Howard University Students Leave Lasting Impact on Milwaukee Community

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (February 27, 2024) - For the seventh consecutive year, Howard University has selected the campus of Holy Redeemer Institutional Church of God in Christ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as one its Howard University Day of Service (HUDOS) locations. As part of its commitment to public service,HU students travel the world providing community services to 25 cities internationally. Since 2017, more than 45 students have chosen Holy Redeemer each year. In 2024, 60 students will travel to Milwaukee to implant inspiration and foster a collective mindset of the historical and cultural significance of the preservation the entirety of the artistic treasures housed on the campus of Holy Redeemer. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin will host the students at a special luncheon during their stay.

Previously, HU students have provided tutoring for local Milwaukee children. This year, the HU students have also agreed to chronicle the history of the Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts (IPAMA) through the creation of a video and photographic collection documenting the entirety of artifacts, paintings, collectables, musical items, et al, stored, housed, and/or displayed at both IPAMA locations and the Mother Kathryn Daniels Conference Center (MKDCC). The clear goal is to establish a complete, comprehensive, factual record which authenticates each and every piece of art, artwork, music, and collectible. The resulting photographic documentation will be available as an academic, reference, substantiation, and cultural foundation for historical and educational purposes. Howard University’s commitment to this project demonstrates a level of community service beyond the norm, ultimately entrusting and passing on permanent, tangible, social and cultural enrichment for Black Art and artists, the city of Milwaukee, and communities across the nation.

“Preservation of culture imbued with historical significance should equate to advancement and opportunity for all - those blessed with the talent to provide and those enriched with the blessing to receive,” said IPAMA Executive Director Natasha Batton. “Our mission is to provide a resolute platform of exhibition and expression for a millennium of work by America’s most talented Black artists.”

The MKDCC is a 147,000 square foot multiuse educational, recreational, administrative, and community conference complex housing two schools, Holy Redeemer’s executive offices, and the largest Boys and Girls Club in the state of Wisconsin. Over the past 20 years, a multitude of rare and esteemed items have been assembled and showcased there including signed memorabilia from legendary African American Hall of Fame and Olympic athletes like Hank Aaron, Oscar Robertson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Michael Jordan. Original autographed Negro League Baseball programs, cards, equipment, and jerseys are on display. Several pieces of authentic African art, sculptures, woodworkings, draperies, and paintings and can be seen throughout the facility.

IPAMA houses hundreds of historical artifacts from around the globe collected, donated, and acquired through curation and from art aficionados and philanthropic culturalists. These include nationally renowned pieces from artists like Charly “Carlos” Palmer, the Grammy winning illustrator who was raised in Milwaukee and recently commissioned by the U.S. Postal Service to create the Constance Baker Motley heritage stamp. Milwaukee native David Anderson’s compelling image has become a signature piece recognizing Bishop Daniels’ legacy of faithful and dedicated service to God and community. Award-winning sculpturist Aaron Paskins has exhibited and graced our campus many times.

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