The new America’s Black Holocaust Museum; credit Milwaukee CVB
Milwaukee Cultural Sites
Wisconsin Black Historical Society Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1988 by Clayborn Benson, III, it presents exhibits that 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 archive for rare historical artifacts and a scholar’s library; George Gist’s fourteen-panel mural traces African Americans from Egypt to Milwaukee. What strikes you most are the African American labor struggles exhibited. In one of the genealogy classes, you may be surprised to learn of your ancestors’ connection to Wisconsin. Call to schedule a visit, donations are appreciated.
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Fri 12p-6p, Sat 9a-2p
ADDRESS: 2620 West Center Street, Milwaukee, WI MAP
PHONE: 414-372-7677
WEBSITE: http://www.wbhsm.org
America’s Black Holocaust Museum
DESCRIPTION: The museum was founded in 1988 by the late Dr. James Cameron, America’s longest-living recorded survivor of a lynching. Permanent exhibits include: African Peoples Before Slavery, Kidnapped: The Middle Passage. Nearly Three Centuries of Enslavement; Reconstruction: A Brief Glimpse of Freedom. One Hundred Years of Jim Crow; I Am Somebody: The Struggle For Justice; Now Free At Last? and other special touring exhibits. The most interesting aspect of the museum is the Griots who explain the Black Holocaust on your guided tour. You will be spellbound, if not transformed by the experience which takes a look at the real history of America’s experience with black folk. In its dual role as a cultural center, the museum has also hosted Afrocentric weddings. The new larger building has a gift shop with books on historic slavery.
DAYS & HOURS: Re-opens after COVID
ADDRESS: 401 West North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI MAP
PARKING: free parking on the side
WEBSITE: https://www.abhmuseum.org
City Ballet Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Allen Gartrell, who studied at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, was the Artistic Director for this dynamic dance troupe. They also tutor 75 students a year in ballet, modern jazz, and African dance. Call for performance schedule.
ADDRESS: 3908 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI MAP
PHONE: 414-933-9746
WEBSITE: https://www.marcuscenter.org
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 the city
PHONE: 414-273-0676
WEBSITE: http://www.ko-thi.org
Hansberry-Sands Theatre Company
DESCRIPTION: This is Wisconsin’s oldest professional Black 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, Milwaukee, WI MAP
PHONE: 414-616-7529
WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/HansberrySands35/
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, Milwaukee, WI MAP
PHONE: 414-372-3770