Spring 2021 Newsletter
Listen, Speak, Reflect
Photo of Panfilo by Gary Porter
“I am an organic farmer, and I work in a restaurant. I produce organic vegetables and different produce. I rent land at the Farley Center in Verona. When I am working, I find people working together, Mexican or American people. I work with both very well. I appreciate all the help here. I take care of my friendships, my health, so I am good. I want to stay here and see what happens.”
— From Panfilo’s Immigrant Journeys story
In 2019, we launched Immigrant Journeys from South of the Border, an exhibit that shares the stories of eight immigrants who now live and work in Wisconsin. At the time, WH Executive Director Dena Wortzel called the debate about immigration “one of our state’s and our nation’s most consequential conversations.”
During the past year of social and physical distancing, we wanted this conversation to continue. We partnered with Local Voices Network (LVN) to host virtual conversations about immigration inspired by our Immigrant Journeys exhibit. Small groups of people came together to listen, reflect, and share their own experiences and perspectives.
“I’m married to an immigrant. I am thrilled that I am able to have this relationship here. And I’m so excited about all of the contributions that immigrants have made to this country. We’re so culturally rich, and I think that it’s just a wealth for our country.”
— From a recent Immigrant Journeys conversation
You can find the exhibit tour schedule and read all eight stories from participants here.
A Conversation with Jimmy Gutierrez
We’re thrilled to share this Q&A with Jimmy Gutierrez, the host of our new podcast, Human Powered. Jimmy is also a Milwaukee-based journalist whose work takes an exciting, community-centered approach. Both roles are all about connecting with people through deep, sustained listening.
Wisconsin Humanities has a brand-new podcast!
We’ve put together a fantastic team to help us tell beautifully produced, emotionally powerful stories about how people make places better across our state. One of the people you’ll meet is Cheri Fuqua, a community leader and organizer.
“Mary spent her life bringing people together and supported Wisconsin Humanities because she believed its programs and initiatives were so effective in providing public forums for civic dialogue among people of all persuasions, something she felt was so necessary for us all.”
We were honored to award a total of $548,000 to 82 nonprofit organizations across the state.
Beyond the Headlines:
Wisconsin’s Water Future
How do we tell Wisconsin’s complex water stories? From flood to drought, storm intensity to changing temperatures, these stories are local, emotional, and essential.
