Schedule of events is set for 8th Annual Bronzeville Week

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is excited for the kick off of 2020 Bronzeville Week, as the first several days of festive events showcasing culture, history, art, commerce, and entertainment begin Saturday, August 1st. The week-long, city-sanctioned event, running from August 1st – 8th, is sponsored by the City of Milwaukee, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and the Historic King Drive Business Improvement District. All events can be viewed on the Bronzeville Week Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BronzevilleWeek.

“Bronzeville Week is a celebration of culture, arts, entertainment and the rich history of both the Bronzeville District and African-American community,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “This week has become a truly enjoyable and enriching August tradition in Milwaukee, and while the way in which we celebrate will be different this year, I’m excited to announce the wide array of virtual events that will be available to the public.”

This year, Bronzeville Week will feature virtual events starting on Saturday, August 1st with the HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run for Healthy Birth Outcomes. Residents are encouraged to complete the Walk/Run in their own neighborhood on self-designed routes at any time during Bronzeville Week. Those interested should visit https://raceroster.com/events/2020/29233/harunbee-5k-walkrun-for-healthy-birth-outcomes-virtual-run to sign up and see additional details.  

Opening weekend will also include a virtual Pancakes & Poetry event hosted by Dasha Kelly & The Retreat. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st. The weekend concludes with several events on Sunday, August 2nd. Residents are encouraged to enjoy Brunch in Bronzeville from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at On the Bayou located at 2053 N. Dr. Martin Lither King Jr. Drive and Mi Casa Su Café located at 1835 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Dine-in and carry-out options are available.

Sunday events wrap up with literature and the arts as local author Ebony Lewis will read her book Dear Black Boy: It’s Ok to Cry during the virtual Bronzeville Story Time at 12:30 p.m. Then, virtual Sunday Night Cinema begins at 5 p.m. The event will consist of a VIP screening of Champion Style featuring a talk back with Ray Nitti and Philly Fly Boy in conjunction with the BVI Tourism Board. Those interested should RSVP at bit.ly/ChampionStyleRSVP.

Monday, August 3rd is a day filled with arts and history, starting with the Bronzeville Letters Painting, which will occur on N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. between Clarke Street and Wright Street. The event will feature the painting of letters that spell Bronzeville and will be led by Artists Working in Education. At 1:30 p.m. Lit Wit Lay, a virtual hip-hop dance class, will be streamed online and allow youth to learn movement through music featuring Kalaya Tatum. Monday concludes with MLK Drive after the Unrest, a panel discussion at 5:30 p.m. The panel is a virtual dialogue of the account of 1968 compared to the 2020 uprisings in Bronzeville. Panelists include: Reggie Jackson, Educator/Consultant at Nurturing Diversity Partners; Bria Smith, Student and Activist; Della Wells, Local Artist; and Deshea Agee, Executive Director of the Historic King Drive BID 8.

Additional events and sponsors will be highlighted throughout the week. The full schedule of events is attached and can be viewed at city.milwaukee.gov/BW2020Schedule. Additional information can also be found on the Bronzeville District website at milwaukee.gov/bronzeville.

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.