MOVE LIKE MALCOLM [CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS] | RUN BLACK & GREEN
/*Info provided by Alea McHatten
SUMMER STUDENT MEMBERSHIP SALE | GET 4 MONTHS OF /CW STUDIO ACCESS FOR A FLAT FEE OF $75
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A membership to /CW Creative Studios is an access to creatively nuanced space. This Membership includes access to shared work space, but not just desking and conferencing but active workshop space for several different types of creative individuals and organizations. Whether you need space to work on a design, produce a fine art piece, or plan an event. This membership provides a space for that.
GET 4 MONTHS OF /CW STUDIO ACCESS FOR A FLAT FEE OF $75
DETAILS:
1 TIME PAYMENT OF $75.00
MUST HAVE AN ACTIVE STUDENT ID [18+]
USE THE STUDIO DURING OUR HOURS OF OPERATION FROM MAY 1ST, 2025 TO AUGUST 31ST, 2025 [4 MONTHS]
GET 50% DISCOUNTS ON ALL /CW CREATIVE STUDIO RENTALS
1 COMPLEMENTARY CREATIVE PORTFOLIO REVIEW FROM /CW TEAM
SnapShot Press Release | Topdog/Underdog [& a special invite to Legacy Night at the Milwaukee Chamber theater]
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Modern-day digitization of “parlor games” will have you responding in the comments of a random social media post that asks, “name a dynamic duo”, with answers like…
Batman & Robin
Bonnie & Clyde
Peanut butter & Jelly
Bert & Ernie
Mac….AND….CHEESE
The foolery warrants a good knee-slapping chuckle [because why are we like this? Lol] but somewhere in the ether there lives another dynamic combination that is destined to teach us all something about our own humanistic bonds; Lincoln & Booth.
Now, for those of you who are history buffs, don’t start jumping down my throat. I'm not talking about Abraham [Lincoln] and John Wilkes [Booth]. I’m talking about the brothers [& I mean brothers who are BROTHERS in the biological & melanated sense] from playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog.
Let’s make it clear:
I am always baffled, yet mesmerized, by the execution of an obvious hustle.
I’m talking about a three-card monte on a flooding table and being a Black Man in America.
[If you can’t find the correlation, then it's already too late.]
On Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, I was invited to experience a sneak peek scene reading from the play from the Milwaukee Chamber Theater, who will be ending their 50th-anniversary season with the Topdog/Underdog productions directed by Gavin Dillon Lawrence. This Here2Play event was hosted at Running Rebels [whose mission is to guide Milwaukee youth into adulthood through mentoring, positive programming, and community connection] and included a panel of esteemed Black Men from Milwaukee, making an impact in their community.
image by /CW
We witnessed actors Dimonte Henning [Booth] and Anthony Fleming III [Lincoln] capture the complexities of brothers in an unyielding predicament that is the Black experience, preparing for the April 25th to May 11th, 2025, show dates with vigor, humility, and humor. There scripted banter seemed natural and reflective of the insight panelist Vedale Hill [Milwaukee Fine Artist, Arts Educator, and Community Advocate], Nate Deans, Jr [Director of Black and Latino Male Achievement, Milwaukee Public Schools], Damon Shoates [Community Organizer, Running Rebels], and Lafayette L Crump, JD (Moderator) [City of Milwaukee Commissioner of City Development] transparently discussed.
They untangled questions that directly acknowledged their existence [as a collective and as individuals] that have historically been snubbed in the public arena.
What does it mean to be a Black Man?
“Actualizing the dreams of my ancestors”. - Nate
“I get to have audacity”. - Vedale
“To be responsible for the history of my people - immediate & past history”. - Damon
They lovingly gave us their intimate thoughts, recalibrating the toxic tropes of masculinity into reflections of who they are as men…
Evolving
Committed to uplifting
Partners of accountability
They each noted how they navigate the world they exist in with a sense of obligation that reaches far beyond their gain as stewards of a community that still needs help changing the narrative of the plight that has been unjustly cast upon it.
image by /cw
“These young men are innovators and understand the literacy of social media. . .How do we as people who run systems, integrate young people and vulnerable groups into [that work]?”Nate stated as he discussed culturally competent pedagogy.
“Your perspective is important. All historical documents and archives are some kind of art form: written, sculptural, or visual. Art is the treasure box of what happened. If you don’t say what happened, your story, your position, and your perspective can be untold. . . I try to get young people to approach art in that type of honest and philosophical way”, Vedale preached.
But it is in this conversation that we are directed back to the art of Topdog/Underdog and what awaits us on the stage as art holds a mirror to our existence.
It's a space that I want us to hold together…Let me clear my throat *hmmmm hmmm*... It’s a space I invite all of my BLACK community to hold together for Legacy Night.
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre & CopyWrite Magazine [as a community partner] invites Black and African American community members to join us for Legacy Night on April 30 at 7:00 pm, a special performance of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG by Suzan-Lori Parks dedicated to and celebrating the Black community. Join us beginning at 5:00pm for a special pre-show reception! Tickets are $30 (plus tax and ticket fees) with special code LEGACY.
To be in community with each other gives us more opportunity to build bonds with each other that exemplify brotherhood, triumph over adversity, and unadulterated joy.
Let’s show our city what it feels like to win together.
See you at the theater!
Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW
COMMUNITY PULL UP | PAINT PARTY | SUNDAY APRIL 6TH, 2025 | 2PM-6PM
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We are strong advocates of a Creative Economy.
We know as professional creatives that the practice of making is best cultivated through collaboration. However, opportunities for creative collaboration can be sparse depending on age, locality, and personal network. Retention of talent [cultivated locally] will always be a problem unless we address it intentionally, constantly, & economically supported.
So /CW Creative Studio + Shop & Jazale’s Art Studio is doing something about it & we need your help.
Spring 2025, we will be introducing our new Artist-in-Residency Mentoring program, which we are calling THE CREATIVE COLLAB. This is a mentoring-focused Artist-in-Residency program that connects youth/young adults with professional creatives. Each participant will have access to mentors across the creative spectrum in their area of interest. Participants will be immersed in a diverse creative environment where they will witness everyday practices of creative professionalism, methods of creative production, problem-solving, the proper methods of documentation, and how best to utilize their specific skill sets.
But we need space for that!
So we are prepping a “makers space” to accommodate [& inspire] more young creatives, increase capacity, and accommodate art practices outside of our typical space use.
We are asking our community to spare a little time to help us prep. You could:
Help us paint & organize the “makers space” at our Community Pull Up | Paint Party
[April 6th, 2025 | 2PM-6PM - RSVP HERE]
Donate to our supply fund
Become a monthly member of the studio
[This helps us maintain a quality facility where programming is offered]
Consider renting our facility for your next event
[learn more at https://copywritemag.com/cw-creative-studios-shop]
Attend our creative programming & events
[each one #supportsthelocal]
We know that “Wisconsin’s creative sector supports nearly 90,000 jobs and provides $10.8b in economic value.” [ Wisconsin’s Creative Economy Coalition, wisconsincreates.com/.]. However, those numbers do not always represent a fair value payment to creatives. We have experienced the filtration system of funding, which results in extreme underpayment, a lack of consistency, and equitable economic opportunities for creatives. THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM is a good first step toward a more equitable and robust creative economy that supports and retains the next generation of innovators, changemakers, and great thinkers.
Want to learn more or support our programming?
Hit us up at copywrite.mke@gmail.com Attn: THE CREATIVE COLLAB | BRONZEVILLE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCY MENTOR PROGRAM
ART-IS-1ST | APRIL. 12TH 2025 | w/ Comedy by Brandon Jones + Bodeany + Comedian Tez
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Art-is-1st is a recurring event that showcases a vibrant mix of talent, including singers, rappers, comedians, poets, and other creatives who resonate with the mission and vision of /CW. Each event is designed to celebrate and elevate the diverse artistic expressions that align with our brand's dynamic and inclusive spirit.
Through an applicant-based selection process [via Google Forms] artists will submit to be a guest for an intimate [in-studio] performance [with complementary social media recording]. Here we will use the /CW platform to put the “Artist First”, and capitalize on highlighting a growing creative economy with session/episode sponsors, industry guests, and more.
APRIL 12TH, 2025
COMEDY BY:
Brandon Jones
Bodeany
Comedian Tez
Tea Parties Don’t Stop At A Certain Age; Here’s How Not Your Mama’s Tea Keeps Sisterhood On The Right Page
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Have you ever noticed just how closely our kids’ toys and games mimic real-life experiences and elements that are a part of their elders’ lives? Each year, millions of dollars are poured into the sales of fake kitchenette sets, baby dolls, and medical supplies that allow children to pretend to be the most prestigious doctor in their homes. They not only fill excitement inside the kiddos from head to toe but it opens a glimpse of what adulthood will look like. It’s no secret that us grown folk have access to a whole ‘nother world as well as a right of passage to do as we please and make all decisions on our own; whereas children coming behind us have restriction after restriction. Ironically, one of the few things children get to enjoy that takes up the majority of adult’s leisure time is partying. Think about it /CW fam kids have a party for any and everything. I know you remember those Valentine’s day parties at the end of the day. Although there are hundreds of different types of parties such as birthdays, engagements, housewarmings, and even pizza parties, we used to collect a mountain hill of box tops for each party, which mirrored the same purpose. No matter how star-studded or lowkey the party is, the goal of letting loose, enjoying one another, and living in the moment remains the same. Surprisingly, there’s one kind of party that kids have on lock over their parents. (Drum roll please……….) Tea Parties!
The representation and lifestyle element of tea has always held high importance and demand in select counties including prestigious kingdoms and well respected cultures. However; the country labeled as innovative, spontaneous, and welcoming (The United States) did not gift tea the well deserved representation and education as others. Within the past five years, that narrative has done a complete 180-degree turn and it has now caused an international frenzy. Primetime showrunners and writers, including one of the industry's fairy godmothers, Shonda Rimes, have become heavyweight champs in creating stories and yellow brick roads to the doors where tea parties and the drink's social impact are the main setting and primary gears that heighten the story. The roles have reversed, and now children are educating their teachers, parents, and grandparents on how the theme is supposed to be carried out in an authentic yet organic light.
Although it would be easy and smooth to give all the credit to those behind the scenes of your favorite shows like award-winning Bridgerton, the real impact comes from everyday people hosting themed events and centering tea into their daily routine like founder of Not Your Mama’s Tea, Rhonda Hill.
An intergenerational tea social club that strengthens both personal and professional relationships amongst the black community is what can describe Not Your Mama’s Tea. I view this phenomenon as the medium between “The Pit” and Khadijah James magazine Flavor in ‘90s hit sitcoms Living single & A Different World. A seed was planted inside founder Rhonda Hill back in 2018 when the unicorn launched in Milwaukee, WI.
“The inspiration is about honoring the rich history and influence of tea in communities worldwide while incorporating it with hip-hop culture. Tea has always been a connector, much like music. It’s about providing a space where people can engage with tea culture and Black culture. Often afternoon tea time comes with thoughts of English tea time, with hats and gloves like Queen Elizabeth. As an avid tea drinker, I wanted to make sure I reflected my own Black culture when hosting an afternoon tea, thus tea for the culture.”- Rhonda Hill
She made an interesting observation that struck me. Now I want you to be honest with yourself; when you think of tea what spaces and faces pop up in your head? For most people, they think of the UK, royalty and early 1600s interactions. On the other hand what comes to mind when you think of hip-hop culture? The scoreboard becomes filled with vocabulary such as energetic, loud, wild, colorful wardrobe and minority faces. Hill and her team found this to be unfair and mind-blowing how African-Americans; especially women, are not illustrated and represented in spaces that have tea at the forefront. This harsh reality lit a fire in her to create her business and start carving out an identity for black culture in the polished light of the beloved beverage. A simple idea to make tea and hip hop culture the hot new combo on the block quickly grabbed the eyes and ears of our city’s bold yet underground community of black women who are hardly recognized.
The cultural innovation held its latest event on February 16th, 2025 at Milwaukee's Hip Hop Museum at 2222 N 19th St Milwaukee, WI. Soulful music served with a platter of intentional yet entertaining conversations regarding career development, self-identity, wearing a million hats as a black woman and true love for hip hop was carefully curated by Not Your Mama’s Tea during the afternoon. A light was shed on the newfound trend surrounding Valentine’s Day which is Galentines. Many mistake this day for only recognizing and praising romantic love but Galentines has rebirthed the structure of the national holiday. Thousands of friend groups are celebrating each other by having cozy girls’ night ins, a night on the town or intimate spaces to highlight their friendships. Hill and her team incorporate this type of atmosphere and sense of belonging all year round; not just for Galentines. Sisterhood shouldn't be celebrated during only one month out of the year when we are all sisters 365 days a year.
“The culture of our events is all about inclusivity, relaxation, and celebration of ‘girlfriend’ culture. We create a space where women can unwind, enjoy quality tea, and vibe to great music, especially hip-hop. It’s about blending different aspects of life—culture, music, and community—into a warm welcome. We have been hosting parties at the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum, making for a great blend of hip hop and tea.” - RH
Tea parties shouldn't end once of our little girls becomes a teenager or reach womanhood. They mirror a safe space for women to let their guard down and tune in their inner Angela Bassett in What’s Love Got To Do With It, where she played Tina Turner finding peace as she chanted “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” and drunk tea. Since 2014, it's become one of the highest in demand beverages of the African-American household; acting as a bridge between social and health perspectives. Hill has made it a point to throw a variety of events using this framework such as birthday parties, community events and action plan workshops. You ever notice how when women are in union with one another there's always time for a good drink and plate of food made with love. No matter if it was Joan, Lynn, Maya and Toni in Girlfriends or Kim, Niecey, and Moesha in Moesha; drinks and food always served as comfort and connection.
“Tea is a universal symbol of comfort and conversation. We chose tea because it is one of my favorites, making it a great way to blend my enjoyment of tea with my desire to connect and serves women. It’s not just about sipping great tea—it’s about creating a moment of connection. Tea encourages slow, intentional interactions, and that’s the kind of energy we want to cultivate in our events.”- RH
Do you feel that nobody can relate, understand or connect with you both socially and emotionally? Maybe you want space as a black woman to just be yourself without all the expectations and just looking for a good time to let your hair down and not be required to be superwoman all day. Become a member of the social club by booking your next event with them or purchasing a ticket for the company's next event on their website: https://www.notyourmamastea.com/.
Join the circle by following their Instagram @Tea4TheCulture as well to get access to the next sip of tea curated specifically for you. Comment down below what type of event you want to see next from them. In the meantime ladies I challenge you to drink your favorite blend of tea while bopping a hip hop song you can't live without.
Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW
MKE BLACK | Pitch Black Marketing Series
/*Info provided by MKE Black
Unlock the Power of Marketing at this Pitch Black Marketing Series
Are you a business owner looking to grow your brand, attract more customers, and master the latest marketing strategies? MKE Black invites you to the Pitch Black Marketing Series, an exclusive 9-week conference designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to elevate your business in today’s competitive market.
Why You Should Attend:
Learn from Experts – Gain insights on everything from Marketing 101 to AI-driven marketing techniques and media training.
Hands-On Support – Get personalized coaching every Friday at the BizStarts Community Café to apply what you’ve learned.
Exclusive Freebies – 15 business owners will receive free Canva Pro, Hootsuite, and ChatGPT Plus subscriptions to level up their marketing game.
Exciting Giveaways – Attend for a chance to win iPads, radio ad campaigns, and Visa gift cards – but you must be present to qualify!
It’s FREE! – Thanks to the generous support of WEDC and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, this transformational conference is completely free with registration.
Event Details:
When: Every Thursday, March 6 – May 1, 2025 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Where: The Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, 917 W. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Don’t miss out on this game-changing opportunity to take your marketing to the next level. Seats are limited—register now!
Nō Studios’s Dance Fest 2025 Brings World-Class Talent to Milwaukee for a Day of Celebration and Performance
/*info provided by Allison Bartella | NO Studios
The fourth annual celebration will be headlined by Alvin Ailey II and bring together dance companies throughout the midwest to celebrate the region’s rich contribution to the arts
Nō Studios, a center for the creative arts and activism in downtown Milwaukee, is proud to announce the return of Dance Fest on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Now in its fourth year, Dance Fest continues to grow, bringing together a curated lineup of performances from Water Street Dance Milwaukee, Madison Ballet, and more. Alvin Ailey’s Ailey II will headline the festival, marking a significant milestone in Dance Fest’s evolution. This year’s annual festival will showcase a variety of genres, including ballet, salsa, African-inspired, Irish stepdance, and contemporary.
Nō Studios was founded by Milwaukee native and Oscar winning screenwriter John Ridley, whose family has long been a part of the fabric of Milwaukee arts and politics, working to amplify underrepresented voices, and elevate the city as a vibrant arts destination. Built as a collaborative, social community for artists and activists, Nō Studios hosts screenings and panel discussions, invests in local artists through gallery showings and live performances, and produces original television programs, including Creating Milwaukee, mini-documentary series focusing on Milwaukee creatives across various disciplines.
“We’re thrilled to return for another year of Dance Fest,” said John Ridley, the founder of Nō Studios who has worked to elevate Milwaukee’s profile as a vibrant arts destination. “Bringing these exceptional companies together in Milwaukee—a city that thrives on creativity and collaboration—perfectly reflects the values of this festival. We are excited to gather these visionary dance groups and celebrate the diverse cultures and talents that define dance.”
This year’s Dance Fest will feature the return of Morgan Williams, founder of Water Street Dance Milwaukee, as curator of the event. “This festival is a powerful platform for showcasing the immense talent of the Midwest’s dance community,” said Williams. “Each year, Dance Fest fosters meaningful connection between dancers and audiences, and I’m thrilled to play a part in shaping this celebration of artistry and culture.”
Danni Gee, Director of Programming for New York City’s The Joyce Theater, one of the few theaters in the world created specifically for dance, will emcee the evening performance. “It’s an honor to return to Dance Fest,” said Gee. “The festival continues to grow in scope and impact, showcasing an extraordinary range of talent from Milwaukee and beyond. Nō Studios’ commitment to celebrating dance is truly inspiring.”
Dance Fest 2025 will feature performances by:
Ailey II: The next generation of dance, Alvin Ailey’s junior company is renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the next generation with the creative vision of emerging choreographers.
Water Street Dance Milwaukee: Dedicated to exploring diversity within their art, artists, and audiences, the company is renowned for their athletic, innovative, and entertaining performances. They were named to Dance Magazine's “25 to Watch” list in 2024.
Madison Ballet: Wisconsin’s second-largest dance organization is under the direction of Ja’ Malik and is focused on building a better community through art.
Nō Studios looks forward to welcoming more participating companies throughout the Midwest as their program continues to grow.
Dance Fest will take place at the Marcus Performing Arts Center’s outdoor Peck Pavilion, along the Milwaukee River. The family-friendly festival will also include youth dance performances, a community centric daytime program, live music, local food vendors, and a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the technical rehearsal.
“We are delighted to host Dance Fest for the second year in a row,” said Kevin Giglinto, President & CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center. “Like Nō Studios, we’re dedicated to sharing high-quality arts and cultural programming with our community, and are honored to provide a stage for these extraordinary dance companies.”
Performances and programming will take place Saturday, August 2, with tickets priced at $20-$30. Tickets will go on sale [INSERT DATE] at nostudios.com/dance-fest-2025.
Dance Fest is sponsored by the Marcus Performing Arts Center, The Joyce Theater, and media partner WISN 12 News.
