Mayor's 4th annual Black History Recognition Ceremony honors Milwaukee advocates

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For four years, Milwaukee's mayor has kicked off Black History Month by recognizing the city's current history makers.

Dozens of Milwaukee's Black leaders attended the ceremony Monday at Bader Philanthropies, lifting up those who are making a lasting positive impact.

"These honorees are not just reflecting on history, these folks are creating history," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson. "They're creating history in real time, through excellence and service to others."

This year's program honored four longtime advocates.

"We're honoring local heroes, unsung heroes, people who aren't looking to be recognized," said Tahira Malik, the founder of Samad's House. "They're doing the work because this is their passion. This is what they were meant to do."

Malik was honored as an "outstanding citizen" for expanding Milwaukee's harm reduction and recovery efforts and fighting for support.

"I want to be able to continue to receive funding to provide those lifesaving tools to all communities," Malik said.

The next honoree was Shelly Conley, Milwaukee's 2025-2026 poet laureate, for her "leadership in action."

"If we can't tell our own story, it's going to go away," Conley said about Black History Month.

She's the co-founder of My Sistas KeepHer, a youth poetry program that teaches kids to use their voice through writing.

"We hold it in sometimes, so long that it comes out in a negative way," Conley said. "To be able to have a positive way to let it out, that's our goal."

The third honoree was Cynthia Wilson, the founder of Milwaukee Steppers and Ballroomers United.

"It's better to give than to receive. If I can help somebody out, I'm willing to do that," Wilson said.

She was recognized for her "resilience in action." Wilson raises money for cancer patients through Stepping with the Stars, and runs an initiative called "Stop the Violence," donating toys to children who have lost parents to violence.

"It's in memory of my son; he was killed 20 years ago. So, I turned my pain into passion," Wilson said.

Last but not least, Muhibb Dyer was honored for being a "community connecter."

He is the co-founder of the I Will Not Die Young campaign, empowering kids to find their purpose.

"When I look into the eyes of a young child and I see that they get it, that they can actually be more, I think that is the greatest blessing of all," Dyer said.

Monday's program closed with a call to action.

"I want you to reflect on what you are doing to create history yourself here in our community," said Mayor Johnson.