Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 27, 2020 – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation hosted its fourth annual On the Table MKE earlier this month, focused on the theme of Healing Justice, a practice that centers the collective safety and well-being of communities as an integral part of working toward collective liberation. Approximately 800 community members attended the all-virtual event, which spanned three days and featured a series of keynote speakers and curated conversations for anyone to join.
Video recordings of each conversation are available at the links below:
- Healing Justice, with keynote speaker Frank Nitty Sensabaugh and discussion leaders Sensabaugh; Rep. Kalan Haywood II; Rep. David Bowen; and Tiffany Henry, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
- Moment of Mindfulness, with discussion leader Piper Anderson, Create Forward
- We Give: A Focus on Black & Brown Philanthropy, with discussion leader Thelma Sias
- Leading Across Generations, with discussion leaders Corry Joe Biddle, Fuel Milwaukee; Oby Nwabuzor, American Heart Association and One MKE; Sam Woods, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and Bridge the City; and Gabriela Novakovic, BridgeMKE
- Healing: Using Art as a Way Forward, with discussion leaders LaShawndra Vernon, Artists Working in Education, and Kennita Hickman, Imagine MKE
- Building Community: An Ecosystem for Change, with discussion leaders Danell Cross, Metcalfe Park Community Bridges; Zeno Franco, Medical College of Wisconsin and ThriveOn Collaboration; David Nelson, Medical College of Wisconsin and ThriveOn Collaboration; and Jordan Roman, Milwaukee Urban League Young Professionals
- Organizing: Funding the Frontlines, with discussion leader Camille Mays, Peace Garden Project MKE
- Recommitting to Milwaukee’s Promise, with discussion leaders James Causey and Angela Peterson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
To continue strengthening community, deepening civic involvement and cultivating new ideas developed during On the Table MKE conversations, the Foundation is again offering Ideas to Action funding this year. Any member of a nonprofit organization who participated in On the Table MKE this year is eligible to apply for a grant. Ideas to Action funding amounts will range from $500 to $2,500, contingent on quantity and viability of applications, and will go toward a project focused on action and collaboration. The projects must feature a new idea generated through an On the Table MKE conversation, and special consideration will be given to ideas that advance racial equity and inclusion. Last year, 13 projects received Ideas to Action funding.
Eligible applicants must apply online by Saturday, Oct. 31. The selection of grant recipients will be determined by an advisory committee of community members and Foundation donors and staff.
“Although 2020 looked different, the brave spaces and collaborative spirit of On the Table MKE were as strong as ever this year,” said Ellen Gilligan, Foundation president and CEO. “Thank you to the hundreds of greater Milwaukee residents who were moved by the need for healing justice and pulled up a virtual seat to build relationships with others, engage in productive dialogue and turn ideas into positive action.”
Contact Elizabeth Baker for questions regarding the video recordings or to inquire about media interviews.
