Greater Milwaukee Urban League event to be held at Baird Center’s new Rooftop Ballroom
(June 13, 2024 ● Milwaukee, WI) Two Milwaukee leaders are stepping forward to co-chair the 39th Annual Greater Milwaukee Urban League Black and White Ball. The ball will take place Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the newly-renovated Baird Center in the center’s new rooftop Baird Ballroom.
The co-chairs are Marty Brooks, President and CEO of the Wisconsin District Center and Nina Johnson, U.S. Bank’s Branch Market Leader for the State of Wisconsin. Brooks and Johnson are spearheading the fundraising efforts for the event which also celebrates the 105th anniversary of Greater Milwaukee Urban League. The ball theme is Celebrating 105 - Legacy and Impact.
Brooks has led Wisconsin District Center since 2018 and came to Milwaukee with a diverse background in television, sports and entertainment venue management. Brooks recently oversaw the $456 million expansion and modernization of Baird Center, doubling the space of the venue, creating new event experiences, and placing Milwaukee at the forefront of the competitive convention business.
As part of the Baird expansion, Brooks set – and then exceeded – ambitious goals to include Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and to employ Milwaukee workers through the Residents Preference Program.
“Milwaukee is a city with a great future that includes making sure everyone is able to participate economically,” said Brooks. “The Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s Black and White Ball has been a great event at Baird Center for years. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of this year’s celebration in the spectacular new Baird Ballroom and support their important programs that help individuals find employment and build productive lives.”
Johnson’s work in the banking industry spans approximately 40 years, with several leadership roles ranging from computer operations and consumer lending to regulatory compliance and loss mitigation. Johnson has served on more than 40 boards, as well as national committees supporting the growth and modernization of low-income-and moderate-income communities within the United States. That work helped inspire her decision to lend this level of support to Greater Milwaukee Urban League.
“Greater Milwaukee Urban League (GMUL) brings key leaders and local stakeholders together for the sole purpose of making our communities a better place to live, work and play; and that is why U.S. Bank has consistently supported this annual event,” said Johnson. “As a 2024 Ball co-chair, I look forward to being a collaborative partner and an active peer of fellow sponsors.”
Johnson continued, “Whether we are celebrating the success of this annual gala or preparing a renter to become a new homeowner through our U.S. Bank Access Home Program, our commitment to Powering Human Potential can only be accomplished by collaborating with community-focused organizations like the GMUL.”
“Greater Milwaukee Urban League is privileged to have these two community leaders support our work and the communities we serve,” stated GMUL President Dr. Eve M. Hall. “Working together, we will continue to empower communities and change lives.”
Information on tickets and details on how companies can help sponsor the event are available on the Greater Milwaukee Urban League website at this link: Black and White Ball | Powered By GiveSmart The Black and White Ball is historically a sellout event, so individuals and corporations are encouraged to act soon.
About Greater Milwaukee Urban League
The Greater Milwaukee Urban League is an affiliate of The National Urban League. We lead through education and outreach, employment and empowerment, and advocacy to achieve economic vibrancy and equal access to all industries and disciplines that position African Americans to create wealth and live a better quality of life. Greater Milwaukee Urban League’s vision is to ensure that Wisconsin becomes a top 10 place for African Americans to live and thrive and where the greater Milwaukee area becomes a leader in education and socioeconomic inclusion. For more information, visit www.tmul.org and follow us on Facebook, twitter, and Instagram: @urbanleaguemke.
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