In The News
Zeidler legacy honored in new events
An important lecture series and an annual public service award reflect the enduring admiration for Frank P. Zeidler, who died in 2006 after service since the 1930s to the city he loved and causes he believed in.
Zeidler is best known as one of Milwaukee’s most effective mayors who steered the community from 1948 to 1960, a period of incredible growth and demographic transition.
Before and long afterward, he was revered as a school board member, a civic activist, the civic conscience, a local historian, an admired lecturer, a Socialist Party leader, United Nations advocate, churchman and proponent of social justice.
Quite a resume for any to live up to, but the Zeidler Public Service Award will each year seek out the city of Milwaukee resident who best exemplifies the devotion and vision of Zeidler.
The nomination form for the Zeidler Public Service Award is available under the Take Action menu of this website.
Submissions with supporting letter, resume and any other helpful materials must be turned in by June 30, 2008, and the recipient will be chosen by the end of the year. The selection committee includes historian John Gurda, Atty. Art Heitzer, Ald. Robert Baumann and former Mayor Marvin Pratt.
City leaders have helped to create the award and the International Institute helped promote the first in the lecture series, which happened far more quickly – on March 25.
Jeremy Scahill, the applauded author of the best-selling “Blackwater,” presented the first of what is expected to be annual major lectures in honor of Zeidler.
The lecture is free. It was held in Centennial Hall, a famous meeting place attached to Milwaukee’s downtown Public Library.
The choice of Scahill would please Zeidler, friends say, because of his strong opposition to privatizing public services and a strong belief in peacemaking.
In this case the United States has shopped out its war responsibilities and ethics to a secretive organization. "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army" has won awards for its impressive depth in exploring how privatization, militarism and global dominance worked together to siphon off much of America’s wealth, increase the distrust of the US in Iraq and lead to some of the most brutal moments in the occupation.
Tax deductible donations to support the Zeidler lectures can be made to the International Institute of Wisconsin (use the memo field on your check to write "Zeidler lecture"). For more information contact Phil Blank, cell 414-828-7723.