Milwaukee

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Slaves captured in the interior being marched to the coast for sale
Eyewitness Account: The Kidnapping of Africans for Slaves
Slave Auction Poster
A 1859 Slave Auction in Savannah, as Reported by the New York Tribune
The mammy, Aunt Jemima, offers comfort food
Hateful Things: An Exhibit from the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia
The Two Platforms
Political Parties in Black and White
Anti-Vietnam War protesters faced National Guard guns with flowers.
Social Movements and Organizations of the 1960s, 70s and 80s
CORE march in Washington DC, 1963, to protest the bombing of the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four little girls were killed in the attack.
Turning the Tables on Civil Rights: The 1970s and 1980s
JRosenwald & BookerTWashington
The Rosenwald Schools: An Impressive Legacy of Black-Jewish Collaboration for Negro Education
John Carter lynched w:policeman
John Carter: A Scapegoat for Anger
Running Black Man Target
Hateful Speech
Harps on porch 1919
Inheriting Home: The Skeletons in Pa’s Closet
segregated blk school in South
The Education of Black Children in the Jim Crow South

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The Black Holocaust Through One City's Eyes

 

Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin and the home of America's Black Holocaust Museum. Originally settled by German immigrants, Milwaukee became more of a melting pot during subquest immigration waves. Milwaukee's Bronzeville neighborhood, of which ABHM is a part, was originally settled by Germans before becoming the African American Center of the city. The city was well known for manufacturing materials and beer, and local sports teams such as the Brewers still pay homage to those roots.

Currently, Milwaukee has 1.18 more Black or African American residents than any other race. However, racism is often prevalent and is also known as the most segregated city in the country. The economic disparities are especially dire, with Black Milwaukeeans experiencing poverty at five times the rate of their white counterparts. Milwaukee was important in conversations about race during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Milwaukee is more politically liberal than much of Wisconsin, perhaps due to the demographics of its residents. Due to this, some politicians have attempted to influence politics by closing polling places in the city, much like they attempt to control elections by changing polling maps.

Nevertheless, the Black community and culture survive and even thrive in Milwaukee. The city welcomes speakers, organizations, and events that recognize and celebrate Black culture, including an annual weekly celebration of the Bronzeville neighborhood.  Mayor Cavalier Johnson is the city's first Black mayor, while the city recently inducted its first Black woman as deputy fire chief.

DYNAMIC RANGE: Photographs by Bill Tennessen

Discover the rich tapestry of Milwaukee through the lens of Bill Tennessen at the Haggerty Museum of Art, situated within Marquette University. Mr. Tennessen’s extensive documentation of life in Milwaukee since 1981 is showcased, providing a compelling and diverse narrative of the city’s evolution.

Lynching Site of George Marshall Clark Is Dedicated With Official Marker

Local officials, area leaders, and community members gathered in the Third Ward of Milwaukee County to honor George Marshall Clark, a victim of racial violence who was lynched on September 8, 1861. The dedication ceremony was organized by the Milwaukee County Landmarks Committee, part of the Milwaukee County Historical Society, and marked a vital step forward in acknowledging the past, promoting social justice, and preserving the memory of George Marshall Clark.

Genealogists want faster action from UWM and others on Milwaukee County Poor Farm Cemetery remains

Two Wisconsin genealogists want to highlight the significance and protect the sanctity of Milwaukee’s poor burial sites, such as Cemetery One.

George Marshall Clark: Unmarked Grave of Milwaukee Lynching Victim Gets Headstone After 160 Years

Nearly two centuries after his brief life and brutal death were entered into public record as the only recorded lynching in Milwaukee history, George Marshall Clark’s unmarked grave was memorialized with a granite headstone during a special ceremony at Forest Home Cemetery on September 8. The moving event was sponsored by ABHM and Forest Home Cemetery.

Juneteenth and the future of Milwaukee

American descendants of slaves have celebrated Juneteenth for 153 years, but freedom remains elusive for many.