May 2004
Posted inCommentary & Opinion

Session Ends with No Major Accomplishments

by Editor

by Rep. Jon Richards, Assistant Democratic Leader, 19th Assembly District

If you care about the progressive traditions of Wisconsin, it is good news that the state legislature has adjourned its 2002-03 regular session. The Republicans have majorities in the State Assembly and State Senate. With that control, Wisconsin got a full taste of the bitter “God, Gays, and Guns” agenda they are pushing at all levels of government this election year. The fires they start with this agenda suck the oxygen out of the serious debate we should be having on jobs, economic development, health care, and education.

Posted inBrady Street Beat

Sunny Side

by Editor

When the sun is shining like it was on the day I visited Grava Gallery, it floods the 600-square-foot space at 1224 E. Brady St., sending a wave of warmth through the south facing windows. If you arrive when proprietor Michael Wavra is opening his art gallery and framing business, usually around 10 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, you’re likely to catch him greeting the morning by positioning an American flag out front of the colorfully painted Victorian-era space.

Posted inHarambee Connection

Home of the Brave Live Show

by Editor

I have been able to catch a lot of live Hip Hop shows in Milwaukee lately. Last Wednesday I had the chance to catch “Home of the Brave” at YNOT II on the artsy east side of town. The establishment is cozy and good for an up close and personal experience. There was an interesting mixture of people in the room, old, young, white, black, latino, asian, gay, straight…but that’s what Hip Hop culture is doing nowadays, building bridges and closing gaps!

Posted inHarambee Connection

On King Drive

by Editor

Milwaukee’s young Hip Hop community, which has a strong base in the Harambee neighborhood, flexed strong campaign support of McGee and celebrated his victory on April 15 at an Open Mic Showcase at Onopa. McGee earned the community’s support based on his history of good relationship building and empowerment of many of the city’s artists, from the Taste Emcees to Baby Drew. “I have been deemed the Mayor of the Hip Hop Community for years! I have literally raised many a Hip Hop Artist/Soldier,” he says.

Posted inUncategorized

For Mother’s Day I Want VICTORY LADY

by Editor
by Tamara Key

I stopped in at the new Victory Lady at 3915 N. Richards St. in the new retail strip construction next to Wal-Mart. I asked one of the co-owners, Dawn McDermid what makes Victory Lady unique. She told me the company is privately owned and operated and for ladies only. She claims that they’ve been “Milwaukee’s Premiere Health Club for eleven years.”