91��Ʒ

Two Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (91��Ʒ) alums, one of whom is a 91��Ʒ professor, and a second professor were among the 25 recipients of a Mountaintop Legacy Award for Black Excellence given by the Milwaukee Chamber Theatre (MCT) during its run of March 8 � 24, 2024.

Awardees also included Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and President & CEO of the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee Walter Lanier.

According to MCT�s website, the awards recognize �Milwaukee difference-makers who exemplify the ideals of unity, equity and locally led movements highlighted by Dr. [Martin Luther] King, Jr., in his final speech, commonly referred to as �The Mountaintop Speech.� The play is an inspiring reimagining of his final night � where a mysterious stranger forces him to confront his destiny and legacy.�

Alexia Brunson

Morgan Bouldes

“I was pleasantly surprised and deeply humbled when I received notice of the award,� says Morgan Bouldes, 91��Ʒ First-Year Experience assistant professor and an interdisciplinary artist and writer. �What is especially meaningful is that you never know who is watching the things that you do when you don’t think anyone is paying attention.�

Bouldes came to 91��Ʒ as a two-year Fellow of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art & Design (AICAD) and accepted a full-time position thereafter.

In furthering Dr. King�s dream, Bouldes says, �Upon my move to MKE from Detroit, the first thing I took note of was how deeply segregated and redlined the city was. I dream of a time when Milwaukee is far more integrated and does so with an open heart. To help improve what is within my reach, I have started a task force to help improve the experiences of our Black students on campus, which make up the smallest demographic at 91��Ʒ. These efforts were inspired by the desire to set 91��Ʒ apart from its segregated surroundings.�

Alum Alexia (Lexi) S. Brunson (Interior Architecture and Design) is assistant professor of Writing & Humanities and owner and editor-in-chief of CopyWrite Magazine, Media & Design LLC. Brunson says she �would like to see people practice radical empathy. Dr. King was a great leader because he saw the issue as being a �WE� problem, with a �WE� solution. I hope that all people in Milwaukee can come together and confront what IS without sugar coating how �WE� got here.�

�I am proud to be progressing my career as a full time creative entrepreneur with my endeavors at CopyWrite, while simultaneously holding my role as a full time professor. I am needed in both spaces and that intersectionality has allowed me to serve my community with greater impact.�

Awardee �23 (Communication Design) is a K-8th grade art teacher at Hope 3 Christian schools and a multifaceted graphic designer, fine artist and creator of Braided Magazine.

According to her website, �My creative journey converges graphic design, fine art and curation, with a profound focus on community and meaningful change through the arts. Braided Magazine [is] my commitment to amplifying BIPOC creativity and fostering accessibility to art in our communities�.�

MCT partnered with , Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Zao MKE Church on the awards. .