Uniquely Milwaukee

Sometimes, returning to one’s roots means an actual return to nature — a homecoming of the mind, body and spirit to where it’s always belonged.“I do a lot of work putting Black people back in nature,” Tyrone Randle said. “I feel like since slavery happened, we escaped through nature and have not returned to it. There’s this stigma about being outside, about camping, about swimming, stuff like that. But we come from nature.”Randle was one of six visual artists competing in True Skool’s live mural contest at Milwaukee’s 55th annual Juneteenth celebration. Their assignment was to interpret this year’s theme: “Honoring The Past. Empowering The Future.”“We really count on these artists to tell a story, because there’s a gap in education,” True Skool co-executive director Shalina Ali said. “A lot of people understand that this is historically about freedom, but there’s a layer of text and information that I think is really beneficial to people being proud of this celebration and understanding why Juneteenth is a celebration for America. This year is the 250th year. What would this country be without a turning point like Juneteenth?”#####Host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members.

Recently, a hot-pink flier advertising a party caught the eye of Uniquely Milwaukee guest host Rachel Tarby. It was for Venus Social Club, an organization that hosts events specifically for the sapphic community.If you’re not familiar with the term, the word “sapphic” traces back to Sappho, the Greek lyric poet who lived on the island of Lesbos around 600 BCE and was known for writing about her desire/love for other women. Thousands of years later, sapphic is a common term for women who love women.“I feel like in Milwaukee we had no sapphic spaces,” Venus Social Club founder Mya Goetsch said. “Well, we had some … but [not] specifically party ones, and I want to go party with all lesbians and queer people all the time, not just on Pride.”Goetsch created the organization in November of 2024, somewhat by accident. What was meant to be a small house party turned into a big sapphic celebration. Since then, Venus Social Club has hosted many events across the city — from yoga to barbecues to, of course, themed dance parties.In this episode, Tarby takes you inside one of those events and talks with the people who were searching for a space exactly like this in Milwaukee.#####Guest host: Rachel Tarby.Uniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the support of our Radio Milwaukee members.

When Lorenzo Edwards first began practicing yoga, he used it as it was a way to escape the stress of his job. A regular practice turned into attending classes. Attending classes turned into becoming a certified instructor. Then he noticed who was typically in the classes.And, more importantly, who wasn’t.“Prior to making a concerted effort to have practice with Black men, I seldom saw them — or us — in that space,” Edwards said. “If you can see yourself in the instructor, see yourself in the class, hear things that bring relief or the vibrations you need through music from your culture, it can help.”On this episode, guest host Rachel Tarby joins He Do Yoga, the weekly class Edwards created for Black men of all ages to experience yoga at no cost, with a focus on connection and healing.#####Guest host: Rachel TarbyUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members.

The last time Lisa Caruthers visited the Wisconsin State Capitol she was about seven or eight years old, and on a school trip. More than 50 years later, she returned as part of “Black Advocacy Day," hosted by the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus on Feb. 26.Uniquely Milwaukee host Kim Shine takes you to Madison, where residents of all ages met with elected officials and learned how to champion their needs. As a whole, the Black Caucus campaigns for the best interests of African Americans, and all people of color, throughout the state. Currently, there are 11 Black Legislators in Wisconsin, 10 of whom are members of the caucus. #####Host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members.

In the heart of the Riverwest neighborhood is a weekly showcase of some of Milwaukee’s most talented voices.Linneman’s Acoustic Open Stage began in 1993, making it the city’s oldest open mic and a staple of the local music scene.“Linneman's is an institution, and it's meant a lot to tons and tons of people,” said Chris Porterfield, frontman for Milwaukee-based band Field Report and an alum of the open mic. “It's a really special place. And what Jim and Marty have built is a great gift and service to our city.”Jim Linneman and Marty Hacker are longtime partners in life and nightlife. The venue’s namesake rarely misses an installment of the Acoustic Open Stage, and he was there the night we were on hand to experience the energy of a community built on a shared love for music.“Each and every Wednesday we have a featured performer who gets a half hour,” Linneman explained from the stage as he introduced Ethan Munson, the night's spotlight artist. “And to be the feature here, you have to come in and take part in our Open Stage and show a love for music and the desire anyway to write your own songs.”In this episode, we take you inside a typical Wednesday night at Linneman’s — a space for seasoned performers to connect with newcomers; and an eclectic mix of people, songs and instruments, ranging from banjos and guitars to keyboards and even a kazoo.#####Guest host: Rachel TarbyUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the support of our Radio Milwaukee members.

Step by step… Left foot, then right. Each month, line dancing takes over the Sherman Phoenix Marketplace at a free community event held in partnership with Primetime Line Dance. Whether they're grooving on the floor or have two left feet, participants say the classes build community, boost their mental health and provide an all-around good time. Kim Shine joined in as everyone celebrated the event's one-year anniversary. #####Host: Kim ShineUniquely Milwaukee is made possible by the generous support of our members.