Author: Correspondent

The Senate unanimously approved a bill on June 15 that would make Juneteenth, or June 19th, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The bill would lead to Juneteenth becoming the 12th federal holiday. It is expected to easily pass the House, which would send it to President Joe Biden for his signature. Juneteenth commemorates when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free. Confederate soldiers surrendered in April 1865, but word did not reach the last enslaved Black people until June 19, when Union soldiers brought the news of freedom to Galveston,...

Juneteenth is considered the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. It was originally celebrated on June 19, the day that Union soldiers in 1865 told enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, that the Civil War had ended and they were free. Celebrations include parades, concerts, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation. The celebration started with the freed slaves of Galveston, Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves in the South in 1863, it could not be enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in 1865. Laura Smalley,...

The City of Milwaukee is transforming its curbside recycling program. Starting in June, the City began a transition to an every other week, spring-through-fall, citywide collection schedule. The winter collection schedule, December-to-March, will continue to be varied which allows for snow operations. With the help of a $649,000 grant from national nonprofit The Recycling Partnership, the City will deploy more than 18,600 new rolling, lidded recycling carts and fund education and outreach around the schedule change and recycling for good. Wheeled carts roll easily to the collection point, provide more capacity for recyclables, and reduce litter by protecting your...

Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order #120 on June 1, ordering that the Rainbow Pride Flag be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol during the month of June in celebration of Pride Month. The Rainbow Pride flag began flying over the East Wing of the State Capitol building at noon on June 1 and will end at sunset on June 30. Additionally, Executive Order #120 authorized state buildings and any jurisdiction of the state of Wisconsin to fly the Rainbow Pride Flag during the month of June. The governor also signed two additional executive orders relating to LGBTQ issues....

Milwaukee Film announced on May 19 that its annual Minority Health Film Festival would be renamed to Cultures & Communities Festival (C&C Fest), presented by the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network. Taking place September 6 to 12, C&C Fest will feature both virtual and in-person activities. The goal of the one-of-a-kind event is to promote individual and communal wellness improvements, while inspiring attendees to celebrate their cultural heritage and authentic selves. Now in its third year, the festival will continue to use groundbreaking films, nationally recognized speakers, local insight, and various events to spark conversation and empower action. “Film is another...