins at 8:30am on King Drive and North Avenue.
For pricing information or registration, please visit raceroster.com/events/2022/54779/harunbee-5k-walkrun-for-healthy-birth-outcomes.
Empowerment Sunday Outdoor Joint Service (August 7)
The King Solomon Baptist Church and the Ephesus Missionary Baptist Church will be on the Gospel Stage on King Drive and North Avenue for the Empowerment Sunday Outdoor Joint Service on August 7 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Bronzeville Trolley Ride (August 11)
The Bronzeville Trolley Ride will run on August 11th from 2-3pm and 5-6pm. Pickup and drop-off will be at America’s Black He Holocaust Museum at 401 W. North Ave.
Black Lens MKE Trivia Night (August 11th)
A trivia night hosted by Black Lens MKE will be held on August 11th from 7-10pm at Q Restaurant, 2370 King Drive.
Harambee Back to School Block Party (August 12)
The Harambee Back to School Block Party will be held on August 12th from 3pm to 6pm on Bell R. Phillips Avenue between Wright Street and Meinecke Avenue. Hosted by Northcott Neighborhood House, Bader Philanthropies and Westcare Wisconsin.
Educational sleepover (August 12)
An educational sleepover will be held on August 12th from 7:00 pm to 8:00 am at the corner of King Drive and North Avenue. According to the Bronzeville Week schedule, school supplies are warmly received.
Activist Tracy Dent said in an earlier interview with the Journal Sentinel, “We collect all school supplies and donate them to schools in need.”
At least six others have pledged to spend the night out with Dent, but he said, “The more, the more fun. Anyone come hang out with us.” Added that members will participate. hand.
Dent also started a GoFundMe page to raise $2,000 to help buy school supplies.
Red, Bike and Green Bronzeville Ride (August 13)
The Red, Bike and Green Bronzeville Ride takes place on August 13th from 10am to 11am. Attendees must meet at Gee’s Clippers at 2200 N. King Drive.
Bronzeville Art Walk and Afro-Caribbean Cultural Celebration (August 13)
According to the event’s Facebook page, the Bronzeville ArtWalk will feature live Afro-Caribbean performances, craft vendors, interactive performances, live art demonstrations, caricatures, performance and visual artists, and traditional food and drink.
The August 13th event will be held on King Drive between Garfield and Meinecke Avenues from noon to 5:30pm.
Fusion of food and art
Brunch in Bronzeville (August 6)
Live music at the Rise & Grind Cafe at 2737 King Drive on August 6th from 11am to 2pm. Dr. Jewel’s Caribbean Bar Restaurant and Lounge, 2230 King Drive. and Mi Case Su Cafe, 1835 King Drive.
Food and Poetry Experience at Q Restaurant (August 9)
According to an online brochure, Food for Thought: A Fresh New Poetry Experience will be an open mic spoken word, comedy and live entertainment show at Q Restaurant at 2730 King Drive on August 9th. Special guests include hosts Trunk and Gideon, as well as his Ignite DJ.
A full course menu and special drinks are available. A black art vendor also appears.
Doors open at 7pm, performance starts at 8pm
Health food demonstration (August 12)
A health food demonstration by Tomira White of Delicious Bites will be held at Pete’s Fruit Market at 2323 King Drive on August 12 from noon to 12:30 p.m.
Pancakes and Poetry (August 13)
Pancakes and Poetry, hosted by Poet Mario, will be held on August 13 from 9:30-11:30 am at the Rise & Grind Café (2737 King Drive).
music
Summer Blues & Jazz Concert Series Finale (August 6)
The Summer Blues and Jazz Concert Series Finale, presented by Bader Philanthropies and Northcott Neighborhood House, will take place on August 6th from 1-6pm at 2640 North 6th Street.
Healthy judgment: HYFIN edition audition (August 10)
Sound Judgment: HYFIN Edition will feature listening sessions to shape the sound of HYFIN, Radio Milwaukee’s black urban alternative channel, on August 10, according to an online brochure.
The channel’s programming team will share playlists of songs divided by DJs, and participants will vote to decide which songs go on air.
Co-hosted by HYPHIN Advisory Board members Genyne Edwards and James Phelps, the gathering will be held at BLACK 1916, 1916 N. Dr. MLK Jr. Drive (rear entrance) from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.
Advance registration is required.
Soul Unplugged on the Porch (August 11)
Soul Unplugged On the Porch takes place from 5pm to 9pm at Garfield’s, 502 W. Garfield Avenue.
work
Bronzeville Business Breakfast at Dead Bird Brewing Co. (August 10)
The Bronzeville Business Breakfast will be held on August 10th at the Dead Bird Brewing Co. (1726 N. 5th Street).
Registration and breakfast is from 8:00 am to 8:45 am and the program runs from 8:45 am to 10:00 am.
“Hear the latest on district developments and initiatives,” says the online brochure. “We salute the thriving members of Historic King Drive BID #8.”
Seating is limited and registration is required. To register, please visit kingdriveis.com/bronzeville-week/2022-bronzeville-business-breakfast-registration.
Business in Bronzeville: A Primer on Business Entities (August 12)
Business in Bronzeville: A Primer on Business Entities is hosted by the African American Chamber of Commerce of the African American Bar Association of Wisconsin. Begins August 12th at 5:30pm at 1920 King Drive.
Hybrid in-person/live-streaming events
All hybrid and virtual events can be viewed at facebook.com/BronzevilleWeek.
Black Arts MKE Intro to Theater Class (August 8)
The Black Arts MKE Intro to Theater Class will be held on August 8th from 2-3pm at the Martin Luther King Chapter of the Milwaukee Public Library (310 W. Locust St. Paul).
America’s Black Holocaust Museum Presentation: “Conversations About Art, Culture, and Community” (August 8)
On August 8th, America’s Black Holocaust Museum (401 W. North Ave.) will host a Conversation on Arts, Culture and Community.
Reception begins at 5:00 PM and the program runs from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
A Conversation with Actor, Singer, and Milwaukee native Jacob Lattimore (August 10)
An interview with actor, singer, and Milwaukee native Jacob Lattimore will take place at noon on August 10 at the Black Holocaust Museum in the USA, 401 W. North Ave.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required for those wishing to attend.
Virtual offering
- Embody Yoga with Joanna Brooks will be held on August 8th from 12:30pm to 12:30pm.
- Lit with Lay with Kalayla Tatum will feature today’s hottest dance moves on August 8th from 4-4:30pm.
- Just Us and Books with Dannette Justus air on August 9 from 12:30 PM to 12:30 PM.
- Bronzeville Story Time, featuring “Khloe’s Beautiful Blues” by LaKetta Caldwell, runs from noon to 12:30 p.m. on August 11.
- A sun-reflecting sound bath in Melissa Blue, which uses a therapeutic sound bath to induce relaxation and harmony, will begin at 1:00 pm on August 11th.
For more information on Bronzeville Week, visit city.milwaukee.gov/Bronzeville/Things-to-Do/Bronzeville-Week and facebook.com/BronzevilleWeek.
Journal Sentinel staff Drake Bentley contributed to this report.
Please contact Hannah Kirby (hannah.kirby@jrn.com). Follow her on her Twitter. @HannahHopeKirby.