Black History Month a time to celebrate our past, present and future

Today as Black History Month begins, I’m asking all Milwaukeeans to join me in taking a few moments throughout February to learn about the rich African-American history that exists in our city, state, and across the nation, as well as reflect on the continued fight for racial justice.

While we cannot celebrate Black History Month in quite the same way this year, there are still plenty of ways to learn, participate, and give back to the community.

Starting today, the City will feature a different key Milwaukee Black History Maker on the City of Milwaukee website as part of the 28 Days of Black History program. Additionally, the City Channel will air video clips from celebrations in previous years, and the Milwaukee Public Library will be celebrating Black History Month throughout February with a variety of virtual events.

You can also partake in virtual celebrations such as the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s “We Rise: MKE’s Celebration of Black History Month” on Mondays; Milwaukee Film and Black Lens MKE’s four weeks of film, culture and conversation; and countless other virtual events that can all be viewed from the comfort of your home. Milwaukee is also home to countless Black-owned businesses that you can support this month, and every month.

Black history IS Milwaukee’s history, and we should always celebrate Black achievements and uplift Black stories as we continue to build a more equitable future for everyone.