Community gathers for mural unveiling at Lucille Berrien Park

On Sunday, May 28, dozens of community members gathered at Lucille Berrien Park for the official unveiling of a new mural to commemorate Lucille. The mural came about through a collaborative effort between the Milwaukee Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, True Skool Inc., and the Milwaukee Parks Foundation.

Milwaukee has a rich history of oppressed nationality figures who have carried the struggle for national liberation, but they are rarely highlighted in the history books. Lucille, who recently turned 95, is one of those figures. Her legacy is filled with remarkable accomplishments, such as founding the original iteration of the Milwaukee Alliance 50 years ago, being a member of the Black Panther Party, being a Communist Party member, being the first Black woman to run for mayor, and leading struggles for welfare rights and fair housing in the city.

When the MAARPR asked community members what they would like to see in the mural, there was an overwhelming support for imagery also showing Lucille’s love for her children. Besides being a revolutionary, Lucille also helped foster over 200 children while living in the neighborhood where the park is located. Lucille’s commitment to the revolutionary struggle for national liberation of oppressed people is complemented by her unwavering commitment to serving others. This is the legacy the mural captures.