AALAM Talks African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee

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.

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.

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.

Dr. Jeanette Mitchell is the founder of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee (AALAM), an initiative addressing the development and sustainability of Black leadership throughout Milwaukee. She is also the Chief Creative Officer of Leadership by Dr. Jeanette, a consultancy focused on engaging in creative partnerships to direct, design and manage leadership development programs throughout the Greater Milwaukee community. Along with host Walter Lanier, the President & CEO of AALAM, they talk about the journey of AALAM and their vision to help African American Leaders to be elevated.

Sherri Jordan is a Deputy Director in the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) at Milwaukee County. DAS deals with IT, budgeting, finances, economic development, procurement, risk management - some of the more important aspects of Milwaukee County. Sherri talks about what they are doing through the lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Milwaukee County’s vision is to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin. They are very strategic and very intentional about all of their policies. What are the steps they have been taking to reach this goal? Listen to this episode and find out.

Corry Joe Biddle is the Executive Director of FUEL Milwaukee, a community engagement group for young professionals who live and work in the Milwaukee region. FUEL is branded as a stand-alone program but is a service of the Metro Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). Through in-person events with diverse speakers, they have been trying to signal to everyone that Milwaukee is for all of us, and every part of Milwaukee is for you, not just one little piece. Their work is more virtual now, but their mission is still the same - connecting, engaging, loving Milwaukee, and making it better for everybody.

According to Corry Jo, the culture that you create in your organization is all about what is acceptable, what is not acceptable, and how you respond to acceptable and not acceptable. What tone are you setting for equity, diversity, and inclusion? It is not just about diversity. It does not mean that because you’re in the room you are included and your voice matters. Let’s get as many leaders as possible because leaders create more leaders, and that creates sustained change over time.