MILWAUKEE'S BLACK MALE CIVIC MOVEMENT
Cities Rise when Black men lead.
According to the Levine Index, Milwaukee ranks dead last — 50th of 50 major American cities for Black wellbeing. We are the men organizing to change that.
THE CHARGE
Dead last. 50th of 50 major American cities for Black wellbeing.
In 2020 and again in 2024, the “Levine Index” by Dr. Marc Levine of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Center for Economic Development ranked Milwaukee last of 50 U.S. cities for African American wellbeing — at or near the bottom on nearly every measure. That's not our identity; it's our assignment. Milwaukee doesn't need another program — it needs Black men organized and leading in their families, their blocks, and their institutions. We are those men.
The Call
The letter that started it all
One email to Milwaukee's Black men. One month later, a movement.
I pray that this note finds you well. I'm writing to you about Black men organizing. As you already know, our city is a mix of significant challenges, opportunities, and potential. One of the best ways for us to strengthen our city is to elevate and organize the leadership of Black men more effectively. Many of us operate in different segments and sectors of the city effectively, but as Malcolm, Dr. King, and Stokely — a/k/a Kwame Ture — have all stated: we are not outnumbered; we are outorganized. With that in mind, we meet to plan and strengthen the organizing of our men.
In 2020, the African American Leadership Alliance Milwaukee (AALAM) paid for a study by Dr. Marc Levine from UWM to create a national Index of African-American Well-being. Tragically, but not surprisingly, after looking at 30 different data points, Milwaukee is at the bottom of the list of 50 cities.
"This study finds, on almost all indicators examined, that Black Milwaukee consistently ranks at or near the bottom compared to African American communities in large metropolitan areas across the country."
We will stay at the bottom if we don't organize and move together more effectively. We invite you to a meeting with other men on the morning of September 23 to cultivate an organizing process and build over the next year. This is the beginning of a journey that we expect to grow, support, and connect the many organizing efforts that have already been taking place over months and years. We are not forming anything new but building on top of and connecting what already exists.
One month later, nearly fifty Black men gathered in the basement of Progressive Baptist Church. That was the beginning.
Who we are
A brotherhood built to lead
Cities are already full of talented, committed Black men — pastors, educators, business owners, organizers, mentors. For too long we've done that good work in silos, bending to the segregated culture of the region instead of establishing our own.
We're not forming something new — we're a hub connecting the brotherhood, collaboration, and leadership of Black men already happening all across Milwaukee, and turning it into collective power. Our goal isn't competition; it's connection and bridge-building. Everything we build moves at the speed of trust.
We are not outnumbered. We are outorganized.
THE WORK
Six pillars, one brotherhood
Every man finds his lane. Together they hold up the whole.
Brotherhood
We are men who refuse to do life alone — showing up for one another in prayer, in crisis, and in the ordinary days between. Several times over the past two years, brothers have sought us out to help rebuild relationships under strain — and we've answered.
Organizing for Power
Dr. King said those who love peace must learn to organize as well as those who love war. So that's what we do — turning individual men into collective voice at the ballot box, in city hall, and on the school board. When we are organized and on the same page, we are able to exercise more power.
Action
It starts with a strong sense of brotherhood. From there, we organize systematically — and then we turn all of it into action. Action items are what matter, and our committees exist to keep us focused on making something happen.
Black Wealth & Economics
We focus on Black wealth and economics — building financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and housing, including youth entrepreneurship, so we build equity that compounds across generations.
Youth & Education
We are developing a BMO youth cohort — boys and young men we mentor, teach, and support. Beyond mentorship, we work with education policy leaders and thought leaders to strengthen our schools, and we're building a standing series for intergenerational dialogue between our elders and our young men.
Health & Wellness
We take our health as seriously as our organizing — with monthly men's wellness gatherings, education and seminars on the issues that affect us, including prostate health, and, most recently, taking over leadership of the MKE 5K Walk/Run. Too many brothers have left too soon because we stayed silent about our health.
THE MOVEMENT
400+
Black men organized across
Milwaukee — and growing.
From the ballot box to the school board to the block, we're putting Black male leadership where this city needs it most. Every man who joins makes the next block possible.
In our own words
We asked the brotherhood to imagine a prosperous Black Milwaukee. This is what they saw.
What Black male leadership looks like
The MKE 5K Walk & Run
Black Men Organizing is proud to continue the legacy of Matthew Johnson's great work with the MKE 5K. We look forward to welcoming teams and sponsors for the run this fall. Stay tuned for details — and connect with us if you'd like to sponsor a team.
STAND UP. SHOW UP. BUILD UP.
The foundation is laid. Now we build and organize.
We proved Black men will show up. Help us build the structure, the resources, and the next generation of leaders to make it last. You don't have to start something new — just plug into what we're building together.