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Bronzeville Advisory Committee 

To view information about upcoming meetings visit the City of Milwaukee website

LaShawndra Vernon Chair

LaShawndra Vernon

LaShawndra Vernon is a creative entrepreneur focused on improving quality of life, creative place making and advocating for international human rights. She has over 15 years of in and out of school time education experience working as a special education paraprofessional and managing Milwaukee Summer Stars recreation sites in Milwaukee County parks and schools. Her work is focused on developing programs with an equity lens. LaShawndra’s mediation practice is informed by United Nations treaties and sustainability goals. She’s implemented several peer mediation programs in middle school settings to prevent youth violence and crime. She frequently serves as a convener building consensus towards improving community conditions. LaShawndra is a Collective Impact practitioner and credits her community building work to studying Asset Based Community Development early in her career. She has an extensive background in public health research, and community engagement. LaShawndra is a proud Public Allies Milwaukee Alum, class of 2001.


Deshea Agee Vice Chair

Deshea Agee Vice Chair

Deshea Agee, M.S., HREDFP

Executive Director

Deshea Agee was appointed Executive Director of Historic King Drive Business Improvement District No. 8 (King Drive BID) in February 2016. At King Drive BID Agee oversees implementation of the organization’s annual operating plan, including management of financial matters, business and property owner relations, business recruitment and community outreach. Agee began his career in public service as an Economic Development Specialist at the City of Milwaukee’s Department of City Development. He served nine years in the department, first as a project manager of the Bronzeville Cultural and Entertainment District, and then leading commercial corridor revitalization efforts. Agee assisted in creating and implementing Milwaukee’s commercial property renovation grant programs, was a liaison to over a dozen business improvement districts and managed several tax increment districts. He also worked with Common Council members on initiatives in their Aldermanic districts, as well as Citywide initiatives such as the MKE Business Now Entrepreneurship Summit. Prior to his career in public service Agee served as the development assistant at Pabst Farms, a 1,500-acre mastered planned community. 


Anthony D. Smith 

Anthony D Smith

Anthony D. Smith is an executive with the Marcus Performing Arts Center as the Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion. He is responsible for stewardship of the Marcus Center’s community engagement and inclusion activities, including strategic planning, audience development, communication, educational outreach, cultural programming, workforce development and customer service. Develop and maintaining collaborative relationships with key community organizations/leaders to build Marcus Center’s relationships in the community. Analyze the Center’s demographic data and formulate, conduce and compile market research. Oversee budgeting and usage cultural funds.

He is happily married to his wife, Wendy for 25 years and they have a wonderful 17-year-old son, Sean. God touched him at an early age to be an accomplished musician without ever learning a note. In 1996, God called him to preach, and he’s been lifting and glorifying the name of Jesus ever since.


Theresa Garrison

Theresa Garrison

Theresa Garrison has been a resident in the Bronzeville area for over 60 years. 


Rayhainio Boynes

Rayhainio Boynes

Rayhainio Boynes was born and raised in St. Thomas U.S Virgin Islands. He moved to Milwaukee in 1998 and quickly made a name for himself in the music industry. He is very involved with Milwaukee's youth and the local community and has been a member of the Bronzeville committee since 2017. 


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