Visit Milwaukee’s Post

I get talked into all kinds of shenanigans!

Many Black entrepreneurs may not have access to these resources or may not have the necessary connections or experience. Industry barriers: The film industry is notoriously difficult to break into, even for established professionals. Barriers to entry include networking, connections, and access to decision-makers. Stereotypes and biases: Unfortunately, there are still biases and stereotypes within the industry that can hinder the success of Black entrepreneurs. For example, some producers or investors may not take Black-led projects seriously or may be skeptical of their potential success. Fear of isolation: Starting a new venture can be isolating, especially if it's not supported by the broader industry. Some Black entrepreneurs may be hesitant to leave the relative safety of established companies or networks. However, there are signs of change: Increased representation: The rise of streaming platforms has created new opportunities for diverse storytelling and representation. Growing demand for diverse content: Audiences are increasingly demanding more diverse content, leading to a growing market for stories told by and about people of color. New talent emerging: A new generation of Black creatives is emerging, with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Tyler Perry's decision to leave Hollywood? Creative control: By leaving Hollywood, Perry gained complete creative control over his projects, allowing him to tell stories that reflected the experiences and perspectives of Black people without interference from industry gatekeepers. Inclusivity: Perry wanted to create a space where Black talent could thrive and feel represented. He saw an opportunity to build a community where Black writers, directors, and actors could work together and support each other. Atlanta's film-friendly environment: Atlanta offers a more business-friendly environment, with lower production costs, tax incentives, and a growing pool of talented local crew members. This allowed Perry to produce high-quality content without breaking the bank. Access to diverse storytelling: Atlanta's diverse population and rich cultural heritage provided Perry with access to unique stories and perspectives that might be harder to find in Los Angeles. As for why other Black entrepreneur executives in the film industry haven't followed suit, there are several reasons: Lack of access to resources: Starting a studio or production company requires significant resources, including funding, equipment,and infrastructure. Many Black entrepreneurs may not have access to these resources

Join us at Merriment Social for Policy in a Pub on June 10 starting at 5:00 PM! The program will feature our President & CEO Kevin Giglinto in discussion with Gregory M. W., a senior VP at the Medical College of Wisconsin, on how collaboration could improve among arts groups, and what role civic leaders might play in its future direction. More information can be found below!

something to think about. a very practical and pragmatic man.

Throwback Thursday: Honoring Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights On this day, we look back to 1978, when the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights posthumously honored Eleanor Roosevelt for her pivotal role in shaping the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). As chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights, Roosevelt championed the creation of this landmark document, which was adopted in 1948. Her dedication to ensuring that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” remains a cornerstone of global human rights advocacy. The UDHR is more than a historical artifact; it’s a living document that continues to influence laws, policies, and international agreements. However, as we celebrate Roosevelt’s legacy, we must also recognize the ongoing challenges to human rights worldwide. Issues such as discrimination, inequality, and the erosion of freedoms remind us that this work is far from over. Roosevelt once said, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.” This timeless wisdom calls us to reflect on our own communities and workplaces. Are we fostering inclusion? Are we challenging injustices? Upholding human rights is not just the responsibility of governments and organizations—it’s a commitment we all must share. Today, let us honor Eleanor Roosevelt’s achievements by continuing her mission to promote dignity, equality, and justice for all. Global human rights are not just ideals but necessities for building a better world. #CNJAssociates #HumanRights #EqualityForAll #DiversityAndInclusion #GlobalImpact #ThrowbackThursday #UNHistory

I consider the island Manhattan, where I live, to be like a Poincaré disk when using the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This is not a criticism, it's a testament to how even (democratic?) the system is. In Poincaré's model, from the reference frame of the viewer, it looks like the distances between points gets smaller as you go to the edge, but this is just an illusion of having projected a higher-dimensional space onto 2 dimensions. If you centered the Poincaré disk on any point, it would look the same. Similarly, whether you live at 125 in Harlem and can take the A or live at 82st on the UWS it's 35 minutes to Chinatown, but give yourself 40; and since you have to give yourself 40, well, it's the same from the Heights. Similarly, 1st Avenue to Broadway may *look* like a half the distance across 79th street than is the distance down Broadway to The Village... trust me, they are the same: one is a crosstown bus. I will leave aside whether this extends wistfully to just how infinite and boundless Manhattan is.

I agree with Laura Zabel (herself a formidable cultural and civic leader in the arts in the Twin Cities) - it’s heartening to see media coverage that attends to the living reality of artists. There are some exciting examples of innovative solutions in support of keeping artists in the cities they make culturally vibrant through their work. Policies like guaranteed basic income for artists are not unattainable and here are some early signs of successful implementation.

What’s the relationship between public art and gentrification, and can the arts bridge the gap between past and present? It’s a question I consider a lot in my work in museum education and programming, and something I explored for the Free Times Identity Issue. This article was the product of so much generative and challenging dialogue about the balance between preservation and progress—and how art can work (and sometimes fail) to balance those two things. https://lnkd.in/eFajpwUY