88Nine: Community Stories

Every creative tells a story — sometimes through lyrics, sometimes through shoes. This episode puts the focus on footwear, with an artist who's making custom sneakers for some big names at this year's SummerfestBrandon Johnston is owner of Soul 2 Sole (S2S) Creations. The Carroll University graduate was tapped – once again – by the Big Gig to create designs for two of this year's headliners after making shoes for 2024 lineup artists Kane Brown, Illenium and SZA.  “SZA, she wanted to do Adidas Sombas," Johnston said. "Yeah, that's one that definitely will probably stay in my mind for a very long time. She's pretty out there, like she wears her heart on her sleeve when it comes to showing her emotions, and I think that's really brave.”  He's also partnered with the Milwaukee Brewers, created custom kicks for former Milwaukee Bucks star Jrue Holiday and collaborated with many more. In this conversation, we talk about where his passion began, the story behind one of his favorite designsand his latest Summerfest opportunity.Check out Soul2Sole's website and Instagram.—Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

The annual Juneteenth celebration — recognized annually on June 19 — commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It was on that day in 1865 when the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation occurred in Texas.While it took another 156 years for Juneteenth to become an official federal holiday (in 2021, in case you don't want to do the math), the celebration has deep roots in Milwaukee. Led by Northcott Neighborhood House, the event is considered one of the oldest and longest-running in the country.Still, organizers keep finding brand new ways for history to unfold in our city. And this year, for the first time, Milwaukee's official Juneteenth celebration is teaming up with the World's Largest Music Festival: Summerfest.That means things won't just happen in the Bronzeville neighborhood. After the daytime festivities, the night will continue at the Summerfest grounds with an introduction of the Juneteenth Court and, of course, the music. Artists like The Isley Brothers, Ginuwine, Bow Wow, Milwaukee's own Eric Benét and local talent are part of a lineup that's about culture, legacy and unity.Summerfest and Northcott Neighborhood House will keep the celebration going a few extra days with a new food and culture event. “A Taste of Juneteenth” will be held in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater Founders Club on June 21 from 12:45-2 p.m., inviting ticket holders to sample dishes from a lineup of a dozen local food vendors.That leaves a lot of ground to cover in this episode, which brings Summerfest CEO Sarah Pancheri and Northcott Neighborhood House executive director Tony Kearney together to talk about this promising new collaboration and what it means for Milwaukee. —Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

For many of us, our fathers are our protectors. They provide the structure, discipline and encouragement that stays with you throughout life. And when they're not cooking on the grill in their favorite sandals, they teach us to stand tall, speak up and be fearless. Of course, the word “dad” isn't the same for everyone. It can be a biological bond, mentor, bonus parent or father figure who chose to step up. This holiday recognizes their part in bringing us into this world and showing up time and time again.This special Father's Day edition of Uniquely Milwaukee turned into quite the group project, thanks to you. In addition to asking a few locals to write heartfelt letters to their fathers, I reached out to our audience in the hopes of getting a few voicemails with messages to your dads. You stepped up, so listen for those in the episode.On top of that, my own father is part of this episode! He's a pretty private guy, but I got him to open up a bit about fatherhood and being a single parent: “Raising someone by yourself takes a lot. It's not easy. There's nothing perfect in (the) raising of any child by yourself, but you try to practice perfection, and with that comes a lot of looking at yourself.”Thanks to everyone who took part in this special episode. And to my dad and all dads, happy Father's Day.—Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

Sun-Seeker MKE are dreamers, artists, abolitionists, chosen family and joy makers — all working hard to reimagine what safety and care looks like for black trans and queer folks. Everyone involved with the Black trans abolitionist organization understands the solutions to oppression, harm and liberation come from the people within the communities they serve.I spoke with Nick Berkley, Yante Turner and Jakayla (Jay) Bridges of Sun-Seeker MKE during the DJ Takeover on the Afternoon Drive last week. They curated a full hour of songs that both reflect and inspire their mission, and we looked at the work of their organization through the lens of art and music.“When we talk about creativity and making organizing desirable, art for us has been that lens.” explained Turner, who has been with Sun-Seeker MKE for over four years. They are not reaching for professionalism or perfectionism, but rather striving for authenticity that's made available through art and music.It's an organization of activists, academics and mobilizers who aren't content with theory. They move Black trans safety from conversation to action through campaigns like their fundraiser for a rapid-response mobile crisis and care collaboration unit — the latest example of their hyperlocal focus so communities can “have sovereignty over what their safety looks like.”You can hear more from Berkley, Turner and Bridges in this episode, and learn more about how Sun-Seeker MKE is working toward Black queer and trans safety by following them on Instagram.Episode guest host: Carolann GrzybowskiUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, DJ Kenny Perez had the chance to speak with auntie, a rising producer from Milwaukee who's making waves with a sound deeply rooted in Footwork.If you're wondering what Footwork is, you'll have to take it back to Chicago in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This high-energy, rhythmically complex dance music evolved as a faster and more abstract offshoot of the Chicago ghetto house sound. Known for its rapid-fire beats, syncopated rhythms and chopped vocal samples, Footwork was designed for competitive dance battles and often pushes tempos past 160 BPM, challenging both dancers and producers to innovate in real time.Auntie's passion for rhythm and experimentation was ignited at just 8 years old, influenced by her uncle (a producer himself) and, perhaps surprisingly, the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Despite its controversial content, the game's in-car radio stations introduced her to a wide range of genres, sparking her interest in sound design, storytelling and genre blending.Join us as we dive into auntie's creative journey, her take on the Milwaukee music scene and how she's crafting something new while honoring the rich legacy of Midwest electronic music.Episode guest host: DJ Kenny PerezUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

Golf is a multibillion-dollar sport played in many places around the world. Its modern origins date back to 15th century Scotland, but the game didn't really gain traction in the United States until the turn of the 19th century. Eventually, modern legends like Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods took the game to new heights. Still, after all these years, it's a sport that lacks diversity. According to the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), African Americans make up just 7% of the general golfing population and a mere 1-3% of touring professionals. In Milwaukee, there's a group dedicated to introducing the game to many more. WeBlackWeGolf (WBWF) is a social nonprofit building community from the tee box. They're open to all but focused on getting more people of color active in the sport. In this episode, host Kim Shine takes to the the fairways and greens at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Glendale for the group's opening day. In a golf cart alongside WBWG board member and mentor Calvin Lee, Kim talks with different members and newer golfers about why they love the sport and the group.To learn more about WeBlackWeGolf, visit their website and follow the organization on Instagram.—Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.

We're continuing our motherhood conversation – but this time, from the perspective of Dads, or non-birthing partners. In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we're going inside Dad Doula University.Though pregnancy is physically experienced by the mother, or birthing parent, it is a process that impacts the entire family – and sometimes, Doulas are involved. A Doula is a trained professional who provides support and guidance to their clients throughout the entire process.  (Listen to our Mother's Day episode.)Joshua Liston-Zawadi is the creator of Dad Doula University. The free program offers classes to help expectant fathers & non-birthing partners prepare for parenthood. In this episode:Visiting Dad Doula University: Inside a Saturday morning class with Josh and two expectant fathers (9 minutes)Conversation w/ Josh about why he created Dad Doula University and how it's helping families. (14 minutes)Dad Doula University has serviced more than 500 families. Cohorts are available every month from April-September over two consecutive weekends. Right now, they are held in Milwaukee inside the Sherman Phoenix. Find upcoming sessions and at daddoulauniversity.com.  Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library. 

In honor of Mother's Day, we're dedicating this special episode of Uniquely Milwaukee to moms (and even those considering motherhood). We're making sure to acknowledge the love, guidance, protection and sacrifice you give to — and for — your children. Thank you.——————Becoming a mother can happen at any age and stage in life. Increasingly, though, it seems that age and stage fall later and later. In March, the National Center for Health Statistics released a report showing that, for the first time, women 40 and older are having more babies than teenagers. In 1990, just more than 50,000 births happened for women 40 and older. Thirty-three years later, that number has almost tripled. Inspired by that trend, we decided to focus on moms over 40 with this Mother's Day episode in three parts:Shayvon McCullum already had two children, now 15 and 20 years old. But after meeting her partner who had none of his own, she agreed to try again. Now, at 42, she's got a 1-year-old girl and a very happy life (18 minutes).Dr. Marie Forgie, an OB/GYN from Aurora Health Care, gives her professional insight to motherhood for older women and things to consider when making the decision (11 minutes).Finally, a heartwarming conversation between my Radio Milwaukee colleague Carolann Grzybowski and her mother, Diane Cohen, who was in her 40s when she had both Carolann and her sister (25 minutes).Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library. 

The Milwaukee Film Festival returns for another season of inviting film lovers to "enjoy the show." In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we're talking to filmmakers -- including two from Racine -- about stories of resistance and justice.Representing southeastern Wisconsin are Laura Dyan Kezman & William Howell, co-directors of CYCLE, a documentary that explores the narrative of police violence, profiling and accountability through the death of 18-year-old Ty'Rese West of Racine. In June 2019, West was shot two in the head by a Mount Pleasant police officer who stopped him for not having a light on his bicycle.   There was no body camera footage, no witnesses and no charges were filed.Our second conversation is with Elegance Bratton, director of Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, which confronts biased systems and spotlights a movement of freedom, resistance and innovation. The film shares the genres history through the life Vince Lawrence, who in 1984 in Chicago -- along with his friend Jesse Saunders -- recorded what many consider to be the first house song.Episode host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library. For more episodes, visit radiomilwaukee.org/ourstories.

Everyone needs it. An informal, neutral setting within a community that supports the individual. It encourages conversation. It embraces differences. It's a park, a bar, a coffee shop, a hair salon, a library — any spot that welcomes diversity and, sometimes, action.It isn't home.It isn't work. It's a third place.This isn't a new concept. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg is credited with solidifying it in his 1989 book, The Great Good Place, and it has since evolved over the decades as our increased access to things like money, technology and travel – while great – have shifted our need and desire for a blended community.“The idea that we spend so much time at home, then we leave our home and go to work, and then for most folks they leave work and go home, there's nothing necessarily wrong with that,” said Michael Carrier, urban historian and professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). “In a lot of times that's almost done out of necessity because people may be working multiple jobs, they may have childcare issues. But, when your life is that bifurcated, you don't get the sociability that people need.”Carrier does his own exploration of the topic in his book, The City Creative: The Rise of Placemaking in Urban America. On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we dive into the significance of having places where people can just exist, including a new “third place” on the East Side called The Washroom.At first, the activity of doing laundry may not seem social — until you give it more than a passing thought.“ I think a laundromat is a perfect place to make into a third space because you're getting folks from all different walks of life going to one space once a week,” The Washroom owner Kelli Johnson said. “That, within itself, is very powerful … building and creating community.”Uniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library.

We successfully made it through another Radio Milwaukee Spring Membership Drive! That's 10 days of our listeners hearing us (and folks in the community) explain why supporting this station matters. Whether through sustaining memberships or one-time gives, everything helps keep us on the air and in the Cream City.Radio Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization, and membership accounts for nearly a third of our annual revenue. As membership manager Maddy Riordan explains in this episode, members help sustain 88Nine and HYFIN, but also efforts like Grace Weber's Music Lab, this very podcast and our Black Small Business Initiative.Let's not forget about those who donate their time. We asked one of our longtime volunteers, Rachel Bourbon, to talk about what attracted her to Radio Milwaukee 17 years ago and how the station has evolved in nearly two decades.We also decided to have a little fun with this episode and lean on the fact that our organization is an award-winning media outlet. But that got us wondering: How many honors have we won since our 2007 launch? We'll find out together as we take an “Award Tour” with HYFIN program director Element Everest-Blanks.

This week on Uniquely Milwaukee, Radio Milwaukee's intern, Amelie Stella Lichte, takes over to share her unique experience working at the Grohmann Museum.

On Uniquely Milwaukee, we wrap up Suicide Awareness Month and reflect on the complex emotions that surround loss, especially for those affected by suicide. In this final episode, we're bringing back some of the voices you heard in Episode 1, mental health experts Emily Vander Velden and Jeremy Schumacher, unpacking strategies for coping with and balancing mourning and healing. 

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we explore deeply personal stories that reveal the challenges and triumphs of navigating mental health. Featuring co-founders of Black Space, we discuss the detrimental effects of inadequate care and the importance of finding the right mental health provider. Together, they highlight the critical need for accessible, culturally competent mental health resources for Black and Brown communities. 

The role of community and connection in suicide prevention by hearing from local organizations, support groups and individuals working to create safe spaces.

In this opening episode, we dive into the complexities of suicide. Experts in mental health, Emily Vander Velden and Jeremy Schumacher provide insights into the underlying issues that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This episode will lay the foundation for a month of deep exploration, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of suicide and why it remains a critical public health issue.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we sit down with Amy Horst and Stephanie Rhodes to delve into The Great Milwaukee Block Party. We explore the spirit behind this vibrant event and discover how community organizers united to make it a reality. 

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we sit down with program director Michelle Lyle to talk about the summer hydroponics program and spend a day with students conducting a fluid dynamics water balloon lab experiment.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, I sat down with Dawn Springer and dancers Rachel Malehorn, Janel Hutchison and Sejain Bastidas to talk about “Step of Two”, bringing your life into your dance and what it means to move the needle toward more inclusivity within the industry. 

This week on Uniquely Milwaukee, we head over to Bembé Dance & Drum to learn about Afro-Latino musical culture. 

Be sure to tune in to this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee where host Salam Fatayer interviews Tonda Thompson; discussing "She Slangs Wood," a carpentry company focused on empowering women through the art and craft of woodworking. You'll hear about Tonda's life-altering experiences and how they shaped her mission to instill confidence and skills in women everywhere.

This week on Uniquely Milwaukee, 88Nine's Kenny Perez takes over the episode as he sits down with Eric Kleppe-Montenegro and Sergio Rincon to talk about the origins of Oak Leaf Familia and its mission to foster inclusivity and diversity within the local biking scene. Later Kenny shifts the conversation from biking to running and highlights another athletic club that's doing the same thing, Buena Tierra Run Club.  

Eight years ago, local historian and writer John Gurda sat down with 88Nine to share stories from Milwaukee's neighborhoods. The idea for the series came after the release of Gurda's 2015 book, Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods, which chronicles 37 contemporary portraits of Milwaukee's neighborhoods.With the weather warming and conditions ripe for exploring the city, we decided it was the ideal time to look back at this collection and share Gurda's very well-informed perspective on these well-known areas of Milwaukee. We've taken you from the south end of town to the east side and then swung around to the north. Now, we wrap things up out west with the most colorfully named neighborhood of the bunch: Piggsville.In addition to its curious moniker, this is probably the most isolated of Milwaukee's neighborhoods. In fact, you've probably driven past — or through it — without even knowing.Piggsville is nestled in the northeast corner of where the stadium freeway and I-94 meet. The interstate accounts for its southern border, Wisconsin Avenue marks its northernmost point, and it only stretches as far east as 39th street. This tiny chunk of Milwaukee has just 11 streets — and seven of them are dead ends.So what's the story behind this small neighborhood with a big (or, um, pig) name? How did it end up with that porcine label? And why do most of us refer to it as “The Valley” instead of its original name? Listen to get your answers from Gurda and to discover more about this hamlet.

Eight years ago, local historian and writer John Gurda sat down with 88Nine to share stories from Milwaukee's neighborhoods. The idea for the series came after the release of Gurda's 2015 book, Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods, which chronicles 37 contemporary portraits of Milwaukee's neighborhoods.With the weather warming and conditions ripe for exploring the city, we decided it was the ideal time to look back at this collection and share Gurda's very well-informed perspective on these well-known areas of Milwaukee. After starting on the south end of town, this episode finds us moving north.North MilwaukeeAlthough this neighborhood borrows the name of our fair city, its history is rooted in independence. In fact, it's one of just two Milwaukee neighborhoods (Bayview is the other) that were once independent suburbs.Both of those areas have industrial foundations, with North Milwaukee's clustered around the intersection of two railroad lines: one going to Minneapolis and the other to Green Bay. This crossing defined the neighborhood and is still visible in a map of its rectangular setup, with a big iron “X” running through it. The transportation benefit had people moving from other parts of town to the newly established North Milwaukee, which remained independent from 1918 to 1929.HarambeeThis long, narrow neighborhood stretches from North Avenue to Capitol Drive and I-43 to Holston Street. While its name comes from the Swahili word that means “pulling together,” neither the name nor its cultural heritage were present in the early days. Instead — like many parts of Milwaukee — it was originally settled by Germans in the mid-1800s.More than a century later, the neighborhood became an epicenter for civil rights in the 1960s and 1970s, fighting against institutional racism such as segregation in schools and housing. Around that time that, it officially adopted the name “Harambee” and remains a stronghold of Black culture and commerce in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee's preemminent historian shares stories from Milwaukee's neighborhoods-- this week from the East Side to Riverwest.produced by Marcus Doucette

Eight years ago, local historian and writer John Gurda sat down with 88Nine to share stories from Milwaukee's neighborhoods. The idea for the series came after the release of Gurda's 2015 book, Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods, which chronicles 37 contemporary portraits of Milwaukee's neighborhoods.With the weather warming and conditions ripe for exploring the city, we decided it was the ideal time to look back at this collection and share Gurda's very well-informed perspective on these well-known areas of Milwaukee. We start on the south end of town with one neighborhood that was there from the city's beginning, Walker's Point, and a gateway to the immigrant experience, the Historic South Side.Curated by Jordan Lee Produced by Marcus Doucette

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, in celebration of International Women's Day, we delve into the story of two generations of Palestinian women, Muna Sharma and her mother,  navigating the complexities of identity in a politicized world through food. From tales of resilience in the kitchen to the harrowing experience of making a meal during a home raid, we explore why cultural preservation is essential and how Bint Jamila's Table is bringing Palestinian cuisine to Milwaukee through its cooking workshops.

In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, I sit down with Jimmy Banks' son, Jordan Banks, and close friend Wendell Willis to delve deeper into his legacy, why his story remains largely untold, and the invaluable lessons for those on and off the field.

In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, I interview Makenzie Kojis, a Music Therapist from Milwaukee, to explore the field of music therapy. We delve into the scientific relationship between music and the brain, and discuss the advantages of this type of therapy.

From serendipitous encounters to enduring partnerships, join us, on Uniquely Milwaukee as we celebrate the diverse and beautiful stories of couples who have found each other against all odds

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, Host Salam Fatayer explores the profound impact of Black culture on mainstream culture. Listen to a conversation with Lexi S. Brunson from CopyWrite Magazine, delving into topics such as fashion, labor, and music and their origins within the Black community - revealing the multifaceted contributions of Black culture.

Listen to this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee as I engage in a conversation with Geraud Blanks to delve deeper into Culture x Design. And learn about this month's Black History Program featuring Black History Trivia and bringing back In Retrospect: The Life & Times Of Lauryn Hill w/ Dr. Joan Morgan.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, we explore the heart of the community at Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. It's more than a coffee shop here; it's a flourishing hub for the Arab South Asian and Muslim communities in Milwaukee.

Join Uniquely Milwaukee host, Salam Fatayer, as she reflects on the history behind Martin Luther King Jr. Day turning into a federal holiday... and how Stevie Wonder plays a role.

This week on Uniquely Milwaukee, join us as we grab a drink at Agency, Milwaukee's first hybrid bar. Immerse yourself in the choice of indulging in an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage. Plus, hear from the founder, Ryan Castelaz, as he shares the story of how this innovative concept came to fruition.

This past February, for Black History Month, Hyfin's Element Everest-Blanks speaks with Dr. Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, a DNA test that places your African ancestry in a present-day country and ethnic group or tribe. During the podcast, Element reveals her results.

We are continuing to recap our favorite stories of 2023, this time taking us back to the beginning of the year for an intensive weekend-long music camp, Ladies Rock MKE, which teaches campers of all skill levels to learn an instrument, form a band, write a song and perform it in front of a live audience.

This week on Uniquely Milwaukee, I spent a day at Milwaukee County Zoo with zookeeper, Ryan Taylor, where we learned how he takes care of some animals at the zoo.

On this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, dive into the tumultuous world of parking enforcement as we shadow a parking enforcement officer, a figure often vilified for their role in issuing tickets and regulating parking spaces. Explore the challenges they face, the misunderstood life of a parking enforcement officer and the behind-the-scenes realities that shape this universally disliked line of work.

In a special edition of Uniquely Milwaukee, B~Free steps into the spotlight to conduct an intimate interview with R&B sensation Grace Weber. Delve into the raw realities of musician life, explore the challenges of mental health, and uncover the unglamorous side of touring in this exclusive Artist on Artist talk. Don't miss this installment of 'Odd Job' month for a behind-the-scenes look at the music industry.