Four To Be Honored at 2025 Indaba African Ball

Four Milwaukee history-makers will be recognized for their contributions to the community across a variety of fields at the 6^th annual Indaba African Ball, which will be held from 5:30 PM to 9 PM on Saturday, Feb. 1.

The lively event, which has quickly become a beloved kickoff for Black History Month in Milwaukee, takes place at the Bucyrus Campus of St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, 2450 W. North Ave. Proceeds support a weekly free summer entertainment series for the neighborhood at the Indaba Band Shell, an accessible, family-friendly gathering place that supports community and the performing arts.

Most guests wear African-inspired attire and walk the runway in an informal fashion show. The event includes African- and Caribbean-style hors d’oeuvres crafted by Events by Day; and live music, this year by the popular group Cigarette Break. Look, too, for a 360-degree photo booth, a basket raffle, and African marketplace and more.

Registration must be purchased in advance ($90 per person) at StAnnCenter.org/IndabaBall. The event is filling fast; sales will continue until capacity is reached or January 24, whichever comes first. There will be no sales at the door. Sponsorships are also still available. For more information on the event or becoming a sponsor, please contact Gloria Miller, St. Ann Center director of special events, at (414) 210-2428 or gmiller@stanncenter.org.

A highlight of the evening is always the introduction of the year’s Hall of History Maker honorees. The 2025 honorees are:

Anthony “Tony” Courtney
Anthony “Tony” Courtney is a community activist and founder of several nonprofit organizations, including For My Brothers, Inc., providing manhood training for Black boys ages 13 to 15, and Old School We Aint Through Yet- Black Men’s Network, encouraging more than 400 men to be aware of and participate in community efforts and events led by other Black groups. One of the original founders of 100 Black Men of Milwaukee, he currently serves as mentor to hundreds of Black men ages 30 to 60. Under his business, My Brothers Gold Cards, he has written and published several booklets, posters and greeting cards, and sells children’s books.

Bashir Easter, Ph.D
Dr. Bashir Easter is an esteemed scholar, entrepreneur and community leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of color. He founded both Melanin Minded LLC and the Melanin Minded Foundation as a vital resource to bridge the gap in information, services and support for marginalized communities, to empower people of color. He’s published significant research on the experiences of African American adolescents caring for relatives with dementia, and pioneered an innovative initiative in Milwaukee aimed at creating Dementia Villages specifically designed for communities of color. These Dementia-Friendly Communities aim to address specialized needs of individuals with dementia and the caregivers.

Dee McCollum
Dee McCollum is director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, a post she’s held for 13 years. She began the center’s tradition of hosting the Make-A-Family Smile Thanksgiving event soon after arriving, using her own funds to make turkey baskets for 10 families. The event grew to 1,200 turkeys for families in 2024…and a total of more than 14,000 turkeys given away since its start. She also began the Breakfast with Santa event, starting with 20 children 10 years ago and growing to host more than 450 children in 2023. “My belief is that I am here to serve, and it is what I will do as long as God gives me strength to,” she said.

Melody McCurtis
Melody McCurtis joined Metcalfe Park Community Bridges as an organizer and a canvasser. Today, she serves as its lead organizer and deputy director of priorities.  She works alongside people who watched her grew up – her mother was a founding member of the neighborhood organization – and says “they love me, they hold me accountable, they show me grace and really keep me grounded.” MPCB has earned a reputation for listening to neighborhood residents and sharing vital information and necessities with them, such as COVID-19 response care packages with masks, sanitizer and information and, more recently, lead filters and kits to protect against harmful lead and other contaminants in drinking water. Their next initiative focuses on creating safe, livable homes in the neighborhood. “When you look at the infrastructure that we have, not only in the city but also in the state, nine times out of 10, it really excludes our folks,” she said.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.