Margaret Henningsen & Jan Kemp - The Mothers of Milwaukee's Juneteenth Celebrations

JULY 3, 2022

MILWAUKEE - Documentation of the WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE of JUNETEENTH in the urban city off Lake Michigan for African Americans is paramount for the history writing of Core Constituents of Milwaukee.

JUNETEENTH is a newly named national holiday by Joseph Biden, 46th President in 2021.

Congress passed The Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in June 2021, a day after the Senate passed the bill with unanimous consent. Biden signed the bill into law on June 17 – two days before Juneteenth

African American migration to the north goes back to the 1930s when African Americans left the rural South seeking better opportunities in manufacturing - The Great Migration - 1905 to 1935 was a significant period of migration into Milwaukee by African Americans. World War I changed the landscape for African-Americans and hinted at an opportunity in the North.

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JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

 Margaret Henningsen and Jan Kemp were part of the Planning Committee at NORTHCOTT Neighborhood House back in the day of the creation of JUNETEENTH in Milwaukee.  Other African Americans were energized by the marriage of the event of JUNETEENTH & SUMMERFEST.  Thus, an idea was born.

Did you know this was during the Henry Maier mayoral administration and Jim Boyle, governor?

Channel 4 has been an intricate broadcasting partner in getting the message out.

During this time, it was BILL TAYLOR, the young reporter.  CLICK

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Today, Clayborn Benson is the Founder of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society.  He too comes from Channel 4.  He was a photojournalist.

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MILWAUKEE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY PRESSER

Youth Volunteers and opportunities for the day of the Parade as well as EMPLOYMENT later.

CLICK HERE

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REVIEW THE 50th GOLDEN Anniversary Booklet.

MORE TO COME.