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Who are the big dawgz that come to mind when you hear the word technology? Is it Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, the Wright Bros, or Alexander G. Bell? Or maybe it’s not who but what comes to mind? Many think of science labs, China, and the latest iPhone. For technology to consume, intrigue, and play a pivotal role in everyone’s life from Michael J. Fox to Jamie Foxx, why does the industry seem so black & white? What if I told you MKE had it’s very own tech mogul not only making noise in the city but who is also a black woman [whose hair is always laid]?
Nadiyah Johnson. That’s her name!
Although the Marquette University grad’s initial major was international politics; her first love was technology. Johnson has always stood on business when it comes to her goals and vision: to put Wisconsin on the map for changing the way the tech world looks and operates; meaning inclusivity for Black and Brown people. This initiative drove Nadiyah to fall in love with technology. She states, “I fell in love with technology when I saw its potential to transform communities. Growing up, I was always fascinated by how things worked, but it wasn’t until I realized the power of tech to create equitable opportunities and solve real-world problems that I truly fell in love with it.” Johnson’s father introduced her to the versatility and significance of tech when she was young, and her fascination happened quickly. It wasn’t until halfway through college that she realized tech not only solves many problems throughout the world but the industry also has its own challenges; A lack of representation and diversity are on the top of that list.
I had a front-row seat to witness Nadiyah in action at the Equity In Tech event at the University of Wisconsin (October 9th, 2024). No matter if you are as tech savvy as a 10-year-old on TikTok or someone who needs their niece to help them write a text; any and everybody could relate to one another at her event. From the moment I walked in the door, there was a spread of good food, desserts, business pop-ups, and engaging conversation. The event kicked off with keynote speaker Agustin Lopez, Assistant Special Agent for the FBI, sharing both hilarious and jaw-dropping career stories that gave him the strength and motivation to stay in the field and never give up on his dreams or vision for the life of everyday people that make up cities just like ours!
Lopez didn’t just keep my attention, everyone else in the audience were at the edge of their seats with his life story and nerve-wracking career highlights but also by introducing the topic of Artificial Intelligence [AI]. With its function to simplify and perform has excited millions across the board since it seems it’ll make life easier. However; you may hear about AI in convos throughout MKE usually starting with “I’m gonna lose my job to a robot.” or “There’s no real connection with AI.”. The list of issues arising within AI that myself and the rest of Johnson & Lopez’s audience discussed could be considered longer than Hip Hop’s Top 100 rappers. From invasion of privacy, voice-cloning, financial theft, and blurring the lines of what’s real and what’s not; I learned a valuable lesson in that moment. Yes, artificial intelligence will indeed be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to tackling 414’s biggest issues such as food scarcity but it is also will fire up fear and confusion if not used properly and intentionally. I believe the logic and computational science behind it is a genius foundation for a brighter future but it’s also very easy to become dangerous if we all don’t become educated and in the driver's seat of what exactly AI can contribute to all dope cities including MKE. This is why I’m glad Nadiyah introduced exercises that made everyone in attendance go to the drawing board and see how each one of us would utilize AI when it comes to solving problems knocking on our own doors in WI.
Johnson broke the participants into four teams as she lead her hackathon (a collaborative event where a group of people come together to create a prototype or product in a short amount of time). She allowed each of them to utilize AI resources such as ChatGPT to create phone apps, websites, and other solutions to Milwaukee’s biggest issues they could think of. The room felt like a mecca of brown and black people coming together with out-of-this-world ideas and questions to take on any conflict or problem head-on. The room was full of unique and widespread perspectives that deepened the convo even further time and time again. Although the breakout session was supposed to make the event more active and engaging; they did something even better: create the spark in the minds of tech entrepreneurs, business owners, and those in the corporate world to start to apply how they could solve their very own issues in that moment. I’d say it was a success!
The Equity In Tech event raised several questions but one rang in my head loud & clear: what keeps Nadiyah motivated to tackle such a challenging journey to diversity in tech and the economy? Johnson quickly replied, “My motivation stems from the people I serve. Seeing the talent and creativity in underrepresented communities, yet knowing that these individuals often don’t get a fair chance in tech, drives me every day. Hope drives innovation.” One would think the break-out groups or keynote speaker Agustin Lopez speaking on AI-powered fraud was the highlight of last week’s WI Tech Month event but in my opinion, it was Johnson’s empowering remarks about how the ecosystem is evolving into a more optimistic light rather than negative. “Organizations like Milky Way Tech Hub and Latinos in tech have emerged as top leaders in our state-wide ecosystem. The question that we are solving for now is -- how do we sustain and scale this momentum? I envision a future where Milwaukee, and Wisconsin as a whole, becomes a hub for Black tech talent, where underrepresented groups are not just participants but leaders in the industry. We have the potential to set the standard for what an equitable tech ecosystem looks like”. Nadiyah Johnson has made it her mission to continue to stand on business when it comes to showcasing just how bright Wisconsin’s present and future will be once everyone sees their is magic in representation, equal opportunity, and diversity!
Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW
Since the beginning of time, fashion has been utilized for more than one purpose not only in culture but for all individuals as well. You hear everyday how people claim they put that ish on but do they ever dive into why? For many people, clothing serves as a way of expressing who they are without having to say too much, which keeps all eyes on them with a hint of mystery. OOTDs and fashion trends have a deeper meaning to very unique and creative people such as one of the mil’s most talented fashion designers, Rickey Roach. Roach is the CEO of 7even Star Studios, a clothing brand that has a holistic meaning and prioritizes one putting a stellar touch on everything they come into contact with.
Now I know what you’re thinking… why the name 7even Star? Why not stop at 5 Star since that is popularly known as being the ultimate rating of the hottest restaurant, song, place or experience. Rickey stated that the number seven represents completion, rest, hard work has been done, and that much progression has been made in one’s individual journey. It all started with just a thought in high school that was never given any time to reach it’s full potential. “I was always the kid in class who had the entire Jordan outfit from head to toe with the matching shoes on. Always fly and put together.” the ambitious designer shared with us. After taking a year to teach himself how to design and showing his inner circle his work without telling them they were his for honest feedback, 7even Star Studios launched the summer of 2023 and has now been a Shoppable clothing brand in the inner city for over a year!
Determined, confident and ready to move with a sense of urgency is the message Rickey says he wants his brand to represent and share with its members. We live in such a hustle culture where many people either prioritize their goals or look good but never accomplish the balance of both. After reading reviews and browsing the website myself, I couldn’t agree more that 7even Star is the perfect combo of looking good while also being locked in on your mission to becoming the best you. Failure, success, and life lessons are inevitable in life but that doesn’t mean you have to look to’ up while going through it. Milwaukee, go get fly and stay consistent on your journey by shopping our guy Rickey Roach’s unisex brand, https://7evenstarstudios.com/. Comment down below on his latest IG post which fit is your favorite https://www.instagram.com/7evenstarstudios/.
Desriana Gilbert/ Entertainment & Social Journalist for CW
Sweet Sixteen's, Quinceanera's, and Teen parties 13-19 apply! Your /CW fam is nostalgic for the "Bashes" we had back in the day and understands the need for safe spaces where teens can celebrate. Book your party with us to help your teen celebrate the right way!
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Photographers & Podcaster we are ready for you! Book your sessions at /CW Creative Studios via our online booking portal.
“In West Philadelphia born and raised, on the playground is where I spend most of my days”
“It’s a rare condition in this day and age, to read any good news on the newspaper page”
“Martin, I’m the man”
These are the jingles that must run through your head every once in a blue moon. I’ve heard they give the feelings of nostalgia, comfort and relatability. This is why many corporations, people and communities try their hardest to replicate that sultry and fun 90’s type vibe even though it is extremely difficult. This week I stumbled across a short film that stepped up to the plate when it came to bringing the 90s world and energy to present day!
“Family Groove:” created by the 414’s very own Ria had everyone and their mama in a frenzy when it dropped on IG. As I watched the film, the color scheme is what stuck out off rip. It was a canvas of shades from hershey brown, ruby red, to butterscotch yellow. They made you feel welcomed and as the viewers were right along with the cast inside the film! It caught me off guard that there were no convos but you could still feel when to laugh, jam out to the film, and catch on to what was happening. The infamous dance scene from House Party with one of culture’s famous duos Kid ‘N Play is the closest image I can paint for you all as to what energy will be witnessed from “Family Groove”.
Not only was the short film lighthearted and fun but it also came off real. The set looked the the average crib and not some jazzy Airbnb that Ria could’ve easily chose. A variety of different interpretations can be made but I’m glad it showed our people in a light that hasn’t been flicked on in a while. Every brown and black person’s family life is not always dysfunctional or struggle rather it can be just as witty and fun as the next person’s! From the fashion; styled by ours truly Carlos Vergara Jr, to the choreography and chemistry of the cast; this is a must-see!
Go watch “Family Groove” on Ria’s IG and let us what you think. Here you will see young creatives from Milwaukee enjoying family-friendly fun with one another.
Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW
photos by Michael Brosilow
Humanity has a way of showing us its values.
Our fate lies somewhere between the unknown and the unhinged [what a spectrum]. However, it is usually through reflection, anecdotal and historical, from a distant past to a very near present that we see the repetition of lore and find ourselves questioning the meaning of it all.
Sunday’s [September 22nd, 2024] Milwaukee Chamber Theater’s performance of AN ILIAD, was an emotional display of genius, wrapped in the tradition of Grecian tragedy, smothered in the plight of modernism oblivion to the human condition, and how “WE” got here. Lisa Peterson & Denis O’hare’s interpretation of Homer’s The Iliad translated by Robert Fagles, bares us from the smoke and mirrors of social exchange, grounding us in the power of mono-interpretation storytelling. However, it is N'Jameh Camara (The Poet) and Kellen “Klassik” Abston (The Muse/ Composer) that brought the shores of Troy and the backdrop of the Aegean Sea into reach within the circular “void” of the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center.
IT’S GIVING DRAMAAAAAAA!
As N'Jameh drowned herself in a bottle of “spirits” she walks us through the tale of Hector and Achilles, the Trojan War, and the fate of their battle. Her monologue was striking. When & where are we? In the “now” of disruptive political turmoil, or in the “then” of disruptive political turmoil? In the “now” of men policing the body of women or in the “then” of men policing the body of women? In the “now” of socially induced hysteria or. . . It did not matter, N'Jameh as the poet reminded us that these fates could be our own and that we must not shrug lightly at the flaws of man, because we are MAN.
With just a suitcase, a bench, and a few layers of clothing N'Jameh flings her head back and stairs into the eyes of the audience [the people] then rushes to gesture the interactions of warriors, lovers, enemies, friends, and family. She makes us grieve the death of Patroclus, the same way we grieve, the limp bodies of boys found slayed on street corners in rival “hoods”. She makes us speculate Helen [Helen of Troy or Helen of Sparta depending on who you ask] agency in her selection of suitors. Was Helen into Paris or nah? Does Helen even want Menelaus to defend her or does she just like to see men get all hot and bothered over her? [Is killing the highest or lowest form of flattery that can be offered].
All I know is that when N'Jameh reflects on what war this landscape of carnage reminds her of, she list every war that humanity has documented, and my eyes flooded with stinging tears as if the waves had crashed upon me and I was destined to drown.
The mantra of monikers. . .
Peloponnesian War
Crusades
Powhatan War
Mexican-American War
World War I
Arab-Israeli wars
Vietnam War
Israel–Hamas war
. . . It went on and on for what seemed like forever. How could we not see it? How could we not understand that we have failed to protect our species from butchery? How could we not plead for forgiveness when we have all let our egos slaughter our potential for collective peace? N'Jameh wailed in a dialect of pain and her voice carried through the room into some distant pit of sorrow. I have been to many performances, but I have never felt so soul-crushed in viewing the truth.
I am guilty. We all are guilty.
This ability to drag our senses into the thick of it was not an isolated win. Klassik’s arrival into the theater as The Muse allowed for an auditory awakening or a soundtrack to a collective soul cry. His layered vibrations made us hear waves on the battle beach, the clash of metal weapons against armor, and the vastness of hundreds of thousands of ships arriving. His musical composition was boisterous and delicate all at the same time. We needed his contribution, we needed the liquid “spirits” to release this auditory vision for The Poet to relive, what we all must rectify.
AN ILIAD is an experience that humanity needs. It is a scream for repentance in public intimacy. As we find ourselves pinned into battles that may be sanctioned by the Gods [Yours, mine, theirs, ours, or no one's] and ask for conviction in our uncertainty [who deems our deeds good or evil?] We must remember that we are all villains in someone's story.
[& the comedic relief was there. But only enough to make us say “Ohhhh boy we’re screwed.”
I invite you to approach your humanity and experience Milwaukee Chamber Theater’s AN ILIAD, for the sake of us all.
Lexi S. Brunson
Editor-in-Chief /CW
n issue we take a deep dive into the nuances of Black Culture and the rhetoric that it parallels. This is one of the most intimate issues we have ever produced because many of the topics we will discuss have been fostered by conversions that our leadership, /CW Fam [our staff + collaborators], and our friends/family have grappled with in our personal lives. These topics have lived in barbershop debates, under dryers at the hair salon, at the kitchen table at Granny's house, and on the front steps before the age of social media. These are realities that are formed by resistance & resilience, topped with ingenuity and unapologetic joy in being the prototype for authentic exploration for survival [vs. conquest]. These are patterns of existence without erasure.
Featuring: Spill It Card Game, Jonah Denae, Ko-Thi Dance Company, Culture: Between Space & Place
ALl photos by copywrite magazine
Food waste & food insecurity are legacy themes in Milwaukee’s urban landscape. For decades, community members have strived to find equitable ways to nourish our neighborhoods. From mom-and-pop bakeries to our regionally sourced dairy [Can we get a cheese curd?], the communal “Friday Fish Fries” [a Wisconsinite staple], and urban farming plots that bring us fresh produce from right up the street, food is a part of our story.
Tuesday’s [September 10th, 2024] at Alice's Garden Urban Farm [2136 N 21st St, Milwaukee, WI 53205], FEED MKE announced it’s Food Waste Reduction + Compost Mini Grants project, which allows $127,500 to be reallocated to Milwaukee-based community organizations in support of Food Recovery and Composting.
pictured: Erick Shambarger,
Erick Shambarger, Director of Environmental Sustainability for the City of Milwaukee, who leads the Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) kicked off the event by rooting us in reality. “In Wisconsin, 1.2 billion pounds of food goes to waste annually while 1 in 7 households experience food insecurity”, Shambarger shared in a reflection of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2021 report. These numbers, in conjunction with Milwaukee’s socio-economic relationship with food deserts, should be alarming to all citizens, hence FEED MKE’s charge for change.
The Food Excess, Equitable Distribution Coalition (FEED MKE), Food Waste Reduction + Compost Mini-Grants, were made possible by the USDA-Compost & Food Waste Reduction Grant. However, the concept came from the community member feedback on what our city truly needs.
pictured: Venice Williams
Venice Williams, Executive Director of Alice’s Garden, noted that “the city of Milwaukee is full of abundance. . .”, which we don’t hear enough. This abundance, present in the vast backdrop the urban garden created for this event, is also clear in the work local organizations and individuals do to keep our community fed [with or without the means]. “My family can tell you anytime I go to my garbage to throw away something I ask for forgiveness”, Williams testified as characteristic of noticed waste projects like these may prevent.
FEED MKE is charged with several tasks including conducting outreach on how food waste impacts climate change, fostering relationship-building between gleaners and food pantries, food kitchens, restaurants, community-based organizations, etc., as noted on their official city of Milwaukee web portal [milwaukee.gov/FEEDMKEMiniGrants]. However, the introduction of the mini-grants and future Food Saver Challenge through the Mayor’s Office will allow community and private sector contributions to these initiatives.
pictured: Andi Sciacca
Andi Sciacca, EOC’s Environmental Sustainability Program Coordinator, made it clear that the current funding is not meant to deter the department from doing its work but instead, “redistributes it to the people already doing the work” and “help people recover more food before it becomes waste”.
Those looking to apply for the grant should be clear on their ability to think communally & collaboratively. Funding Opportunities include
Food Recovery: Grants of $5,000-$30,000 for 4-8 organizations to support food recovery capacity-building through partnerships with local food-based businesses, food banks, and community-based organizations.
Composting: Grants of $5,000-$20,000 for 3-5 organizations for on-site composting supplies or to institute subscription-based composting services at community locations.
Workshops or “information sessions” will be available at several sites around the city throughout October, where applications must be submitted by November 22nd, 2024, for a December Award announcement.
So as a creative media outlet that #SupportsTheLocal & firmly believes that sharing a meal with someone can humanize them, we hope to see you pull up a seat at the table to feed our community and sustain our planet.
Because it is. . .
“A delicious way to make a meaningful difference". - Andi Sciacca
Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW
ALl Images by jenny plevin
Art has many purposes but it honors its truest form when it reflects the intricacies of reality in its full spectrum.
Friday’s [ August 9th, 2024] performance of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, by Ntozake Shange (1948-2018), directed by Linetta Alexander, championed the creativity of Black Women by pulling at the intimate language of shared “resilience, pain, and triumph”. This modern take on social positioning in a patriarchal society redefines the way sista-hood connotes an unyielding survival that deserves joy and is joy.
Alexander has taken the various “Ladies in [asigned color]” and has allowed them to deliver narratives that enter the soul, swell the eyes, and clench palms until they release with relief, like a group therapy session. How they sashay across the stage, support each other stories, and give room for each actor to breathe is no easy feat. You may know the play, but as much as it serves Shange’s original commentary on oppression in a racist and sexist society, this manifestation confronts the peculiarities of the digital age [smart phones, ring cameras, social media, etc.] that make these realities much more invasive and counter-intuitive to healing.
The setting is composed of urban Milwaukee [#WeSeeYou Brady St.] with the transientness of pedestrian crossing where we encounter each color dealing in their reflective monologue and sharing their inner thoughts [If yall want to give us that bus shelter when you are done, we would happily accept]. This storytelling in its contemporary choreo-poem form is best supported by Lady in Green's [Brielle Richmond] seductive chair dance, Lady in Blue’s [Tina Nixon] heart-breaking abortion silhouette, and Lady in Red’s [Gabrielle Veronique] symbolic baby blanket drop [The way you stressed me out is unforgivable LOL].
However, the balance of youthful vulnerability from Lady in Brown [Selena Mcknight] and Lady in Yellow [Deja Taylor], are reminders that whatever trauma we have endured are not the only memories that should take up space. The confidence of worlds yet concurred and unjaded love [or lust] holds magic. Lady in Purple [Brandy Reed] and Lady in Orange [Tosha Freeman] embrace in the open mic night scene was also a moment of reflective forgiveness. How do we age into our understanding of self? How do we fall victim and villain in a world that does not play fair? We need each other and without giving up all the symbolic and metaphorical gems, I will say, we must do better by each other [so if I have ever harmed you, purposefully or unknowing, I am truly sorry].
This artistic collaboration from Shange to Alexander, Alexander to the performing ladies, stage to audience, is a must. These are the narratives we have culturally avoided and thus, the harm continues to generationally impact our experiences. Their dedication to authentic relationship building is seen, their embodiment of their roles is spot on, and their lived experience as women of color is inestimable. This work is clearly ours to do together.
So today I challenge you to start your healing, get your tickets to For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, and see the world in color!
Lexi S. Brunson | Editor-in-Chief /CW
Performance Dates:
August 8 – 12, 15 – 16, 22 – 25 | 7:30pm, Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall, Marcus Center
CopyWrite Magazine, Media & Design LLC is a Milwaukee based organization & company that promotes the ever morphing nature of Urban culture.
