From The Page To The People: Celebrating One Year of Opposite Of A Suicide Note

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Controversy. What is its origin? Is it caused by differences in thought and opinion? Does the sensitivity of each topic’s complex layers define the foundation? My theory is that only one perspective of each topic is subconsciously designated by large communities as the poster child, while all alternative sides are buried away and slowly erased from all media and communication outlets. Whoever shares the knowledge of the hidden corridor to alternative sides of topics is labeled as the opposite of America’s sweetheart: controversial. Since feathered ink pens and instinctive pigeons spread news and knowledge, there has always been a divide between the two types of people who are born from controversy. Those who run from it like a thief in the night, and leaders who embrace it with open arms, like getting a hug from big mama. While thousands of people accessorize themselves with blinders and disregard, daring and courageous leaders such as Mikey Cody Apollo transform into keys that unlock all testimonies and evidence to the well-kept perspectives. 

Did that name ring a bell? Milwaukee School of the Arts Alum, Mikey Cody Apollo, has contributed not only education, sex-positivity, jaw-dropping reads, and thought-provoking films to both the youth and her very own mentors, most importantly her voice. She’s sitting at the head of the table to celebrate the uncomfortable conversations often turned into white noise by cities, and immersing her community in spaces that have never been depicted to them so colorfully. The author of Black Girls, Silence, and Other Things Made of Gold gifted her audience forms of black love: romantic, self-love, and love for what art gives to souls internally. The 70-piece collection of poems is a literary collage of Apollo’s resilience as well as authenticity, which is rooted in love. The gate-flooding success of the 2017 Cody masterpiece stamped the need for Mikey’s value and presence in the city of Milwaukee on a vital level, which brought a plethora of kinfolk rooting for the creative with excitement and hunger. However, the exposure and achievement of Black Girls, Silence, and Other Things Made of Gold created fear inside the artist, specifically the sophomore slump{fear of not replicating or surpassing the success of one’s debut creation}. One topic ignited a fire inside Mikey that quickly minimized the fear of a sophomore slump: suicide. Her pen began to write with such admiration, grace, and marriages of pain bound with apologies you’d think only Maya Angelou deserved.

Sunday, March 30th, 2025, La Gente Art Gallery {2478 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI}  became a live mural of beautiful black, brown, and other minority faces smiling from ear to ear as if it were the annual family reunion and all the cousins were getting together. The unique celebration was posed as the one anniversary for Apollo’s latest literary sensation, The Opposite of  A Suicide Note. This masterpiece was created by Apollo diving into a road of darkness, violence, depression, and mental check-outs. The book is a three-piece combo of poetry, prose, and visual art that is reviving themes of grief, healing, and love with a side of mental wellness. With one of our very own attending and moderating, Jamai Fisher, alongside host Mikey Cody Apollo, /CW had a golden ticket to the front row of this tranquil and Erykah Badu coded experience. The communal gathering began with a writing workshop that ran from 2 pm to 3:15 pm. The poetic samurai gave an expansive number of prompts to the audience. Vulnerable truths, fresh as well as scarred wounds, and the importance of a village are just the surface of all the prompts that were given.

“The writing workshop felt like art therapy. It applied to everyone, no matter the different varying levels of writing we all came from. The event was not only targeted at academic writers and scholars of poetry. The prompts led writers to get emotionally raw, whether they were ready for it or not. There’s power you can derive from sharing what you’ve survived.”- Kip

“Mikey’s event got my creativity back in gear. It was a safe place for expression and reflection. I was gloriously envious of their connections and the way they support and feed into each other’s souls in so many ways.”- Sheena C.

All who were in attendance quickly and sincerely resonated with who Apollo is and the lens they wrote The Opposite of A Suicide Note in. I became fascinated when listening to poets, teachers, Cody’s friends, and those who showed up a few hours later after hearing about the celebration that same day through social media and word of mouth. If I were to put everyone’s names in a bowl, duplicate responses would be given when describing feedback on the event. Mikey made everyone feel appreciated, prioritized, and valued.

“The space was founded in consideration for Mikey’s audience. It was an honor being a receiver and participant to the love of poetry, being that I am a teacher of the beloved language. From the natural light provided to us when writing, the room felt breathable for all the writers. We were able to see the rain fall down the panes of the windows and feel everything in the moment.”-Shalina

“Mikey is showing people that even from the darkest days that life is a beautiful thing.”- Amber

The authentic exchange of empathy, artistic expression, and support did not stop after the writing workshop. From 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, the grand finale was in motion, and the discussion regarding Apollo’s book, The Opposite of A Suicide Note, came into effect. Although the author was heavily raised and brought up in church with a Christian worldview, her family did not follow the traditional framework and mindset of approaching the world. Their mother would be sitting in the front pews effortlessly knowing every lyric to each hymn, but still believed and applauded science. 

“We were the family that wore jeans to church. My mom believed in science. My mom was very quick to put me on birth control once I had expressed interest in sex. So we held all these things simultaneously.”- Mikey Cody Apollo

It was embedded into Apollo from the early stages of life that there are always multiple perspectives of topics and how to voice how those topics make you feel, which influenced the different styles of writing Mikey uses now as an author. As a result, they hit their audience with a distinctive pair of frames to capture the new perspective Cody was introducing in this second book of theirs. Platonic love was used not only as the lens of story but also as the element of surprise. Cody expressed how the idea of love is popularly condensed to sex, flowers, candy, and romantic love, alienating the significance of love’s other forms. Friendships are often overshadowed by the power, resilience and strength one establishes within self-love and in the words of Ella Mai; when they get boo’d up. Mikey is advocating that your friends deserve unapologetic love, upliftment, growth, and admiration as well. A friend doesn’t only deserve a hangout because you are in the mood for some drinks, hot wings, and a dance floor. Friendship should be prioritized throughout every season in life, no matter if life is lifeing or you’re simply living in your best one yet. Mikey’s own friends, Genesis Renji, Olivia, and Yessica, influenced and aided the creation of the bold and brilliant masterpiece the audience discussed. Conversations, poetry slams, and even Apollo’s own suicide attempt do nothing but strengthen and solidify just how vital and connected the three friends are. G. Renji asked Cody, “What’s the opposite of a suicide note?” Answering himself, he blurted,” An affirmation.”  Before you knew it, the title was born, and Rodney J & Yessica Jimenez began working on the artwork for the book as the illustrator! 

Menstruation, depression, violence, and assault are emphasized as battles inherently faced by all individuals at some point in time throughout the read. Mikey wanted to create an affirmation in book form to more than suicide-attempt survivors, but for any human being who feels immense waves of sorrow, guilt, sadness, and numbness, to unveil the beauty of pain as well as healing. Apollo has made it known that their writing is not for everybody, but one thing that will remain constant is that their writing is for themselves and internally heals pieces of self. Suicide was not the only trial and tribulation Cody shared as one of their battles throughout the courageous pages. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, also known as PMDD, often characterized by significant emotional and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life, such as work, relationships, and social activities. This is another emotionally raw scene Cody shared with readers and her tangible audience at the celebration of their book. PMDD affects lives by causing suicidal thoughts, anxiety, mental illness, and depression, but there are multitudes of information that communities, including the 414, does not know about the struggle. Mikey wanted their one-year anniversary of the book as well as the literary ensemble, to bring awareness to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder and how to properly adjust to it. 

“The Opposite of A Suicide Note is conversation-driven. The purpose of the book is for people to start pouring back into themselves how they do men, women, and materialism. I want our people to go just as hard for ourselves as we do for one another.” -Mikey Cody Apollo

Now my question to you is: Who are you in the midst of controversy? Are your friends prioritized just like your boo is? Go cop Apollo’s groundbreaking read now & follow their work:

Snap a finger or two at the next poetry slam you see them at.

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

/CW Introductions: Jolee Mallmann [Guest Writer]

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We are excited to introduce a new guest writer, focusing on “up and coming local filmmakers and film projects”, Jolee Mallman.

“We are constantly exploring ways to tap into the diverse creative industries we have in Milwaukee & of course in the Midwest. So when Jolee reached out, it just made me excited to see someone exploring film because they love it and want to share it with the world. You better believe we are going to make room on our platform for that!” - Lexi S. Brunson | Active Editor-in-Chief /CW

Jolee is a Midwest artist and filmmaker living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They have a passion for narrative filmmaking, sketch comedy, and independent productions. Jolee got their start in filmmaking with a local/low budget/community makes it happen mentality ala "Be Kind Rewind" 2008. 

Be ready to explore more of the film scene with a twist, with monthly

drops from Jolee on copywritemag.com/blog.

CARPE DENIM: A Fashion Revival

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Carpe Denim is a bold runway experience that reclaims the resilience, edge, and timelessness of denim. From repurposed streetwear to avant-garde couture, the show explores denim not just as fabric—but as metaphor: a symbol of durability, rebellion, and reinvention. Every piece on the runway is a testament to creative self-expression and the beauty of transformation.

Attendees can expect:

  • One-of-a-kind denim designs

  • Styled looks from emerging and established fashion visionaries

  • Live music + immersive visuals

  • A narrative-driven runway curated by Milwaukee’s own Carlos M Vergara Jr.

This isn’t just fashion. It’s a movement. A space where denim becomes both the canvas and the conversation—where street meets sophistication, and where ‘ghetto’ becomes gold.

GOLD FANG$ [EP] | King Kalumet

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Photo by freakish nerd

Cultivating a sound is no easy feat. You have to be willing to push into your authenticity [who cares what's “poppin” it has to be all you B], dabble in this, jump into that, and go places musically that you may have never ventured before. King Kalumet is no stranger to the Midwest creative scene. From graphic design to lifestyle brand, model tings’ and more, he has shown us that his creative muscles flex in many directions. So when I heard he was working on an EP, I had to make sure the files were sent my way.  

GOLD FANG$ [EP]is an eclectic mix of posturing [we love a good ego trip], prophetic ambition, and personal penning. It takes us through a genre mash-up of hype hip hop, hollow point pop [I’m coining the term], story telling, and suave sensations. Who is this for? I’m pretty sure the King himself. Where every track has a “mood”, its collective narrative seems to define how Kalumet sees the world. 

Photo by freakish nerd

The track that holds the EPs moniker GOLD FANG$ directs attention to the talent that has come out of the 414, but forgets to rep the city; leaving us out of the historical loop of heavy hitters [a controversial topic indeed]. However, he seems to be fine with picking up the slack and putting the city on his back.  “I can talk my sh*t, but I can back it up”, he dotes repeatedly. Am I concerned for him? ABSOLUTELY! Because I hear challengers coming and slaying the creative opps causes fatigue lol.

My favs on this project are the intermissions, It’s Complicated & Voice Mail From Joy 11-25PM, because who doesn’t love to hear women rant spasmodically about a guy? [I mean we have ALL  been there!] and INFINITY. 

INFINITY has this bounce and you have to ride that beat. King Kalumet rides it, gives the girls a little love, and doesn’t do too much. He could have layered the bars but instead its punch lines are playful. It's footwork and house parties. It’s sooo midwest but so universal…and I think that's the key.

photo by carnegieimagery

For this lyrical music collection, I think you have to know a little something about the modern world. A little media [movies, music, art], a little romance [heartbreak, lust, love], some Urbanism [I mean it in the post-industrial hood way], and the pursuit of educated individuality [that's where the money resides]. So you have to listen, think about it, listen again, and find the tracks that resonate with you. Pieces to the story, ya know? Making connections while sipping some Henny [see I was listening lol]. And don’t forget that “gold fangs” come with teeth and you have to be willing to bite down.

Keep going, King Kalumet. . . Just please, keep going.

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

A Stage for Life: A Unique Collaboration Between Versiti Blood Center and Milwaukee Ballet: Where Art Represents The Community’s Heart

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It’s often assumed that basketball games, open houses, and theatrical school productions are the nights that fill schools from top to bottom; however, donation events are the true cool kidz. According to the Pew Research Center, over 500,000 children participate and lead these informative, interactive and unifying events. The block parties, bake sales, and scholastic book fairs financially uplift the half-empty pockets of education systems, but a greater reward is gifted to all of the Whoopi Goldberg classrooms around the universe in the franchise movie, Sister Act [The kiddos}. Heart, soul, and kindness that lasts more than a week before their birthdays. As youngins, a broken record becomes the headshot of our audio library, spewing out the following constantly: 

Sharing is caring 

Treat others how you want to be treated 

If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all 

Authoritative figures surrounding kids, such as encouraging teachers, relatable coaches, and proud parents, become the ocean they absorb like sponges ready to tackle the next clean-up. Although the phrases are constantly demonstrated to us and sung into each ear, only 50% of children choose to be kind-hearted and incorporate leadership and inspiration in their adolescence and adulthood. Hence why donation events produce an immense impact because kids gravitate towards the interpersonal playground and tangible incentives that make them feel as confident as student of the month, Milwaukee Ballet student, Sydney, also known as the daughter of Gretchen Jameson, Wisconsin Chief Marketing Officer at Versiti Blood Center, is one of those children intrigued and motivated by donation events as well as becoming a vessel of help. A powerful representation of this naturally occurred right here in the city streets of Milwaukee. She planted the seed for innovative and impactful change with just a single question. 

After witnessing countless collegiate and athletic competitions to strengthen blood donation awareness and the number of donors attached to it deemed as successful, Sydney’s eyebrows raised instantly and asked WI Chief Marketing Officer Gretchen Jameson, who she calls mom:

“Why have we never held one as Ballet being the driving force?”

If the saying “Like mother, like daughter” were a face, it’d be these two. Little did Sydney know that her mom and the rest of Versiti’s team birthed a new campaign titled A Stage for Life, which is a physical manifestation of local artistic organizations and innovative extraordinare, Versiti joining forces to increase and maintain a more diverse, promising and larger support system from the community when it comes to blood donation. 

On Friday, March 21st, 2025, Sydney’s seed had grown into the first A Stage for Life event presented by partners Versiti Blood Center and Milwaukee Ballet named as The Inaugral Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive taking place at the Baumgartner Center for Dance from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The themed blood drive caught many by surpise and intriguingly had their eyes. Blood drives and related events get mistaken for dull, quiet, and dreadful events only held in hospitals or schools that will have the same outcome whether one person decides to attend or not. The inaugural Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive showcased a creative, daring, and inviting ambience pertaining to how blood drives look and feel. 

“As part of the Stage for Life campaign, this initiative highlights the shared values of arts patrons and blood donors—community, compassion, and connection. With a goal to inspire first-time donors and encourage ongoing support, Stage for Life transforms blood donation into an act of generosity, much like the performing arts.”- Gretchen Jameson

Versiti and Milwaukee Ballet incorporated elements from the Sleeping Beauty fairytale such as home is where help begins, fate vs. free will, and the color story. Everyone in attendance also hit the lotto by receiving a buy-one-get-one-free ticket to the highly anticipated and exciting production of Sleeping Beauty presented by Milwaukee Ballet, which will run April 11th-13th at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. There’s no doubt that this event became visually appealing and was rooted heavily with the arts at the forefront but shockingly, it shared more knowledge and information that was heard and received for the first time by the communities in Milwaukee.

“With this partnership, we’re creating new ways for the community to engage and make a real difference for those in need. The arts and blood donation both reflect the belief that people need people.” -Gretchen Jameson 

The three percent of blood donors who annually stamp their mark is only a raindrop in a bucket compared to the percentage of community members who are able to donate–30%. After speaking with some of them I was surprised at how frequently I was hearing the reasons why they never were willing to donate blood before. 

“I thought my blood wouldn’t transmit easily into someone else.” 

“I have many health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.”

“I never knew where to find out when the blood drives were held.” 

“I honestly didn’t think little old me would make a difference.” 

It amazed me how once people received the correct information and a unique spin on how blood donation events are decorated and tied into other community interests, the response rate and blood donors increased drastically! I’m here to set the record straight /CW fam. As long as you are 17 years old you can donate blood every 2 months. Remember to drink mountains of water, have a balanced diet, and don’t drink any alcohol or put in work at the gym after donating to celebrate. You will make a difference because as soon as Versiti’s blood drives are over, they immediately transport all blood collected to nearby hospitals and community centers in need. “Blood cannot be designed, manufactured, or replicated. Your neighbors, family members and children need you.” -Gretchen Jameson 

Fairytales aren’t always about a man and woman falling in love and driving off into the sunset. Most of the time, the message illustrates how it takes a village to establish tremendous health, connection, community, and compassion. 

Couldn’t make this event? No worries. This is only the very beginning for Versiti to partner up with other art organizations in the city to create an electrifying movement bringing music, visual arts, theatre, dance, and blood donation to center stage!

Visit their resource center located inside the ThriveOn King organization at 2153 N Dr.MLK Drive in Milwaukee, WI [right across the street from our studio /CW Creative Studios + Shop]. Drop a heart or clapping hands under their posts from the inaugural Sleeping Beauty Blood Drive on their Instagram @versitiblood

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW

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