Race

One of John Lewis’ early fights for equality was to make sure everyone could get a library card. A Madison author and illustrator tell this story in a new children’s book.

A public memorial for 19-year-old Sade Robinson, who was killed and dismembered last year, is moving forward with the help of a fundraising effort after Milwaukee County officials withdrew plans for the site due to a “flurry of racist emails.” 

Kia Ronning, creator and organizer of the Northland BIPOC Business Showcase, spoke with Robin Washington on WPR’s “Morning Edition” about the event, which will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth.

The ketchup giant Heinz recently awarded grants to restaurants nationwide in an effort to strengthen Black culinary traditions. The sandwich shop House of Hoagies in Menasha was one of three Wisconsin winners.

The city of Milwaukee owns hundreds of vacant, abandoned houses. More than 100 are set for restoration and homeownership under the Homes MKE program.

Milwaukee activist groups are suing several highway agencies over a plan they say exacerbates inequities in health, environmental quality, and transportation accessibility.

Major League Baseball decided this year to recognize statistics from Jim Crow baseball leagues and will give living Black players a pension. Former Negro league player, Dennis Biddle, and a UW-Milwaukee history student, Ken Bartelt, explain the importance of this on “Wisconsin Today.”

The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. The first Juneteenth celebration took place in Texas on June 19, 1866. Milwaukee’s event has been ongoing since 1971, making it one of the oldest in the country.

A new Milwaukee Historical Society exhibit aims to uplift the resilient stories and ideas of north side residents facing environmental challenges.

A predominantly Native American high school will have a new name next year after students led a two-year effort for the change.