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MILWAUKEE – To celebrate Black History Month, the Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) is hosting events throughout the month of February at Gallery 507, the organization’s headquarters and gallery space in Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville District. These community-based educational events are free and open to the public.
“The Bronzeville Center for the Arts exists to elevate the history and heritage of African American art while making it more accessible to the surrounding community,” said Communications Manager Robyn Cherry. “We’re proud to host these free, public events dedicated to exploring our city’s rich history and the influence of Black artists on its community and culture.”
The lineup of events and activities include:
Monday, February 17:
“Valiant Vel” Book Signing and Discussion
5:30–7 p.m. at Gallery 507, 507 W. North Ave.
“Valiant Vel” by Jerrianne Hayslett tells the story of Vel Phillips, the first African American and first woman to be elected to Milwaukee’s Common Council. She spent her career fighting for fair housing policies to protect minorities from discrimination when buying or renting homes. Join us for a book signing and discussion with author Jerrianne Hayslett and illustrator Aaron Boyd about her life and legacy.
Thursday, February 27:
Quilting in Contemporary Art: Stitching our Stories
5:30–7 p.m. at Gallery 507, 507 W. North Ave.
Today’s quilt and fiber artists continue to lean into quilting’s resourceful roots, able to carry on conversations and connections with African American ancestors to form their own stories through stitching squares of materials and fabric. These textile artists are building on the narrative potential of quilts to establish a new era that centers on history, cultural heritage and identity in communities where they live. Join us for an educational presentation and panel discussion.
Wednesday, March 12:
Murals in Bronzeville: Why Murals Speak Panel Discussion
5:30–7 p.m. at Gallery 507, 507 W. North Ave.
Not only is the Bronzeville neighborhood key to understanding early African American history, it is also rich with Black history that has shaped the present. Milwaukee’s murals celebrate both historic and present-day Black lives while addressing current issues of civil rights, social justice and other issues that affect our Black communities. Join the BCA for a panel discussion featuring a variety of Milwaukee’s muralists.
Learn more about upcoming BCA events at https://bcamke.org/community-events/.
