Courtesy of Lauren Williams (@dcfashionblogger)
What will you do DJ Spinderella, Dope Kick, Midwestern Cities, Championship Winning Cities Basketball Team and East Coast Fashionista? Do you have anything in common? It was much more than I originally thought.
Growing up as a black girl from Delaware (one generation removed from the projects), much of my exposure to black culture and community was rooted in my family and centered on the East Coast.
I knew that black people lived all over the country and, for that matter, all over the world. After all, we are magical. But outside of the East Coast bubble, we didn’t always see ourselves reflected in movies, content, news, and videos. Additionally, I didn’t have much family in the western part of the country, so I wasn’t immediately interested in visiting different regions. That is until now.
I traveled to Milwaukee this fall/winter season. After four days of sexy sightseeing, cool sporting events, fashion-packed workshops, and a little extravagant party, I discovered more about myself and my culture than I ever expected.
Keep scrolling to read more about my experience and why Milwaukee is your next 2024 destination choice. Because while I was there, I lived my best life.
Milwaukee’s black culture is unapologetic and bold.
Let’s be clear: Milwaukee is not the first city that comes to mind when you think of black culture. I learned that African Americans have lived in Milwaukee since the 1700s. The city experienced a black population boom from the 1940s to the 1960s.
So fast that I experienced black culture as soon as I stepped out of my hotel in downtown Milwaukee. While in the city, I visited a variety of Black-owned businesses, cultural hubs, special events, and historic buildings.
Source: Courtesy of Lauren Williams (@dcfashionblogger)
See also: America’s Black Holocaust Museum and Bronzeville Collective
My journey began with an introspective visit American Negro Holocaust Museum. Founded in 1988 by Dr. James Cameron, known as the sole survivor of the Wisconsin lynchings, this facility was truly extraordinary.
What impressed me most was the care and attention given to the selected artifacts throughout the museum’s visual journey, and the friendliness of the center’s staff. The museum commemorated the Black experience from before captivity in Africa to the present day and focused on national culture, with a particular focus on contributions in Wisconsin – Barack Obama, Oprah, and Founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. These are just some of the key voices featured throughout.
It was located a little far from the museum, Bronzeville Collective, a Black woman-owned shop dedicated to Black, brown, and queer creatives. This shop was the definition of “supporting all Black people” with handmade earrings, blankets, T-shirts, art, and more. Famous Jamaican restaurant in the city, pPepper PotThis restaurant, which serves delicious jerk egg rolls, is also located in the Martin Luther King Drive area.
Visit: Reference “Method Man” at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Milwaukee Art Museum was probably one of the most aesthetically beautiful buildings I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re enjoying an afternoon latte, a glass of wine, or just some intellectual stimulation, the 3341,000-square-footvenue had it all.
The artwork inside was equally awe-inspiring. I admired them while wearing a comfortable sweater dress and combat boots. Among the 30,000 works of art in the museum, one piece in particular caught my eye. That piece is called Method Man.
Created by black artists in Los Angeles Mark Bradford, art look up space with its size, color, and intricate shapes. Mark, who is 6’9 tall, went from curling hair in her mother’s hair salon to creating art by manipulating paper, paint, and fabric. It is known for its extensive titles that refer to musicians such as Smoky Robinson and Tupac Shakur. Milwaukee introduced me to his cultural masterpiece.
See the works of Mark Bradford method man.
Source: Courtesy of Lauren Williams (@dcfashionblogger)
From DJ Spinderella spinning records as a kid to custom “not for sale” kicks.
Milwaukee film group Culture & Community Festival when I visited. October events include panels and workshops, Black Film, Sneakerfest, band attle of chefs event. The festival started with a hip-hop party. DJ SpinderellaI spent my entire life here in ’99 and 2000.
Source: Provided by Milwaukee Film/Other
I’ll never forget spending an afternoon at the festival Design by Culture sneaker fair. I wore a streetwear-inspired outfit consisting of ripped black aacid-washjeans with a belt and a green cargo skirt. Jordan 1 Retro High “Not for Sale” Varsity red sneakers for events.
After chatting with PUMA, Clyde Edwards, I roamed the fair. I talked to fashion enthusiasts and listened to sessions as I learned about his journey from YouTube to one of the world’s most iconic streetwear brands. The event captured the city’s cultural style and trends, from on-site custom sneaker designs to engaging panels and hands-on activities.
Source: Courtesy of Milwaukee Film / Courtesy of Milwaukee Film
Milwaukee is home to an award-winning city Milwaukee Bucks Basketball team and talented players.
Our last stop before heading back to the East Coast was to enjoy a basketball game with friends. Milwaukee Bucks. This game was one of my first major NBA events since the pandemic. So, I was ready to wear sporty-chic attire, enjoy drinks and salty food, and cheer on my team along with the passionate fans.
That was my experience.
The entire city gathered for the Sunday afternoon arena event located in the middle of downtown. Attendees wore Bucks jerseys of various colors; “Giannis Antetokounmpo” It is featured on the back of many shirts as a fan favorite. Although the air was a bit chilly, sports fans from all walks of life were proudly wearing their favorite teams. I chose 2 pieces fashion Nova Set and a white Air Force One.
Sports aren’t my specialty, but watching good men is. Milwaukee had a lot of them – On and off the court. Go Bucks!
Source: Courtesy of Lauren Williams (@dcfashionblogger)
