In this episode, Walter speaks with Rick Banks, the Senior Program Manager of African American Affairs with the Milwaukee County Office of Equity. Rick was inspired to get involved in leadership after witnessing the election of Barack Obama and studying Economics during the 2008 recession.

They discuss initiatives to increase recognition of black culture in the county, support cultural institutions, and improve African-American health. Rick shares how the non-profit organization MKE Black started from an idea to create a database of black-owned businesses on a website or mobile app that eventually grew into a nonprofit organization supporting business development for local black businesses.

Tune in to hear an inspirational, thought-provoking conversation between Walter and Rick as they discuss why solidarity is essential in a segregated city, how homeownership and housing stability are key, what economic development can do for black Milwaukee's future success, and why leadership succession planning is important for long-term movement sustainability.

Episode Highlights

06:18 - What we did was we went out and engaged residents, knocking door to door and asking, "What is it like for the black community to thrive?" And getting that data, getting that response, and then using that to inform and organize.

11:49 - Economic development, and so making sure that from the county, that we're doing the best that we can to make sure that we're getting as many black-owned and other minority-owned businesses as vendors for county dollars and county contracts, and making sure that we're supporting.

20:17 - I think that black people, and specifically in Milwaukee, like this renaissance we're having and is positioning us well to be able to fully take advantage of that.

21:05 - I want to make sure that we're in some way developing some policies that are ensuring that folks' housing is secure, and that they're living in high-quality homes and things like that. And I think when we do that, and if we can build a system where domestic violence victims don't have to worry about the burden of not having to find housing to get away from their abusers and things like that, we can start to lay a lot of these other societal issues. I think a lot of it comes down from housing stability.

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In this episode, Walter Lanier talks to Kendra Ingram, who is moving from Milwaukee to Pittsburgh to become the CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which is a performing arts organization that also has a bit of a visual arts element.

Kendra highlighted the necessity for leaders to drive improvement and progress by taking a leadership role in Arts and Culture and how it could have great impact. She pointed out that money is not everything, as having core values that align with those making decisions for you can be crucial to finding career fulfillment.

Listen to Kendra to learn more about the importance of being intentional in diversifying your network and breaking out of your circle to gain insights from different types of people. Connections beyond your innermost circle can push your understanding and personal growth further. That’s why diversity of thought within network relations should not be understated.

Episode Highlights:

06:22 - In our business, you know, most of these arts organizations are fairly flat. So, if you want to move up, you typically have to move out.

11:48 - Where you truly have the greatest impact is in that decision-making role. You really are driving the strategy and vision for the organization.

13:19 - I think my biggest learning lesson in my first executive director position was that my voice carries more weight than it did when I was a colleague.

37:51 - They hired me as a CEO, not Chief Diversity Officer. So, yes, we need to represent and lift up this work. But honestly, I've told the Board, "I'm not doing it all by myself."

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In this episode, Walter Lanier talks to Bro. Keith Stanley, who is moving to Charlotte to become the president and CEO of University City Partners. They discuss the work Stanley has done in Milwaukee with Near West Side Partners, including reducing crime and increasing investment in Black-owned businesses.

Bro. Keith discusses how he will replicate this model in Charlotte, with a focus on private investment from anchor institutions like universities and hospitals. They examine the challenges and opportunities for Black leadership and stress the importance of knowing when to speak up or speak out, and recognizing the role one plays in their position.

Listen to learn about the quality and potential of Black leadership in Milwaukee. Bro. Keith says that those who can make it here are dynamic people and hear him also talk about some things he still wants to do before he leaves, including helping those suffering from mental illness or addiction.

Episode Highlights:

07:58 - We've been able to really map out ways that we know we can directly impact our community and a part of that also, too, which I know you would appreciate, Walter, we also survey every single constituency in our community. So, we survey our residents, our students, our employers, and our employees, and we hear what their concerns are.

12:32 - Safety is not easy, but it's not as challenging as housing. Our biggest challenge is housing. Housing is very unique, but we're working on it. We've been able to partner with JP Morgan Chase, received a grant to focus specifically on black home ownership. So, I would say for us it's transformative because we have support of our anchor institutions, and they are able to put financial dollars to support the work we're doing.

20:565 - I meet so many Black folks who are in leadership position, who a lot of times they're bleeding on their followers. They're going off and I say, "Give me the vision, and let's work. Motivate me toward the vision. Don't tell me off when I'm trying to follow you or don't make me feel belittled, and I believe in you."

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