CopyWrite Magazine is a PROUD Community Partner of Milwaukee Film Fest 2024

It’s about that time!

We are gearing up to indulge in visual narratives on the big screen [& you know we love a good film at /CW]! This years for MFF we chose to be a community partner for screenings that touched on some of our core interest as media makers/lovers, BIPOC representation, and creative flyness. We kept it short & sweet [but you know we won’t be leaving any crumbs].

Check out the films on CopyWrite Magazine hit list [& follow us on Instagram @copywritemag for a chance to win tickets to watch the films with us!]:

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4/13/2024 | 3:45:00 PM | Avalon

OUT OF THE PICTURE | DIR: MARY LOUISE SCHUMACKER

OUT OF THE PICTURE takes us inside the lives of some of the most relevant writers on art today, thinkers who are making sense of a period of unprecedented change to art, media, and society. Director Mary Louise Schumacher led a national survey of more than 300 arts writers across the country, unearthing revelations that are poised to prompt a national conversation about the nature of art, modern life, and how meaning gets made in the 21st century.

PREVIEW

4/22/2024 | 5:00 PM | Downer

SEEKING MAVIS BEACON | DIR: JAZMIN RENEE JONES

One of the most influential Black women in technology is a figment of our collective imagination. Mavis Beacon was invented by the co-founder of Myspace to sell the world’s most popular typing software, but the real woman she was modeled after disappeared in 1995. SEEKING MAVIS BEACON poses critical questions regarding anthropomorphism and the consumption of marginalized bodies in the tech industry, while reimagining the afro-futurist legacy of a missing historical figure.

4/16/2024 | 3:30:00 PM | ORIENTAL THEATRE (Lubar)

YOUNG. WILD. FREE. | DIR: THEMBI L. BANKS

Being a teenager is rough, and Brandon (Algee Smith, 2017 African-American Film Critics Association Best Ensemble Cast winner for Kathryn Bigelow’s Detroit) is no different. Between struggling in school, caring for his two younger siblings, and having just been let go from his job, Brandon often uses his art as an escape from the confines of his subdued day-to-day life. Enter Cassidy (Sierra Capri, On My Block), a bedazzled bad girl dripping in confidence, freedom, and danger. Lured in by her whimsy, Brandon teams up with Cassidy, seamlessly slipping into the role of Clyde to her Bonnie as they make their way down an increasingly perilous path.

Carvd N Stone Loren Martin Hintz Travel Writing Scholarship Continues for Third Year to Award $1,000

*Info provided by Carvd N Stone

Carvd N Stone (CNS), a positive news company and marketing agency, announces the third annual CNS Loren Martin Hintz Travel Writing Scholarship. CNS will award $1,000 to a Milwaukee writer based on the 2024 essay theme: “What lessons have you learned while traveling that you’ve implemented in your everyday life and why?”

Applications open on April 17, 2024, at 9 a.m. CST and will close on May 17, 2024, at noon CST.

To apply, applicants must fit all requirements:

● Reside in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

● 17-29 years old.

● Submit an 800-word essay that fits the 2024 theme.

Loren Martin Hintz was an award-winning journalist for the Milwaukee Sentinel. Throughout his career, Hintz traveled around the world capturing unique people and moments in words and photographs. The CNS Travel Writing Scholarship promotes and encourages the next generation of writers. Whether you're an aspiring journalist or just have a passion for travel and writing, the Loren Martin Hintz Scholarship is an amazing opportunity to showcase your skills, thoughts, and dreams with the chance of winning.

Jonah Denae "In Due Time"

Milwaukee’s Femcees become more and more promising with the likes of Lakeyah, Mudy, Shadi, Destinee Lynn and now, the young and ambitious Jonah Denae has come to take names and take over; “I been quiet. But it's my turn now. Be ready. Love” is declared at the top of the year under an instagram post of hers, and she definitely aint playin’! After a sprinkle of singles and freestyles over the last few years with no LP yet, Jonah Denae has dropped ”In Due Time,” a statement piece for the due diligence of an artist who knows that faith, consistency, and hard work is bound to pay off when you know who you are.

Her Battle rap-like approach over a proper Midwest beat by rXge and rhyme scheming are mathematical; 

-“Can't settle for ni**as who settle at the bottom with b***hes 

Who bottom feeders -for givin’ top to ni**as who pop a bottle

 -Instead of poppin’ a collar, 

B***hes paparazzi.. ” 

She weaves in and out of the flow like a pro with the demeanor and full set nails to match. Clever choices are made in her change of pacing and tone while landing her bars every time with references to Black Culture, her spiritual faith, and American History amongst other things in relation to the might of the moment that she is manifesting for herself as a legend in the making. This is her time and the city, the world, needs to keep an ear out for this one. Jonah Denae is ‘Bigger than Local.’

/CW Naomi-Re’a

The Mountaintop

We’ve all seen the different narratives and adaptations of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout our lives; “Our Friend Martin,” “Selma,” “Selma, Lord Selma,” season 1 ep. 9 of “The Boondocks,” etc... All of these have been historically critical to the importance of passing down his legacy (or in the case of Aaron McGruder, a dramatized and comical take on what could've been his realistic response to the world as it is today), but no story has captured the nature of King as a man like “The Mountaintop.” The legacy of Dr. King is one of the most impactful pieces of America’s history without saying; nearly 60 years after his death, men like County Executive David Crowley are able to be recognized on opening night with the “Mountaintop Legacy Award” for perpetuating the very character and vision that compelled Dr. King to carry on in his mission, in our very own city. However, only a fresh perspective can provoke new respect for the journey of a leader; A human journey. Prior to making a special appearance on their “Legacy Night” showcase later on in this month, Milwaukee Chamber Theater saved us some seats for opening night as well where I sat a row or two in front of Director Dimonte Henning who was finally able to marvel at the fruition of this vision for the first time after taking on the script. I caught up with him right after the show..

CW: “What I really want to know is how you came to get your hands on a script like that, because when I came into the theater, I didn't expect the story to be told that way. So what made you wanna take on that narrative?”

DH: “You know what, I'm at a point where I like to tell stories that mean something to me. If it doesn't mean anything to me-, I can't put myself and my creativity into a space where it doesn't mean anything. So, Dr. King's story-, it means so much to have it told in this way; this reimagined depiction of the last night that he was alive. I felt like I needed to tell this story and I needed to find the right actors, the right designer team to help uplift this story. And so, Bryant [Bentley], he reached out to me. He [asked me] do I wanna direct this? I said ‘absolutely, yes.’ It's been a long time coming. Bryant first approached me about this show 2 years ago, so to be here on opening night with the audience, to see the vision come to life, is a gift, it's a treat, it's a gift from God and I don't take that for granted. It's because the story means something to me.”

With the deliberate use of only the 2 actors on stage for the entirety of the story in a single setting, a Memphis motel room, and the size of Milwaukee Chamber’s theater room contributing to the intimate atmosphere, there was no escaping the raw humanity and chaotic rollercoaster of morale in the writing and its display in the genius and dedication of the actors, on and off stage. Henning shares as a lover of history that the details of this depiction were taken from fact and research, bringing real life to this dramatization. 

DH: … I'm sure that he didn't interact with the maid how he does in this play, but there are a lot of historical moments and facts brought into the play… One thing that really impacted me was the night that he did the “I Have a Dream” speech, the FBI listed him as the ‘Most Dangerous Man in America,’ and I was just like, wow! How is that possible? This man who just brought all of these people together is now listed as a dangerous man in America..and we all know why that is, but just understanding who he ws as a man and, giving it to Bryant Bentley who played Dr. King, we had a lot of conversations. We spent our first week of rehearsal-, we have 3 weeks of rehearsal-, We spent our first week just talking about ‘what is this play about? What story do we want to tell? What is the relationship between Dr. King and Camae? Who are these people?’... “The foundation of all of my work is authenticity. If it's not authentic, then the audience is gonna see right through it, so it has to be authentic:..:  finding the truth in these characters. And then we did intimacy work. Our intimacy director, KaiLee Evans, came in and she worked with both of our actors. They go through a process every night. They have an opening process as soon as they get here. Then, they have a close out where they just connect and talk with each other and make sure that they are on the same page. There's some intimate moments where they get physical with each other, and it's important because you wanna keep the actors safe…because it's just them two on stage… If you mess up that relationship off stage, it may bleed on stage. So we just wanna be sure that they're safe, so that's where that came from.”

The Mountaintop by Katori Hall will be showing at the Milwaukee Chamber Theater until March 24th. The CopyWrite fam will be present on March 22nd as guest hosts for one of the last showings of this marvelous story in celebration of black excellence. We hope to see some of you there!

/CW Naomi-Re’a 

China Shadae SINGLE "Pull Up"

China Shadae's  latest single “Pull Up” should surely be added to your R&B playlist. For starters, China Shadae’s voice is incredible and her talent is undeniable, shining bright in this record alone. I think this song flowed so perfectly because she was in alignment with each element of the beat. The beat is another thing that I really love simply because that is one of the most inclusive parts of a song. You may not remember the words to a song but you’ll always remember a good beat, credits to Geronimo Approved, Hossy and TCF Live. I noticed the inspiration from Bobby’s Brown “Every Little Step I Take” in the chorus, I think she definitely it tastefully and creatively. One thing about China Shadae, her hooks and choruses are consistent in their ability to captivate. That’s another thing that makes a song memorable and really adds to why I like this song. This isn’t the only song of hers that has me intrigued, songs like “Secret Love” and “Burn”  have also been added to my library. It’s no question that China Shadae is making her way into the mainstream world of R&B, the only question is when.

Check out China Shadae’s latest single and more and let us know what you think! 

/Peazy from CW

ZenSation by Queen Lifestyle

Wellness is Black Excellence!! How can you tell? Because of ZenSation, that's how! During the last weekend of Black History Month, We Got Flavors and our very own Fashion Editor, Sydnie Beason of Queen Lifestyle, curated this occasion to display our community’s strength and knowledge of health through a holistic lens. The lower level of the North Avenue Market was occupied wall to wall by some of the best that the wellness community has to offer. The atmosphere was so loving and was topped off by the soothing background acoustic cover songs of Tlalok Rodriguez who was centered in the room with his guitar, a perfect choice for the ambiance by the curators. Walking around I saw turmeric soaps and other skincare items from Nakedd Skin Studio by Licensed esthetician CiCe, gemmed up energy cleansing jewelry and oils from Freequensee by JB, and Healing IVY brought teas, beads, and more beads. Queen Lifestyle herself brought in several jars of her own herbal juices. That Fire Cider Tonic? You don’t know spice till you've had that one. Cough where?? 

These ladies were artists of different talents and niches who had found themselves convicted with the responsibility of bringing their skills and resources to the community- to step back from the vanity of it all and bring attention to the actual quality of living which starts with the health of the body, mind, and keeping some smell goods in the house.

 While recovering from my first few sips of that Fire Cider (seriously I was taken aback…in a good way!), I began to gather something after admiring the visual of this excellence; the real truth. This pop up was not only of course a great marketing strategy for the vendors or just a sign that health and wellness is becoming more and more of a conscious consideration amongst our people, but that despite what has been economically decided, healthcare truly is accessible and affordable when we open our minds to where the solution might be. Your remedy for an ailment, an ache, or just needing a kick start of good energy for the day could literally be on your nail tech’s counter or in your stylist’s blender. Your cure for oily or dry skin is a 15min drive away at a local studio spot, not 3-7 business days ahead. Black health and wellness is simply the gift that keeps on giving and it's more within our reach than we think. 

/CW Naomi-Re’a

You are invited to LEGACY NIGHT @ The Milwaukee Chamber Theater | Hosted by CopyWrite Mag

BLACK PEOPLE IT IS TIME TO TAKE UP SPACE!

INFO FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS AT MCT

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We invite Black and African American community members to join us for Legacy Night on March 22 at 7:30 pm, a special performance of THE MOUNTAINTOP by Katori Hall hosted by CopyWrite Magazine [THATS US!] dedicated to and celebrating the Black community.

What is Legacy Night?

The intention behind this event is to purposefully create an environment in which a Black audience can experience and discuss this play about a Black leader, created and performed by Black artists, in a space that celebrates the Black Community and centers their perspectives.

Legacy Night is inspired by a similar event created in 2019 by actor and playwright Jeremy O. Harris, where for the first time ever, every seat in Broadway’s Golden Theatre was occupied by Black audience members. We're calling this special performance Legacy Night not only because legacy is one of the major themes within THE MOUNTAINTOP but also to honor and celebrate our Black and African American community and the legacy we hope to create together in Milwaukee. 

What if I'm not Black or African American?

We encourage our non-Black audience members to join us in honoring this initiative by choosing to experience the play at another performance.

We thank you in advance for supporting these artists and MCT as we facilitate an opportunity for a community to come together to enjoy this special event. 

Ticket Options

Legacy Night Tickets are $20 (plus sales tax and box office fees).

Purchase Online

You can purchase tickets online by clicking the button below and using the code LEGACY. You will need to enter the code in the "Promo Code" box at the top right corner of the Broadway Theatre Center ticketing page and click submit before you try to select the date. The Legacy Night performance will not show up until you have submitted code LEGACY.

Donyale Luna | What Does it Mean to be a Black Supermodel | A Fashion Experience by Sydnie Beason /CW Style Editor

Donyale Luna: Breaking Barriers in the Fashion Industry | Until the 1960's, European beauty was acknowledged as the professional standard in the fashion world. That is until Donyale Luna entered the scene becoming the world’s first African American Supermodel, Luna introduced diversity to the industry by presenting her beautifully distinct features as well as her unique outlook on life. She stood up for black women who had not been represented before in fashion and won the world over with her charm.

A Tale of Two Worlds: From Detroit to Europe's Runways Reflecting on her time modeling in Europe, she contrasted it with her upbringing in Detroit, where she felt her looks were not appreciated. Her striking appearance was not lost on everyone, however; Verna Green, a fellow student at Cass Technical, remembered her as unforgettable, yet Luna remained unaware of her beauty. Her fashion sense was simple, opting for black skirts and long-sleeved tops. Sadly, she was ostracized for being different and speaking and looking differently at Cass Technical. Luna recalled, "I grew up realizing I was strange." Despite this, she achieved a significant milestone in 1966 by becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of British Vogue. She paved the way for young black girls to be authentic in their imagination. She captured the essence of how unique black beauty really is.

Sydnie Beason for /CW

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Like what you see?

check out the BTS for this fashion experience.

Want to hire /CW for your next style or fashion experience? Hit us up at copywrite.mke@gmail.com | Attn: Fashion Department

What Vaule We Share: MKE Film Back History Month Programming | Shorts: TREASURED HEIRLOOMS

Happy Black History Month!

Happy being Black, living in Black bodies, and living Black truths!

As a Community Partner for Milwaukee Films 2024 Black History Month Programming, the /CW Fam selected screenings that we thought would speak to our audience and our specific cultural nuances. 

My experience watching the collection of Treasured Heirlooms shorts, was one that absolutely filled my culture cup reminding me that what we value in the Black community [with all its intersectionality] should be shared and celebrated. I note this as I am in the infancy of producing one of my own art installations that discuss culture as a proponent of space, thus creating a place [stay tuned]. Marquese May's curation of six short films of treasures, was dynamic and telling of voices we may know but reluctantly share outside of our community. I applaud programming like this because it allows the African diaspora to be seen in the light it deserves. Here are the values I would like to share from each film.

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WILD MAGNOLIAS |  Dir. Alexandra Kern

We don't get to talk about culture that has been cultivated in appreciation and in proximity to other cultures. Wild Magnolias shows an appreciation between Native American practices and African Americans in Louisiana. The link of these people is due to colonization and enslavement but it is a link that is vital to the survival of both peoples heritage and history. The bead work and visual storytelling in the garbs the Wild Magnolia Men [and young men] created were breathtaking, showed true skill, and showed historical narratives that the white gaze [don’t try to tussle with me] has tried to erase. Not only have the bloodlines mixed genetically [I would know from my own lineage] but also the archive of survival can not be told without mentioning the other.

This is the value of ancestry we share.

MORE THAN HAIR | Dir. Fitch Jean

Hair is sacred. How we manage our crown is how we manage the world. I have never been able to truly describe why or how but the complexity of Black hair [All Black hair] should be considered a world wonder. More Than Hair, is a heart moving peace because it pulls at the fragility of the Black hair experience. Not knowing, experimentation, acceptance, and revelation. I teared up when he sat down in that barber shop with his adopted mother [blessings to her for seeking the help he needed]. When he turned the pages of the hair catalog I smiled with excitement for the endless possibilities. When he picked cornrows I knew he had discovered that his hair was worth keeping.

This is the value of hair we share. 

GLITTER AIN'T GOLD | Dirs. Christian Nolan Jones and Dominick Cormier

Ornamentation is our birthright! The value that the Black community places on aesthetics should be looked at as an obligatory reflection of existence. From historical narratives, we know that our adornments were stripped from us during the conquest of our land and the enslavement of our people. Our markings, garb, and emblems were always signs of our identity and status. So when baby boy worked hard to get that money for that chain to impress that little girl I was proud of him. But when he discovered that material things won't always suffice I empathize with his longing to be seen and admired by those he admires. We carry our worth. We want to be recognized for our worth. 

This is the value of adornment we share. 

Other films shown during the screening included, QUILTED EDUCATION  [Dir. Kayla Robinson], OVER THE WALL [ Dir. Krystal Tingle] and AMPE: LEAP INTO THE SKY, BLACK GIRL [Dirs. Ife Oluwamuyide and Claudia Owusu]. These films too showed the value of archiving our history, representation in spaces less traveled for our community, and how the practices of our youth may help build the skills needed for strong futures. 

I value my Blackness in its performance, its lineage, and its legacy. 

Thank you for the reminder that it is all to be treasured and shared. 

Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW

HYFIN Presents: Latest + Greatest LIVE

*Info provided by HYFIN