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The Republican National Convention (RNC) takes place July 15-18 in Milwaukee, and for some, this is not a welcomed event. Hence, members of the community set peaceful yet poignant plans into action.
The Great Milwaukee Block Party (GMBP) is cited on its social media pages as “a collection of events to connect the Milwaukee community in acts of joyful rebellion during the RNC.”
The events, which take place all over the city of Milwaukee and some surrounding areas, include DJ nights, youth Hip Hop events, film screenings, artist markets, trivia events, Drag Bingo, poetry and open mic nights, community hang outs with board games, comedy shows, neighborhood bike rides, the MilChiCo playdate with free books and food, a protest puppet- making workshop and an “Artists Against Apartheid” that will have exhibits, performances and 3rd Party Presidential candidates speaking.
New events are added daily, and real-time schedules can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
Businesses that are hosting GMBP events include The Cooperage, Kuumba, Sugar Maple, X-Ray Arcade, Diverse & Resilient, Comedy Sportz, Lost Cider Valley Co., Cactus Club, Sherman Phoenix, Canni MKE, Tooth & Nail Studio and more.
Event kits to be used virtually, at home in smaller groups, are also available for those not comfortable attending public events.
“The Block Party is not a singular event, but an idea that there are all levels of blocks that can build a movement in Milwaukee,” says co-organizer Stephanie Roades. “From the block in your head, to the block you live on, or the physical blocks of a brick and mortar space… these are all the parts of the Great Milwaukee Block Party.”
The Great Milwaukee Block Party was first conceptualized in January at Zao MKE church through a community meeting that drew the interest of many individuals, organizations and businesses who did not support the RNC coming to Milwaukee.
Last month, Former President Donald Trump – who will be named the Republican Party’s presidential nominee during the convention – referred to Milwaukee as a “Horrible City."
“Milwaukee has a different story to tell during the month of July, and it’s one of highlighting the talent, beauty, and strength that exists here," says co-organizer Rae Chappelle.
“We hope this celebration will serve as a blueprint for continued gatherings around the city that foster joy, connection, creativity and inclusivity.”
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
