Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee's Maternally Strong Collective delivers hope and healing for new moms of color
MILWAUKEE — A group of Milwaukee women is making a powerful impact in maternal health—not by simply delivering babies, but by delivering hope.
Maternally Strong, a collective of doulas, is stepping up to support new mothers, especially in areas where the health care system often falls short.
For many new parents, the postpartum period is supposed to be filled with joy. But for many mothers of color, it is often marked by silence, stigma, and struggle. That’s why these four local doulas on Milwaukee’s North Side are rewriting that narrative.
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Though it might seem small, the space they’ve created is making a huge impact. Here, healing begins not with medicine but with conversation.
“We need a space for Black and Brown women to come together and feel comfortable in what they’re saying and how they’re feeling,” said Shanna Franklin, one of the doulas.
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Postpartum depression is a serious health concern that disproportionately affects minority women. For these mothers, it’s not just a statistic—it’s a crisis.
“Being able to have somebody along that journey who truly understands what it looks like from beginning to end is something you can’t duplicate,” said Michelle Wilkins, another member of the collective.
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Maternally Strong was formed by four CAPPA-certified doulas. Their focus is on postpartum mental health, offering free support groups specifically for Black and Brown families.
“We know there are cultural differences within communities, and we just wanted to create a space where people feel welcome and comfortable,” said Brandi Jewell.
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“Everybody needs somebody, especially Black and Brown people who don’t have a lot of support. So being able to be that in a room where they may have nobody is a very pivotal moment,” Wilkins said.
The weekly gatherings blend culturally relevant care with a sense of community. New parents are encouraged to open up about the anxiety, depression and isolation that are often ignored in the maternal experience.
Maternally Strong
“Postpartum isn’t really talked about as much. It’s like, ‘Okay, you’re having a baby—congrats! How’s the baby?’ They don’t really talk about you and what’s going on with you,” said Kiara Schott.
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Franklin agreed, noting, “It’s hard to be heard in that room. A lot of the time, they are only focused on what they see to be a good outcome.”
But it’s working. Dozens of families have found healing while helping shape a broader conversation around maternal health and equity.
“We’ve all had different experiences throughout our pregnancy and postpartum, and we were able to come up with the group and really pour into it from a lived experience,” Wilkins said.
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Their goal is to expand these free support groups, reaching more families who need this care.
“Come out, spend some time with our women. It’s a very good energy,” Franklin said.
In a world where maternal health disparities are real, Maternally Strong is not just a group of doulas—they’re a lifeline, offering support, care and a sense of community where it’s most needed.
Here are some of their upcoming free events:
Maternally Strong Doulas
Maternally Strong Doulas
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For more information, visit Maternally Strong at 9211 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53222.
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You’ve likely encountered Milwaukee socket sets if you’ve shopped for tools at Northern Tool, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot. While the Milwaukee Tool brand may be more well-known for its M12 and M18 power tools and Pack Out tool storage options rather than its mechanic’s hand tools these days, Lowe’s doesn’t sell those Milwaukee tools either.
The Milwaukee Tool company was founded in Wisconsin in 1924. While the company was acquired by Techtronic Industries (TTI) in 2005, the Milwaukee Tool “Contact Us” page lists an address on West Lisbon Road in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
TTI was founded by a German entrepreneur in 1985 and now oversees a diverse line of product manufacturing that includes Milwaukee socket sets. As a publicly traded company listed on China’s Hong Kong Stock Exchange, TTI is a global entity with manufacturing interests in multiple countries, including the United States of America. While Milwaukee Tools proudly proclaims the Made in USA status for some of its pliers and screwdrivers, the company’s website is more cryptic about the origin of its socket sets. Some digging through the question and answer section of a few Milwaukee socket sets on Home Depot’s product pages reveals a response from “Milwaukee Tool” indicating the ratchets are made in Taiwan, while the sockets are made in China. Other Home Depot users say the packaging indicates similar information.
What you need to know about Milwaukee socket sets
In addition to the retailers listed above, Milwaukee socket sets are available at many outlets that carry other Milwaukee tools, such as Acme Tools, ToolUp, Zoro, Max Tool, and Grainger, to name several, according to the “Where to Buy” button on Milwaukee’s 98-piece Ratchet and Socket Set product page. Milwaukee tools may not be any cheaper at Ace Hardware since most retailers have similar prices, although sometimes the cost of certain tools can vary.
Milwaukee sockets have a distinctive feature not seen on other brands: four flat areas located around the perimeter of the sockets. In addition to setting them apart from other socket brands, there are useful reasons for the Milwaukee sockets’ square shape. Milwaukee says the shape of its sockets “deter rolling” and makes them “wrench compatible.”
While the option to turn a Milwaukee socket with a wrench can come in hand when working in spaces too tight to allow a ratchet, keep in mind that it works best with open-end wrenches. Closed-end wrenches, including ratcheting styles, won’t make contact with much of the socket’s square end.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Jewish community to honor those killed in Australia terror attack at Hanukkah event
MILWAUKEE — To honor those who were killed on Sunday in Sydney, Australia during a Hanukkah event, Chabad of Milwaukee will be honoring the memory of Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed, and all those affected at the Hanukkah Festival and Gelt Drop event at Bayshore Mall in Glendale on Sunday evening, according to Rabbi Levi Stein.
“Acts of hate and violence are meant to spread darkness and fear,” Stein said in a statement. “Tonight we are choosing to respond with more light.”
Rabbi Schlanger was among the 16 victims killed during the terrorist attack that occurred at the “Hanukkah by the Sea” event held at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
To honor the memory of Rabbi Schlanger and those affected, Chabad of Milwaukee will be handing out electric tea lights to those in attendance, giving out coins for Tzedakah (Charity), as well as encouraging everyone to do additional good deeds throughout the evening.
CEO of Chabad Lubavitch of Wisconsin, Rabbi Mendel Shmotkin, urged the Milwaukee community, Jewish and not, in a statement, “to come together tonight, not only as an act of solidarity with the Jewish people, but as a declaration that all good people stand on the front lines of this moral struggle.”
“This is a moment for Jews and non-Jews alike to recognize that we are on the same side of history,” he said. “History has also shown that when good people stand together, evil loses.”
Chabad will also be increasing security, Stein said, and will also be working closely with local law enforcement to ensure that everyone remains safe and warm during the event.
Rabbi Schlanger’s wife, who was also shot but survived, was the roommate and classmate of Stein’s wife, Leah. “This tragedy hits painfully close to home,” Stein said.
“Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate Chanukah – but to reaffirm that light, goodness, and humanity will always outshine the darkness,” Stein added.
Southeast Wisconsin communities speak out
In a statement sent to TMJ4, Forward Latino, a local non-profit, non-partisan, service and advocacy organization in Franklin, called out to everyone to “join us in a moment of remembrance and prayer for those whose lives were lost, and then to recommit ourselves to standing against hate and bigotry in all their forms.”
“We are confronted with the painful reality that hate and antisemitism continue to be actively and passively promoted, while too few speak out with the urgency such moments demand,” the statement continued. “During this holiday season, a time of faith, reflection, and renewal, we must each look inward and ask ourselves, ‘What can I do to help eliminate hate?’”
The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Whitefish Bay posted a statement on social media thanking the Wisconsin Jewish Security Network, local law enforcement and everyone who works to keep the Jewish communities safe.
“Hanukkah is a holiday rooted in resilience – a reminder that even in moments of darkness, light endures,” the JCC wrote. “At the JCC, we believe the antidote to antisemitism is Jewish Joy, Connection, and Community, and we will not allow hate to silence our traditions or our plans to celebrate Hanukkah with our community today and for all eight nights.”
“Tonight, as we light our candles, we do so with broken hearts and in defiance of hate everywhere,” Co-Chair of the WisDems Jewish Caucus said in a statement sent to TMJ4. “We are resilient, and our community has never, and will never, hide away in response to this sort of violence.”
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
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(Courtesy: Milwaukee Admirals)
MILWAUKEE – Ryan Ufko and David Edstrom scored goals for the Admirals, but they dropped a 4-2 decision to the Chicago Wolves on Saturday night at historic Panther Arena.
Big picture view:
The loss extended the Ads losing streak to five games.
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By the numbers:
The Wolves grabbed an early lead when Bradley Nadeau potted his ninth goal of the season 8:21 into the game.
David Edstrom and the Admirals league-leading power-play knotted the score at one with just under seven minutes to play in the frame. With the penalty winding down, Cole Hara’s shot from between the wheels was deflected in by Edstrom for his fifth tally of the year.
However, the Wolves would score two more to close out the frame, including one by Domonic Fensore with just 0.7 seconds left in the first.
Milwaukee would get one back during the second period courtesy of a Ryan Ufko power-play marker. Stationed in the high slot, Ufko took a feed from Daniel Carr and ripped a one-timer over the shoulder of Chicago netminder Amir Miftakhov.
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The Ads pressed for the tying goal and had a 6-on-4 advantage late in the third period, but Chicago’s Justin Robidas scored an empty-netter to seal the deal for the Wolves.
What’s next:
The Admirals will hit the road for their final three games before the Christmas break, beginning Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. against the Wolves. The Ads’ next home contest will be on Saturday, Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. against the Grand Rapids Griffins.
The Source: The Milwaukee Admirals provided this report.
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