To most travelers, Milwaukee’s biggest draw is its reputation as the beer capital of the world, where the foam flows free and German influence on brewing reigns supreme. Yet beneath the city’s frothy reputation Milwaukee boasts another, perhaps lesser known, history that also starts with B.
The Wisconsin Black Historical Society/Museum, turning 30 this year, was founded by Clayborn Benson III in 1987. While producing his documentary, Black Communities, he noted that African American historical records in the state were not well-preserved. Benson built the museum to make sure the narratives of the ancestors in Milwaukee wouldn’t fade away.
The museum sits within a converted fire station that’s over a hundred years old. It now serves as a home for artifacts, photos, and documents from the past. The museum depicts the struggles and triumphs of Wisconsin’s Black Americans that we unfortunately aren’t highlighted in history books. Visitors can learn about life in Wisconsin as a Black American during and after the abolition of slavery. The museum also hosts educational programming and financial literacy workshops for attendees of all ages.
America’s Black Holocaust Museum was founded by Dr. James Cameron, which explores the history of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and shows how slavery exists to this day. Inspired by his visit to Israel’s Holocaust Museum in Yad Vashem, Dr. Cameron saw how Jewish people preserved their history in order to prevent another holocaust from happening again. His vision was to create the same space for Black Americans in Milwaukee that acknowledges the painful past, but also works towards a brighter future for the community.
Dr. Cameron believed the museum could unite the nation by displaying the truth about Black history in the United States, while reconciling during today’s climate. America’s Black Holocaust Museum is a reminder that while Milwaukee is known for its beer attractions, the fabric of the community lies in places like the Holocaust Museum.
The Sherman Phoenix is a story of a tragedy turned into triumph. In 2016, the fatal police shooting of an unarmed Black man named Sylville Smith turned the Sherman Park neighborhood upside down. Smith’s death sparked outrage in the neighborhood, bringing violence, chaos, and fires to the local businesses.Three years later, however, community leaders got together and transformed an old bank building into the Sherman Phoenix. The marketplace is a hub for Black-owned businesses offering everything from wellness services to culinary treats.
Today, Sherman Phoenix is more than just a marketplace; it’s a symbol of unity. As you walk through the building, you’ll see families eating together, young men discussing business ventures, and vendors selling their own products with pride. The space is a living testament to how a community can turn itself around if the leaders have their hearts in the right place and are willing to put in the work to do so.
In the 19th century, Germans migrating to Milwaukee brought their rich brewing traditions to the city and produced two of the most iconic breweries, Pabst and Schlitz. The rise of Milwaukee’s beer industry created jobs and opportunities for Black residents, especially during the early to mid-20th century. As Milwaukee’s industrial sector and breweries began to expand, many African Americans who migrated from southern states during the Great Migration found work and opportunities in these industries. This laid the foundation for a stable Black working class and contributed to the economic growth of Black communities.
One shining example of how beer has contributed to Black-owned businesses is the work of MobCraft Beer. In 2022, MobCraft donated a portion of their profits to MKE Black and the Harriet Baskerville Incubation Program, which offers hands-on training in brewing to women and people of color, according to BrewBound.
Rafael Peña has spent the last decade as a travel strategist, journalist, and public speaker, dedicated to reshaping his community’s approach to travel. With a focus on transformative food experiences and luxury travel through savvy travel hacks, Peña shares his expert insights and personal experiences to help others explore the world like seasoned travelers.
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