by Brianna Rae Last Thursday, the Alliant Energy Center was packed with more than 700 people who attended a lunchtime fundraiser for Madison’s YWCA. Committed to empowering women and eliminating racism, the YWCA is an invaluable asset to the community and across the United States. Many women and families rely on YWCA’s crucial services in […]
Black History Profiles: Katherine Dunham and Misty Copeland
Black Art Has Always Been a Powerful Tool for Social Change by Brianna Rae Katherine Dunham Referred to as ‘The matriarch and queen mother of Black dance,’ Katherine Mary Dunham was an outstandingly talented dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, educator, and social activist. Born in Chicago on June 22, 1909, she was interested in dance and writing […]
EXCEPT WHERE INDICATED, THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS PAGE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE MADISON TIMES
From the Harlem Renaissance to the Black Arts Movement, Writers Who Changed the World
Black History Profiles by Brianna Rae Zora Neale Hurston A self-possessed woman with infinite curiosity, Zora Neale Hurston was a key figure in the literary movement of the Harlem Renaissance, but also in the fields of anthropology and folklore. Known for saying, “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It […]
A conversation with Stanley Nelson, director of new film The Black Panthers: Vanguard of a Revolution
by Brianna Rae Award-winning director and producer Stanley Nelson recently visited Madison to promote his new documentary film The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, which premiers on PBS Tuesday, February 16. Nelson’s career has spanned over 25 years and has focused on the narratives, experiences, and history of Black Americans. His highly respected films […]
Madison College’s Construction and Remodeling Program Sees Increasing Student Diversity
by Brianna Rae The Madison College Construction and Remodeling (MCC&R) program has been around for over 20 years and has gained the respect of local employers as having excellent curriculum that produces excellent employees. Recently, the program is seeing more and more students of color and women in its classrooms. According to the United States […]
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ‘Chi-raq’ Breakout Star Anya Engel-Adams Talks About Spike Lee’s Newest, Controversial Film
by Brianna Rae Set to hit theaters on Dec. 4, Spike Lee’s latest film, Chi-raq, has garnered significant controversy throughout the entirety of its production, despite having only last week released the trailer. Though meant to be call-to-action against gun violence in Chicago and beyond, many Chicago residents and politicians have criticized and protested the […]
Education Profile: Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson
‘Twice Exceptional’ Student Earns Ph.D., Spearheads Research on Gifted Minority Students with Learning Disabilities Interview by Brianna Rae Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson recently obtained his Ph.D. from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee in the Literacy and Language program. He previously earned a master’s in school counseling from DePaul University as well as a bachelor’s degree […]
WCASA Celebrates 30th Anniversary, Women of Color in Reproductive Justice Movement
by Brianna Rae This past weekend marked the 30th anniversary of the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA), an agency that works tirelessly with organizations around the state to offer support, advocacy, and information to victims of sexual violence and their families. Celebrated at Olbrich Gardens, the event was a chance for WCASA to unveil […]
Lake View Elementary School Unveils Community Mural by Local Artist Henry Hawkins
by Brianna Rae This Tuesday, Lake View Elementary School on the North Side of Madison celebrated a new community mural with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by school officials, community members, and local organizations who supported the effort. On what was once a blank cement wall, local Madison artist Henry Hawkins created a visual chronology of […]
Madison Police Working to Integrate Voice, Needs of Community into Police Training
by Brianna Rae The City of Madison has recently been situated within the national discourse regarding issues of racial injustice and police brutality against communities of color. Since the shooting of Tony Robinson in March and the release of reports detailing the egregious severity of racial inequities that exist within Dane County and the larger […]