Author: Editor

Richard Taylor: Crafting metal as monuments to history and creativity

Using metal as a three-dimensional canvas, artist Richard Taylor recently sculpted an iconic series to immortalize Milwaukee’s People of the Road. Taylor has crafted monumental public sculptures, related to his experiences with people and architecture, into visual souvenirs that have earned him recognition across the country. The influences of music and poetry can also be seen woven into the fabric of his compositions, with the large-scale shapes designed to compliment the natural environment surrounding their installation. The Milwaukee Independent talked with Taylor about his artistic passion and most recent historical project. | Q&A with Richard Taylor Milwaukee Independent: What...

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I Want My MTV: 11th Annual Milwaukee Film Festival opens with nostalgic look at the music video network

Movie enthusiasts waited in lines around the block on the city’s east side for the opening night of the 11th annual Milwaukee Film Festival on October 17, hosted at the festival-owned historic Oriental Theater. “This is our 11th year, and very early on there were a lot of people who didn’t think we were going to last. And I was thinking there’s a lot of reasons that Milwaukee Film is like Nigel Tufnel’s equipment,” said Chris Abele, founder of the film festival. “Just like Nigel’s amp, Milwaukee Film goes to 11.” 2019 is expected to be the largest festival...

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City leaders commemorate the 75th anniversary of Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Commission

Milwaukee celebrated the 75th Anniversary of its Equal Rights Commission (ERC) on October 16 in the rotunda of the historic City Hall, highlighting a mission of inclusivity and the resulting impact of its efforts for the local community. The city’s ERC was created in 1944 during the closing days of World War II. It was originally founded as the Mayor’s Committee on Inter-Racial Relations, by then Milwaukee Mayor John Bohn. The purpose was to form a committee to examine issues with the city’s growing black community, make recommendations on how to improve those issues, and support policies that would...

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Exiled: Milwaukee community screens Mike Seely’s film on the human cost of deporting combat veterans

Forward Latino and UWM MAVRC hosted a special community screening of the Mike Seely documentary “Exiled: America’s Deported Veterans” at the United Community Center on October 8, featuring a talkback session with the director after the film. “Exiled” tells the stories of two US military veterans who were honorably discharged and deported Mexico. As a former paratrooper, Hector Barajas is on a mission to raise awareness about the deported veteran issue, and reunite with his daughter in Compton, California. Army veteran Mauricio Hernandez struggles with severe PTSD as a result of his time fighting in Afghanistan, but in Tijuana,...

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HWCC recognizes transition in leadership and excellence of Hmong businesses at annual awards

Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) held its 13th annual Business Awards Celebration on October 4 at Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, recognizing individuals and companies that were “Impacting Our Future” over the past year. The event also featured a bittersweet tribute to honor May Yer Theresa Thao, who resigned as Executive Director of the HWCC on September 8 after being selected by Governor Tony Evers to serve as Assistant Deputy Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). In that role, Thao became the first Asian American to serve in an Executive Office position in Wisconsin history....

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Activists rally for second week demanding Fire and Police Commission action on SOP130 policy

Community members gathered to rally at City Hall for a second week in a row on October 3, to seek support from the Fire and Police Commission to forbid collaboration between the Milwaukee Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Nearly three dozen concerned residents also gave testimonies to the Fire and Police Commission during its public hearing to evaluate the city contract of Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. Speakers included Kristine De la Cruz, wife of Jose De la Cruz-Espinosa and the Milwaukee man who was detained by ICE with the assistance of the MPD last week....

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