Uniquely Milwaukee

The future is technology. The future is A.I. It’s shaping industries while transforming how we communicate and how we learn. In this episode, we go inside a new summer program showing those capabilities — and more — to the young minds in our community. A.I. Academy is teaching a group of sixth through eighth graders how they can benefit from this technological leap, as well as how it can fuel entr...

We’re taking a break this week, but that doesn’t mean the stories stop. In fact, it turned out to be the perfect time to revisit and update our episode from last July about Milwaukee’s Hydroponics STEM Program , which teaches Milwaukee high schoolers STEM and urban farming. That means they use technology, not soil, to grow their own food, eat healthier and even become entrepreneurs. The program ma...

Harlem and Bronzeville. Two neighborhoods separated by more than 700 miles. Despite the space between them, there’s plenty that unites these epicenters of Black culture — with reputations built over more than a century. There’s a historic connection between Harlem in New York City and Bronzeville here in Brew City. It’s something Radio Milwaukee’s digital-first platform HYFIN will put center stage...

Though her intuition was strong, Willow Newell didn’t know she’d be the next Miss Wisconsin. But the 22-year-old says it felt right because she did her best and felt connected to her highest self. Now, the Racine native has won the crown and is the first Black woman to hold the title. As Miss Wisconsin, her platform is "expression without exclusion." She believes everyone should have access to the...

Q-W-E-R-T-Y. They’re the first six letters atop all our keyboards, from our phones to our computers, and they revolutionized communication. But their history is far from digital and, in fact, is rooted here in the Cream City. In 1868, Milwaukee native Charles Latham Sholes was just trying to solve a problem: He needed to design a machine that could produce the letters of the alphabet without the a...

Emmitt James is Milwaukee’s own DIY, hip-hop/jazz artist — a classification that gives him the freedom to do … well, anything. That includes using his music to give back to the community through events like his ever-growing fundraiser/concert: the Emmitt James Big Band BBQ , which is back for its third edition Aug. 23. Asked what guests can expect that day, Emmitt was ready with an answer: “A movi...

Ebony Ice launched in 1989 as a local branch of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports. The organization hosts events all year round for skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels, as well as seasonal “Learn to Ski/Snowboard” classes. With about 75 members to date, membership is encouraged and does come with perks like discounts, scholarships and travel opportunities. “Skiing is the kind of...

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 Summerfest Brandon 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 afte...

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 Mi...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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....

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 vi...

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...

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 thi...

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 resour...

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 heal...

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.