Historic King Drive, BID #8

Episode 2 of The Betty Speed Story is officially live on YouTube, and today’s Feature Friday offers another glimpse into this powerful chapter of Milwaukee’s history. This installment goes deeper into the life and legacy of Betty Speed; her resilience, her leadership, and the community impact that continues to shape Historic King Drive. Through stories, memories, and lived experiences, we’re reminded of the people who built this corridor and the cultural foundation we stand on today. A special thank you to Betty Speed for sharing her time, wisdom, and lived history with all of us. Gratitude to our creative collaborators who made this project possible: Terrance Sims — Filming Dante Lavell — Editing Déysha Smith-Jenkins — Interview + Storytelling Head to YouTube for the full episode : https://lnkd.in/gFcZ7tyM Let’s continue honoring the voices and vision that make this community what it is. #BettySpeedStory #HistoricKingDrive #MKEHistory #CommunityLegacy #FeatureFriday #KingDriveStories #BlackHistory365

Betty Speed has shaped Historic King Drive in ways that can’t be measured on a map. She is a community staple, a trusted historian, and a voice whose influence continues to guide the heart of our district. Her love for King Drive is legacy work: lived, shared, and passed forward. A new episode of King Drive Stories is coming soon, featuring Ms. Betty’s reflections and the history she continues to preserve. This series uplifts the people who make our corridor a place of culture, connection, and pride. Follow our social channels to stay connected and be the first to see the full feature. More stories are on the way. Storytelling Collaboration by: Terrance Sims, M.Ed., MBA, Dante Nash, The TwentyFifth- Hour LLC, Déysha Smith-Jenkins, @AVRALLC #FeatureFriday #KingDriveStories #HistoricKingDriveBID #CommunityLeadership #MilwaukeeHistory #KingDriveLegacy #MKECommunity #StorytellingInAction

Historic King Drive BID 2026 Annual Meeting: 3/10/2026 We’re bringing together business owners, partners, and community members for an evening of connection, reflection, and strategic focus for the year ahead. Join us at the King Drive Branch of the Milwaukee Public Library as we share district updates, hear from featured speakers, and outline the priorities that will shape our continued growth. 🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 310 W Locust St, Milwaukee A strong year starts with a strong table. Looking forward to gathering with you. Register and get your ticket today: https://lnkd.in/gEXKbBfV

Tap‑In Tuesday: From Passion to Profits at MLK Library 📚✨ This week, we’re tapping into resources that help our entrepreneurs grow, scale, and shine right here on King Drive. The Milwaukee Public Library – Martin Luther King Branch is hosting From Passion to Profits: A Food Business Academy, a three‑part series led by powerhouse food entrepreneur Shatoia Robinson. If you’ve ever dreamed of launching a food business—or leveling up the one you already have—this is your moment. Upcoming Sessions 📅 Saturday, Feb. 28 | 11am–12pm Launching Your Food Business Learn the essentials of starting a successful food venture in Milwaukee, from finding your niche to understanding permits and licensing. 📅 Saturday, Mar. 14 | 11am–12pm Menu Planning & Pricing Get smart about food costs and build a menu that actually makes you money. 📅 Saturday, Mar. 28 | 11am–12pm Social Media & Marketing Strategies Discover how to build your brand, engage customers, and make your food business stand out. All sessions are free—just register at mpl.org/calendar. Tap in, level up, and support the entrepreneurs shaping the future of food on King Drive. #TapInTuesday #KingDriveBID #MPL #FoodBusinessAcademy #SmallBusinessSupport #PassionToProfits #MKEEats #Entrepreneurship #OnTheDrive

We mourn the loss of Lamarr Franklin, immediate past Board Chair of Historic King Drive BID No. 8 and a longtime property and business owner in the King Drive corridor.  Mr. Franklin’s leadership and stewardship helped shape King Drive into the place it is today. His contributions will continue to be felt on King Drive and throughout Milwaukee. We honor his legacy, express our deepest gratitude for his service, and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and all who were impacted by his life and work. Rest in Power Mr. Franklin First photo: 📷Photo credit -Jeramey Jannene of Urban Milwaukee #FeatureFriday

Save the Date — Historic King Drive BID Annual Meeting We’re looking ahead together. Join the Historic King Drive BID on March 10, 2026 for an evening centered on connection, district updates, and a shared vision for the year ahead. 📅 March 10, 2026 ⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 King Drive Library From business owners to community partners, this gathering brings our corridor together to reflect on progress and align on what’s next for Historic King Drive. Register today: https://lnkd.in/gEXKbBfV historickingdrive.com #HistoricKingDrive #BIDAnnualMeeting #MKEBusinessNow #CommunityForward

Feature Friday: Solopreneur to Thriving Business Owner Join us for an inspiring conversation with creative entrepreneurs Reginald Baylor and Derrick Cainion, who will share how they transformed their artistic talents into sustainable, successful businesses. We’re also bringing together key community partners — including Town Bank, Teens Grow Greens, and the Small Business Development Center — who will be on-site to answer questions and offer guidance for your next stage of growth. Event Details • Doors open: 11:45 AM • Program begins: 12:15 PM • Light refreshments provided • Free street parking If you’re building, scaling, or reimagining your business, this is a space designed for you. Register here: https://Inkd.in/gK_s5y4C

Tomorrow, Milwaukee entrepreneurs take center stage. Join us for the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit ,a day of workshops, funding insights, tech tools, and conversations with some of the city’s most dynamic leaders. 📍 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School 🕙 10AM–2:30PM 🎤 Keynote: Dr. Robert Pyles 💬 Panel + Workshops all day

#FeatureFriday Today, we celebrate Renee Lindner as she transitions from her role as Coordinator Support Director into her next chapter. Her leadership has been a steady anchor, carrying the details, the people, and the purpose with clarity and care. Renee strengthened our systems, supported our coordinators with intention, and helped reinforce the foundation we continue to build on. Her impact shows up in how our team works and collaborates, as well as in our visibility within the district. This isn’t a goodbye; it’s a moment to honor the legacy she leaves in this role and to cheer her forward as she steps into what’s next. Thank you, Renee, for the excellence, grace, and strength you’ve poured into this work. Your next chapter is already brighter because of everything you carry.

Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Historic King Drive, a corridor built on resilience, equity, and collective progress. His vision continues to guide our work as we support thriving businesses, connected neighborhoods, and opportunities for all. #MLKDay #HistoricKingDrive #CommunityImpact #EquityInAction #MilwaukeeBusiness