Are you ready for Riverwest Femfest 2019? We are!!! Here is the schedule to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
& of course make sure you let every one know that CopyWrite Magazine sent you! #SupportTheLocal
-see more at https://www.rwfemfest.com/ -
Want to put your name on something worth repping? Support by contributing to Riverwest FemFest 2019!
(See details below)
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*Info from Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship
MILWAUKEE, Wis. – On Friday, May 17, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., The Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship Foundation (MFSF), in partnership with several local businesses and community organizations, will award graduating seniors with the Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. Nearly 100 students applied to be a Milwaukee’s Finest Scholar, but only 15 students were selected, making it one of the most competitive scholarships in Milwaukee County this year.
“As a Milwaukee native who graduated from Milwaukee Public Schools in 2013, I’ve witnessed first hand the lack of financial resources for deserving students who desire an education after their high school career,” explained Jerel Ballard, Founder of Milwaukee’s Finest. “It’s important that we continue to uplift foundations like Milwaukee’s Finest to encourage our youth regardless of their zip code or financial status.”
Students were selected by a Scholarship Review Panel consisting of local parents, educators, college students, and business owners. During the ceremony, honored students will receive a signature glass award with their name engraved on it, a congratulatory certificate from the Mayor of Milwaukee, the scholarship monetary award, and the title of being selected as a 2019 Milwaukee’s Finest Scholar. The Office of the Mayor will present the Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship Foundation with a proclamation during the award ceremony. This event is free and open to the public.
About the scholarship
Founded in 2016 by Jerel Ballard at the age of 21, The Milwaukee’s Finest Scholarship Foundation has grown tremendously throughout the City of Milwaukee. Since its inception, more than $30,000 have been allocated towards scholarships for students who come from low-income backgrounds. The average donor for the foundation is only $25.
As a one-time, merit-based scholarship, these awards are given to individuals who demonstrate strong leadership traits and have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Unlike other scholarships, the funds are issued to the student directly and there are no stipulations on which college or university the scholar attends.
To date, Milwaukee’s Finest Scholars are enrolled at prestigious, historic and local universities across the country including Harvard University, UW-Madison and Milwaukee Area Technical College. Each student had to submit an essay answering the question, ‘How has growing up in Milwaukee shaped who you are as an individual?’ and ‘How do you plan to use what you’ve learned in Milwaukee County and apply that in your higher educational goals?’ More information on the scholarship can be found at www.mfsf.org.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Jerel Ballard, President
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*Info Provided by Ex Fabula
Milwaukee, WI - May 8, 2019 Ex Fabula tellers return to the stage to compete for the title “Season 10 Audience Favorite”! Ex Fabula is wrapping up Season 10 with the annual ALL STARS event at Turner Hall Ballroom on Saturday, May 18th. This competitive curated StorySlam will return to Turner Hall Ballroom located in Downtown Milwaukee; doors open at 6:30pm, stories begin at 7:30pm.
What is Ex Fabula ALL STARS? ALL STARS is a StorySlam featuring community members who were voted “Audience Favorites” at regular season StorySlams; they’ll be returning to the stage to share new, 10-minute stories on the evening’s theme, “Forgiveness”. Audience members can also participate in the storytelling by submitting UltraShorts, which are brief, true personal stories written on slips of paper and then read onstage by the emcee. Then, at the end of the night, the audience votes and crowns a Season 10 Audience Favorite.
This year, the Audience Favorites are Elizabeth Brown, Julie Cole, Jude Treder-Wolff, Molly Snyder, Rick Karlson, and Matthew Lewis; these community members are currently crafting new prepared ten-minute stories to share at ALL STARS.
“Last year, the theme was ‘Connection’. The stories ran the gamut: love letters, brothers, addiction and recovery, spreading ashes, reconnecting with family roots, and even an unintentional bank robbery! ALL STARS is always a beautiful evening of feel-good entertainment and I’m so excited to hear the stories this year." says Executive Director, Megan McGee.
Ex Fabula is a Milwaukee nonprofit that has been strengthening community bonds through the art of storytelling since 2009. Please note this is an all ages event, highlighting a variety of stories. Because the nature of StorySlams, with true stories shared in an open-mic format, we do not control the content of the stories that might be shared.
ALL STARS advance tickets are available for $12 at the Pabst Theatre Group’s website; advance tickets are highly recommended and seating is general admission.
*Info provided by Breaking And Entering
Milwaukee (April 29th, 2019) - Milwaukee music website Breaking And Entering is thrilled to announce that our annual beat battle tournament, Big Beat MKE, will begin battles at the Jackalope Lounj, adjacent to The Wicked Hop (345 N. Broadway), for its second season this Thursday night. This year’s tournament will feature 16 Milwaukee-area beat makers spanning hip hop, EDM, and more, competing head-to-head in a four-round tournament over the course of eight weeks to be crowned the 2019 Big Beat MKE champion. Each night of the tournament will feature two beat battles, as well as two performances from local hip hop acts. All of the events are free to the public, 21 and over.
A beat battle consists of three one-minute rounds, where a producer plays or creates an original beat, and the winner is determined by a panel of judges, including Milwaukee musicians, media personalities, and music influencers. Big Beat MKE will feature guest judges weekly, as well as representatives from Breaking And Entering and Milwaukee-based electronic music label Nice FM.
To be selected for the tournament, producers had to submit two original beats via BreakingAndEntering.net. From there, a selection committee of 15 different Milwaukee area music-related personalities were given the difficult task of choosing the final 16 competitors. Over 30 different producers submitted entries into the contest this year. The 2019 Bracket was unveiled on Monday, April 15th. Opening round battles will take place from May 2nd-23rd, with the Quarterfinals on May 30th and June 6th, Semifinals on June 13th, and Finals on June 20th. The full bracket and nightly recaps will be available at BreakingAndEntering.net/BigBeatMKE throughout the tournament.
Big Beat MKE 2019 First Round Battles:
(All events at Jackalope Lounj, 9:00 PM Doors)
May 2nd - Mr. Killerlain vs. Bennie D
Penny Beatz vs. Fearjoy
May 9th - Four Giants vs. Trademark
James Ashen vs. GLDN Child
May 16th - Godxilla vs. Cuban Lynx
Da Monsta (40 Mil) vs. Tuan G
May 23rd - Spice God vs. Mystik Musik
Spacecrime vs. Beat Council
Big Beat MKE Performers
May 2nd - Spaidez and Yogie B & Keez
May 9th - Nile and Phat Nerdz
May 16th - King Myles and Sha
May 23rd - Joshua Jenkins and G-Gifted
May 30th - King Dozzi and Rich P.
June 6th - Camb and AWillThaGreat
June 13th - J-Lamo and CMoneywave
June 20th - Shle Berry, Twan Mack and A.C. The Ruler
For all media inquiries please contact: Allen Halas allen@breakingandentering.net
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We love our city. Our community. Our Home. 414 for Life!
Happy 414 day Milwaukee!
#SupportTheLocal #CopyWriteMag #Milwaukee #414
*Information Provided By Carvd N Stone*
Carvd N Stone Inc.—a media company that’s dedicated to providing the news that major news outlets overlook—is hosting their first book drive entitled Authors of Color Book Drive which runs until June 1. All books given to Authors of Color Book Drive will be donated to Milwaukee Public Schools. By June 1, the goal is to reach 1,000 books all written by authors of color. All books must be either gently used or new and be written by authors of color.
Authors of Color Book Drive was created to provide MPS students with books written by people that look like, talk like and have been through similar situations as them. With our media company being founded by an MPS alumni, we understand the importance of literacy and being able to see and read about someone who mirrors ourselves. Those who donate will be helping our students reach a brighter future.
“I’ve always had a love for reading and to be able to provide that to our youth is something I look forward to doing,” said President of Carvd N Stone Inc., Nyesha Stone. “Our students deserve more, and CNS will continue to find ways to encourage and inspire our youth.” Stone was inspired by 14-year-old Marley Dias to do her own book drive through Carvd N Stone Inc.
Milwaukee is the number one most segregated city in the U.S. and that’s even true inside of our schools. The system is broken, and the students aren’t being taught their full histories, so it’s our job to give them the opportunities to learn about who they truly are. MPS has been ridiculed, underfunded and left behind, especially when it comes to resources such as books.
Authors of Color Book Drive is a continuous effort to hopefully inspire other organizations, community members and individuals to find their own ways to give back.
For more information or to find out the drop-off location, contact Nyesha Stone via email at carvdnstone.cns@gmail.com
-more-
Carvd N Stone Inc. www.carvdnstone.com
About Carvd N Stone Inc.
Carvd N Stone Inc. is a media company that was founded by Nyesha Stone on Jan. 21, 2017. Carvd N Stone is a platform for untold talents to tell their stories. Whether it’s through words, visuals or one of our many community events, we’re giving a voice to individuals. Carvd N Stone not only stands as a source for news, but a brand that makes an impact in the community. We are dedicated to telling the truth and being the ones to initiate action that creates change.
CNS’ mission is to educate, inform and give the people a spotlight through a different lens of the media, while using different initiatives to give back to low-income communities to bring impactful change.
Together, we make US better.
Right now, a large percentage of the developed world’s population is obsessed with borderline narcissism and self-promotion, so it’s a gasp of fresh air to be able to catch a vibe in Sherman Phoenix where everyone seems to be there to somehow make somebody else’s life better.
From the tenants who provide services to the community, produced BY the community; to the community leaders who host meetings there, discussing best practices to add value to the lives of others....
On any given day, you can walk in that building, that formerly served as a bank, and witness the beauty of unity. And while I admire it in all forms, I’d be concealing a big part of who I am if I didn’t express my admiration for black unity. The never-ending family reunion type vibe I get in here is a feeling that I crave every day.
Community members enjoying the vibe on a Tuesday afternoon.
When Sherman Park State Bank was built in 1927 (according to wisconsinsinhistory.org), I’m pretty sure no one imagined that the establishment would survive a near brush with complete destruction and transform into an entirely different kind of financial establishment.
It became an institution that will increase the economic health of a community that has had its fair share of struggles. One that would provide real estate space for close to 30 businesses of color, in a community of color, to serve that same community, as well as people across many demographics who walk through there each day.
A List of Sherman Phoenix businesses at the front entrance.
92 years ago, I bet the architects of that building never imagined that 90 years later, the site they constructed would become an incubator for talent and business cultivation in the heart of a Milwaukee neighborhood that many would consider “troubled”.
However, many of us don’t see “troubled” when we think of the Sherman Park neighborhood.
At least I don’t. I think of being a kid, and playful walks to the corner store from at my aunt’s house on 34th and Auer.
A lot of us remember playing “carpet pool” with cousins, siblings, and friends at Mary Ryan Boys and Girls Club; or trying to sneak in the teen room, to see what the “big kids” were doing.
We think of BBQ smoke, our elders bumpin’ Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “Before I Let Go”, and family picnics at Sherman Park. Most of all, many of us think RESILIENCY!
Back in the Summer of 2016, the Sherman Park neighborhood was put to the test after a series of unfortunate circumstances that lead to unsettling tension between some of the community members, and the Milwaukee Police Department.
I asked Joanna Brooks, owner and CEO of Embody Yoga at Sherman Phoenix where she was when she first heard about the backlash that occurred after the killing of one of the community members, by a Milwaukee Police Officer.
This is what she said:
“I don’t quite remember where I was, but I remember exactly how I felt. I didn’t check the news that night, but I remember seeing it on people’s Facebook live, and feeling like I was there too. I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had seen, and I woke up the next morning to drive down and see it for myself. I was sad, but hopeful at the same time, because of how the community came together.”
I was curious to know what Sherman Phoenix represents to Joanna, and she told me that “it represents an opportunity for true ownership, growth and an opportunity to help me legitimize my business.”
Hearing her response brought extreme joy to my heart. It’s inspiring to see how far she’s come, and, as she stated, “be given the opportunity to normalize the practice of yoga in the black community”. Joanna is revolutionizing how Yoga is practiced and is thinking outside the box about how she offers it to her Yogi’s.
I’ve been given the honor of being Embody Yoga’s official DJ, and have been part of some pretty fly events, providing a hard-hitting hip-hop soundtrack, while they’re on the mats.
Joanna Brooks, Owner and CEO of Embody Yoga instructs a class during one of her sold out special events.
Embody Yoga, along with the 26 other businesses in Sherman Phoenix are doing something for our city that hasn’t been seen, since a portion of the original Bronzeville neighborhood was demolished in the 60’s to make room for the construction of the freeway.
Sherman Phoenix represents the resurrection of two giants! That fateful summer night in 2016 was no match for the power behind Sherman Phoenix’s rise: and neither was the systematic destruction of the original Bronzeville, which served as the hub of black business, economy and culture in Milwaukee.
If you appreciate a good comeback story, then you have to be inspired by how that old BMO Harris Bank building withstood the fiery beatdown it took; to return not only to be operational again, but as a symbolic representation of community strength. This can easily be ranked as one of the best “rise from the ashes” stories ever.
"Sherman Rising" poster, located in Shindig Coffee.
Yep, I said EVER!
Just think about the amount of talent that’s being developed within the confines of that space at any given moment. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Sherman Phoenix getting a lot of credit in the future, for being the place that incubated some of the most talented individuals to come from Milwaukee.
I imagine someone giving an award acceptance speech for a notable worldwide achievement, accepting a Grammy, Oscar, etc. and telling a story that points to Sherman Phoenix as being the place that provided the inspiration for whatever they worked on to receive that acknowledgment.
Creativity just feels so free flowing and natural in here.
Think of how many dollars are being circulated back into the hands of the gatekeepers of this beloved community, instead of being sucked out and poured somewhere that won’t have any direct benefit to the people whose hands it came out of.
Something else that blows my mind, is how amazing each of the businesses at Sherman Phoenix are in their own respective right, but then as a unit, they give off an aura of superhero like strength, creating a thriving sense of livelihood in the community.
That “superpower” seems to rub off too, because whenever I’m at Sherman Phoenix, I feel a sense of invincibility, and inspiration, and belief that I can accomplish anything.
One of my favorite places to hang out at Sherman Phoenix, when I’m not shaking things up at Embody, is Shindig Coffee, formerly known as The Juice Kitchen. I’m a huge Hip Hop fan, and every time I’m in there, I sit as close as I can to the Wu-Tang Clan picture hanging up, because looking at it reminds me that I belong there. This is the only coffee shop I can go to, where I know I don’t need headphones, because the conversations are always ones I’m interested in, and the soundtrack is always right up my alley.
Manaan Sabir, Owner of Shindig Coffee, posing in front of the Wu-Tang poster.
Wu-Tang is one of my favorite groups ever, and I see so many similarities between them and Sherman Phoenix. For example, together, the group functions as a cohesive unit, achieving unparalleled success. But also, individually, each member has had success outside the group. Sherman Phoenix is similar in that way!
When I’m there, I feel like I can succeed as my authentic self, because I see everybody else there doing it!
At Sherman Phoenix, I’m compelled to be the best that I’m capable of being, and I’m moved to continue finding ways to add value to the lives of others. There’s an unexplainable sense of encouragement that comes from feeling good energy and seeing good ideas being exchanged by the people in that building.
At the beginning of 2019, I did something I should’ve done a long time ago and wrote out what my core values are in life. Even though those values were always on my mind, it wasn’t until I actually wrote them down and saw them on paper, that I was able to better identify with others who share the same ones as me.
Authenticity
Unity
Freedom
Creativity
Integrity
Discipline
Respect
This is what I wrote down, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I see an expression of all of them at Sherman Phoenix, and I’m sure I’m not alone.
CW Connect /Adam Xander
We are always looking for members of our community to add to the conversation & #SupportTheLocal to become apart of the CopyWrite Family. For this spring we are teaming up with a creative to tell new stories from a new perspective.
Born Joshua Adam Harwell, in Milwaukee, WI, Adam Xander is hard to describe in just a few words.
The several aliases he goes by is a dead giveaway to his multi-layered mind, and his different talents he attempts to figure out ways to make intersect.
Adam is a dedicated father before anything else, and to best capture what his life represents, he combined his middle name with his son's middle name and became known as Adam Xander; formerly known as DJ Adamocity to many since 2006.
He believes creativity has no boundaries, and that no one should feel confined to only being able to satisfy a limited number of the things that bring joy to their lives.
As mentioned above, Adam wears several creative hats. DJ’ing has been his primary creative outlet for the past decade, but he found his passion for creative writing in college. He’s always loved the art of writing, but it was during graduate school that he saw how influential a well written publication can be for moving a group of people toward achieving a common goal. Whether that goal is to get others to take action on something, or to deliver a different perspective on an idea.
Adam also produces original music, and uses his ability as a connector, to assists nonprofit organizations and small businesses with their brand strategy and talent acquisition needs.
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CopyWrite Magazine, Media & Design LLC is a Milwaukee based organization & company that promotes the ever morphing nature of Urban culture.
