If you’ve been following Ex Fabula, you are aware of this season’s new Fellowship program is focusing on the topics of privilege and oppression. Our goal has been to leverage personal stories to inspire community-led dialogue around some of the most pressing issues in the Greater Milwaukee area–segregation and economic and racial inequality.
Because of financial support of the Wisconsin Humanities Council and the Wisconsin Arts Board, we have been able to collaborate with the Frank Zeidler Center for Public Discussion to present a series of Community Conversations on what it means to “interrupt racism” and brainstorm ways to do so in our everyday lives.
Our next event, "Welcome to Whitefish Bay: A Listening Session on Race and Community"happens on Tuesday, February 23. Once again, Ex Fabula Fellows will use personal stories to inspire community-led dialogue about race and perception in the Whitefish Bay Community.
This week’s radio show features a story from our 2015 December Spectacular, “Never Again.” Dianne Pratt, community activist, educator, and wife of former Milwaukee Mayor Marvin Pratt, shares her story of discrimination, determination and finally triumph over home insurance agencies and the common practice of “redlining” certain neighborhoods.
After finding that her home was underinsured due to this discriminatory practice by which banks and insurance companies refuse or limit loans, mortgages, insurance, etc. within specific geographic areas, especially inner-city neighborhoods, Dianne took up the fight. It took five years but with the dedication of Pratt and a handful of other defendants, the case went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States and changed the way those businesses practiced in certain communities.
We want to thank everyone who came out to enjoy last Saturday’s"Cabin Fever" event with Milwaukee band Panalure. It was a sold out show and a warm and intimate night of music and storytelling by select Ex Fabula alum. We also welcomed a fantastic crowd to our February StorySlam, “Fatherhood” at 3041 North. We are, as always, grateful for the continuing community support.
