Inside Bronzeville’s golden era and HYFIN’s Harlem Renaissance tribute

Harlem and Bronzeville. Two neighborhoods separated by more than 700 miles. Despite the space between them, there’s plenty that unites these epicenters of Black culture — with reputations built over more than a century.

There’s a historic connection between Harlem in New York City and Bronzeville here in Brew City. It’s something Radio Milwaukee’s digital-first platform HYFIN will put center stage at its third annual Anti-Gala, which this year pays homage to the Harlem Renaissance. 

In this episode of Uniquely Milwaukee, host Kim Shine talks with HYFIN program director Element Everest-Blanks about the upcoming gala but also takes a step back into history. In part one, you’ll hear from three Milwaukee notables about how the city’s Black community spurred its own renaissance starting in the 1920s up to a thriving Bronzeville in the 1950s.

Guests:
- Raynetta "Ray" Hill, executive director, Historic King Drive BID (guest interviewer)
- Clayborn Benson, founder of the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum
- Reuben Harpole, Milwaukee’s “Second Mayor” 

Read the full article, see pictures from the past, and recommended books on Black Milwaukee by visiting radiomilwaukee.org/ourstories 

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Episode host: Kim Shine

Uniquely Milwaukee is sponsored by the Milwaukee Public Library and supported by our Radio Milwaukee members.