Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1988 by Clayborn Benson, III, it presents exhibits which speak to the many contributions of African Americans to Wisconsin and European Americans who helped our ancestors escape slavery; this community resource is also an archives for rare historical artifacts and a scholars library; George Gist’ fourteen panel mural traces African Americans from Egypt to Milwaukee; what strikes you most are the African American labor struggles exhibits; in one of the genealogy classes, you may be surprised to learn of your ancestors connection to Wisconsin; call to schedule a visit, donations appreciated

DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 12p-6p, Sat 9a-2p

ADDRESS: 2620 West Center Street  MAP

PHONE: 414-372-7677

WEBSITE: http://www.WBHSM.org

City Ballet Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Allen Gartrell, who studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, is Artistic Director for this dynamic dance troupe; they also tutor 75 students a year in ballet, modern jazz, African dance; call for performance schedule

ADDRESS: 3908 West Capitol Drive  MAP

PHONE: 414-933-9746

WEBSITE: http://www.marcuscenter.org/city_ballet_theatre.html

Juneteenth Celebration
DESCRIPTION: Organizes, what is arguably the nation’s largest Juneteenth festival celebrating the freedom of our enslaved ancestors; the festival is held on MLK Drive between West Center and West Burleigh; Northcott Neighborhood House coordinates the event

ADDRESS: 2460 North 6th Street  MAP

PHONE: 414-372-3770

Ko-Thi Dance Company
DESCRIPTION: Created in 1969 by Ferne Yangyeitie Caulker, a native of Sierra Leone, this ensemble is dedicated to the preservation and performance of traditional African-American and Caribbean dance and drumming; offers classes in dance and drumming and a children's performing ensemble; the company boasts a national and international touring history in Tokyo, Toronto, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Florida Disney World

ADDRESS: performs at various venues around town

PHONE: 414-273-0676

WEBSITE: http://www.ko-thi.org

Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company
DESCRIPTION: Wisconsin’s oldest professional African American theatre company; home of the annual Black Nativity play; call for performance schedule and venue locations

TICKETS: most tickets are $15 or less

ADDRESS: 929 North Water Street  MAP

PHONE: 414-616-7529

WEBSITE: http://www.marcuscenter.org/hansberry_sands.html

America’s Black Holocaust Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1988 by James Cameron, who is America’s only living survivor of a lynching; the museum has books on slavery and racism; permanent exhibitions include The Middle Passage; A Voyage to Slavery and Life and Legacy of Dr. James Cameron and Strange Fruit: Lynching in America; Zakiya Courtney is Executive Director; the most interesting aspect of the museum are the Griots, such as Anthony Courtney, who explain the Black Holocaust on your guided tour – you will be spellbound, if not transformed by the experience; in its dual role as a cultural center, the museum hosted the Afrocentric wedding of Anthony and Zakiyah’s son in 2005; if there is a valid criticism of the museum, it is much smaller than called for by its noble mission – perhaps philanthropists will step up to the plate

DAYS & HOURS: CLOSED

ADDRESS: 2233 North 4th Street  MAP

PARKING: free parking on the side