'8 days worth of family, fun and friends': 12th annual Bronzeville Week kicks off Saturday
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Back for its 12th straight year, Bronzeville Week is set to celebrate the predominantly African American Milwaukee neighborhood and its history, heritage and culture.
"We have so many great things in the city, all over the city," said Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs (District 6). "This one is happening right in the heart of Bronzeville."
Alderwoman Coggs is one of the key figures responsible for bringing Bronzeville Week to the neighborhood over a decade ago.
"Twelve years ago, some friends and I thought about ways that we could fight for Milwaukee's African American cultural entertainment district to be recognized," Alderwoman Coggs said. "We thought 'Hey. We can keep battling with folks or we can show them. We can let them see the beauty that we see, and we know is possible right here in Bronzeville.' Out of those conversations birthed eight days worth of family, fun, and friends as well as culture, arts and commerce right here in Bronzeville."
Celebrations will kick off Saturday morning, August 5, with the HaRUNbee 5K Walk/Run at 8:30. Other highlights throughout the week include:
- Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival – 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 6
- A Conversation with Milwaukee’s own Shonn Hinton - 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 7
- Dr. William Finlayson street name change ceremony – 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 8
- Bronzeville Business Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9
- Bronzeville Trolley Rides: 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. departures on Thursday, August 10
- Harambee Back to School Block Party: 3 – 6 p.m. on Friday, August 11
- Bronzeville Art Walk – 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson says he hopes to see people from all over Milwaukee and beyond come and see what the Bronzeville neighborhood has to offer.
"Experience all the culture, all the history, all the artistry that happens here at Bronzeville Week each and every year," Mayor Johnson said. "This is a city of festivals, this is a city of celebration, this is a city of spectacle and Bronzeville Week fits right into that."
More information on events can be found at the Bronzeville Week Facebook page by clicking here.