Making an impact: Milwaukee trailblazers honored at mayor's Black History Month Recognition Ceremony

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — February is Black History Month, and Milwaukee's mayor is focusing on how African American leaders are shaping our community.

"Black History Month is not just a time to celebrate the past, but also an opportunity to engage with the present and inspire our future," said Chief Judge Carl Ashley at Monday's Black History Recognition Celebration in Milwaukee.

It's the third year the event has been hosted by Mayor Cavalier Johnson, honoring agents of change.

"Black history is not confined just to February. It's a year-round journey of learning, growing, and making a positive impact on the world around us," Johnson said.

This year's honorees represented different sectors of the community.

Christy Brown, president of Alverno College, was recognized as an advocate for education.

"I am proud to be an African American, a Black person who was raised here, and I am excited to give back to people who look like me, and people who don't look like me," Brown said. "Our school is over 53% people of color."

Businessman Mark Wade was honored for his charitable contributions, from Black Arts Fest to youth basketball leagues.

He says blessing others is his blessing.

"Unity will allow us to improve our community, and when we improve it for us, we improve it for our future. That's our children, our grandchildren," Wade said.

Marjorie Rucker, executive director of the Business Council, was honored as a minority business champion.

She is guiding growth for minority owned businesses in Milwaukee.

"It doesn't matter the color of our skin. What matters is that they're all able to do business, give you what you need as a consumer, with the hopes they can grow and realize their American dream," Rucker said.

Donald Jackson was honored as an outstanding citizen.

He was Milwaukee's first Black assistant fire chief. He now works with several organizations, including Schroeder Aquatic Center.

"Somebody said once, it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes the whole community to make the city great," Jackson said.

Mayor Johnson calls this ceremony one of his favorite events each year.

"All these folks are trailblazers and made a true commitment to Milwaukee and are making an impact in the community each and every single day," Johnson said. "I'm proud to recognize them for all their work."