Sorry for not being able to post last Thursday. We were closed due to the weather. Today we have a letter from Ardie Clark Halyard to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Civic Alliance. She was given an award for recognizing her accomplishments and efforts in improving conditions for black people in Milwaukee. A little bit about Ardie: her and her husband co-founded the first black owned saving and loan in Milwaukee in 1925. This bank allowed for black people to apply for loans without discrimination. Prior to this it was basically impossible for these folks to obtain a loan. As she mentioned in the last page of this letter, the bank had programs that would allow for them to put 5 dollars down. She also worked for Goodwill Industries as a director for 20 years while working as bookkeeper for the bank. In 1951, she went on to become the first women president of the NAACP of the Milwaukee chapter. Still fighting for housing and increasing membership to the chapter. Check out our collections using the link in our bio or email [email protected] for more questions! Call number: Milw SC 111 ____ #uwmarchives #uwmspeccoll #naacpawards #milwaukeehistory #fairhousing #marchonmilwaukee https://www.instagram.com/p/CpA7OtuuM5u/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
