Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) joins schools and communities across the country in participating in the Black Lives Matter Week of Action with lessons, activities, and events.
The 2026 theme is “Globalism and Loving Engagement,” bringing us together to remember we are part of a larger global family united in the ongoing struggle for education, justice, and liberation for all.
School Events
At MPS schools, our parent coordinators planned community engagement activities that include:
- Arts programming, such as African drumming, via Milwaukee Recreation
- Black History trivia competitions
- Book clubs (Google Doc)
- Community service activities
- Movie screening discussions (Google Doc)
- Sponsorships to America's Black Holocaust Museum
- A student-created Black History Museum
Events for Central Services Staff
Events are planned during Black History Month and throughout the school year. For the Black Lives Matter Week of Action, staff members are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities and events that are offered in person and via Zoom. There are also themed spirit wear days:
- Monday, February 2: Black Lives Matter apparel
- Tuesday, February 3: HBCU or other college apparel
- Wednesday, February 4: Social justice apparel
- Thursday, February 5: All black
- Friday, February 6: Black Lives Matter or Black History apparel
In-Person Event Locations
MPS Central Services (CS)
5225 W. Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI 53208
MPS Student Services Center (SSC)
6620 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53216
Monday, February 2, 2026
Love Them First Documentary Viewing & Discussion
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Locations: CS 210 and virtual via Zoom
Love Them First is a documentary that follows a year at Lucy Laney Elementary School in Minnesota as they work to center the lives of their students and communities.
Girls of Color Student Panel #1
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Students from Andrew S. Douglas Middle School will discuss the work of their Girls of Color group and answer participant questions.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Lunch & Learn: Joy and Community
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Locations: CS Cafeteria | SSC Cafeteria
Over lunch, participants will learn about and discuss Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other elements of Black Joy throughout our community.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Black Male Student Panel
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Students from Harold S. Vincent School of Agricultural Science will discuss the work of their Student Growth Committee and answer participant questions.
What Do I See, What Does It Mean?
Time: 2–3 p.m.
Locations: CS 206 | SSC 101
Participants will review various academic materials and media to isolate the role of race and evaluate what messaging is being sent in terms of valuing Black lives.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Freedom Dreaming for Our Students
Time: 9–10 a.m.
Locations: CS 206 | SSC 101
Participants will reflect on their dreams of education for Black students across the country. They will create freedom dreaming for what they want to see the future look like for students in Milwaukee.
Girls of Color Student Panel #2
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Students from Washington High School of Information Technology will discuss the work of their Girls of Color group and answer participant questions.
Friday, February 6, 2026
Newcomer Panel
Time: 12–1 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
International students from multiple African countries will share their experiences living in the United States.
Yappy Hour
Time: 2–3 p.m.
Locations: CS Cafeteria | SSC Cafeteria
Participants from across the district will meet and engage in conversations around equity and social justice based on icebreaker prompts.