2025 Black History Month Program Builds on the Success of 2024

The 2nd Annual Black History Month Program took place on February 18 at Brown Deer Middle School, bringing together friends, neighbors, business owners, and government officials to celebrate the achievements of Black residents and highlight often-overlooked history.

Building on last year’s success at the Brown Deer Library, this year’s program was a collaborative effort by the Brown Deer Community Foundation, the Brown Deer School District, and the Village of Brown Deer. Three distinguished residents were honored:

Chief Judge Carl Ashley
Appointed Chief Judge of Wisconsin’s First Judicial District on April 15, 2023, Judge Ashley is the first African American man to hold this position in Milwaukee County. He oversees the Milwaukee County Circuit Court’s 47 branches and chairs the Milwaukee Community Justice Council. A longtime Village resident, Ashley has served on the bench since 1999, presiding over cases in Misdemeanor, Felony, Family, Large Claims Civil, and Children’s Court.

Carol Haywood
A retired MPS music teacher, Carol Haywood not only taught music but also instilled valuable life lessons in her students. She discovered opera after early church performances and went on to become a featured soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Youth Concert Series and the Pops series with Doc Severinsen. Haywood was the first African American to sing with Milwaukee’s Skylight Theatre. As an opera singer, recitalist, choral director, conductor, and teacher, she performed in Orpheus, Tales of Hoffman, Die Fledermaus, The Telephone, The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro, and The Mikado with Skylight Opera and Great Lakes Opera Company. She continues to inspire others today.

Dennis "Bose" Biddle
A former Negro Leagues player, Bose Biddle made history in 1953 as the youngest player to debut with the Chicago American Giants at just 17. Dedicated to preserving Negro League history, he has traveled worldwide to raise awareness and encourage inner-city youth to play baseball. Today, he operates a Negro League store at Mayfair Mall, celebrating this vital chapter in baseball history.

Community Celebration
“While it’s impossible to thank everyone, I want to acknowledge the hard work of the Committee, thank all who attended, and celebrate our honorees’ achievements,” said Village President and Foundation Board Member Wanda Montgomery.

Attendees enjoyed food and refreshments from Perkinz Boys on the Grill, along with performances by Frani Robinson, student poet Zoe Robinson, and Brown Deer Elementary 4th and 5th graders in an African Drum and Dance presentation. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ signed proclamation celebrating Black History Month was also exhibited at the event.

Foundation Vice President Frani Robinson emphasized the program’s impact: “Brown Deer is leading the North Shore in recognizing our Black neighbors and friends who make our Village and region a better place to live and work. We’re proud that Black History Month will continue as an annual event.”