Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Vietnam combat medic George Banda honored at tribute to Latino veterans

Posted by Editor | May 12, 2018 |

The Latino Veterans’ Legacy of Valor Foundation also received a personal donation from Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele to kick-off the group’s fundraising efforts for a public monument. The Latino Veterans’ Legacy of Valor (LVLV) Foundation honored local Latino heroes at their Fourth Annual Benefit on April 13 at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, and presented the 2017/2018 Army 1st Lt. Daren M. Hidalgo Latino Veteran of the Year Award to George Banda. Latino Veteran of the Year Award is given to a local Latino veteran who has extended his or her service to the Latino community beyond...

Superheroes run for charity in 8th Milwaukee Cosplay 5K

Posted by Editor | May 10, 2018 |

Comic book icons like Wonder Woman and Batman’s Robin joined with mythical characters for a five kilometer run along the streets of Milwaukee’s Eastside on May 5. The masked avengers with colorful capes, cyborgs, unicorns, and practitioners of magic came together to participate in the 8th MKE Cosplay 5K: Cosmic Odyssey. The run and walk started from and finished at the Colectivo Coffee on Prospect Avenue. Organized by photographer and comic book enthusiast Troy Freund, the event combined two his passions. “I’m a runner and I like being active. I also have been reading comic books since I was...

Nate Hamilton: Hopes, fears, and thoughts of family on fourth anniversary of Dontre’s dеath

Posted by Editor | May 8, 2018 |

Nate Hamilton is the co-founder of the Coalition for Justice, an advocacy organization that has brought public attention to the death of his brother Dontre. He works to build a stronger Milwaukee community and strives to prevent other incidents from claiming the lives of men of color. The fourth annual gathering in memory of Dontre was held in Red Arrow Park where his death occurred, and in recognition by the City of Milwaukee’s proclaimed that April 30 be known as Dontre Day in celebration of his life. The Milwaukee Independent attended the May 5 event, and had the chance to...

Maria Hamilton: A broken promise by Starbucks reflects a pattern of injustice

Posted by Editor | May 8, 2018 |

Mothers for Justice United was founded by Maria Hamilton, after the death of her son Dontre on April 30, 2014 by the Starbucks Coffee location at Red Arrow Park. Maria and her family tried to make sense of the tragic circumstances which took Dontre from them at the age of 31. They waited and worked to obtain justice for their son and brother. In that process, Maria came to know the suffering that is all too familiar for black mothers of children who have been victims of police or vigilante violence. Unarmed young black men have been essentially lynched...

Brad Lichtenstein: Documentary Filmmaking as a force for social change

Posted by Editor | May 4, 2018 |

An award-winning filmmaker who documents local topics for a national audience, Brad Lichtenstein had told stories about social injustice in an effort to affect positive change for more than two decades. From his work for PBS on Frontline to his efforts with growing the Milwaukee film industry, Lichtenstein has remained an optimist about making the world better in spite of the many tragic events and damaged lives that have been the subjects of his many films. The Milwaukee Independent sat down with Lichtenstein on February 28 in his office at 371 Productions to talk about his filmmaking experiences. The...

City Hall gets permanent public art display with installation of iconic bronze sculpture

Posted by Editor | May 1, 2018 |

The “Mixed Feelings” abstract sculpture by internationally acclaimed British artist Tony Cragg was lifted into place by crane at the south entrance of Milwaukee City Hall, by the northeast corner of Wells and Water streets, on April 30. The installation was coordinated by Russell Bowman, an art consultant based in Chicago and former Director of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Bowman is currently serving as art advisor of Sculpture Milwaukee. An anonymous donor provided a grant to the Milwaukee Downtown BID #21 to acquire “Mixed Feelings” and donate the art to the community. “It will be interesting to see how...