Few people have contributed more to the lives of Black Milwaukeeans over the last sixty years than Reuben Harpole. From collaborations with Milwaukee Public Schools with long-running initiatives like Homework First, to bringing the pride and principles of African heritage to Milwaukee youth with the Rite of Passage Program, to his contributions to our city’s pioneering Black newspaper, the Milwaukee Star, Harpole has helped to empower Milwaukee’s Black youth since the 1960s.
Harpole worked hand-in-hand with leaders such as Dr. James Cameron, Stokely Carmichael and many more. Harpole’s support for Black youth in Milwaukee continued through the Sankofa Neighborhood Renewal Initiative while also spotlighting our city’s fraught past with ventures like the Black Milwaukee Oral History Project and many others.
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To honor Harpole’s incomparable contributions to Black culture in Milwaukee, he was named grand marshal for the 55th Annual Milwaukee Juneteenth Jubilee Parade which will take place this Friday, June 19th.
Milwaukee leaders such as Reggie Moore, the Director of Community Safety Policy and Engagement and Dr. Robert Smith, Director of the Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach at Marquette University didn’t hesitate to pay respect to Mr. Harpole for his work strengthening our city’s future while honoring its (often fraught) past:
“I am proud to see that Mr. Reuben Harpole continues to receive the honor and recognition that he deserves as Grand Marshall for the 2026 Juneteenth Parade! Mr. Harpole means so much to our community. A leader, historian, advocate, friend, mentor, and philanthropist – just to name a few. He has selflessly given his time, talent, and treasure to ensure that the struggle and success of Black people in Milwaukee is known, honored, and preserved.” – Reggie Moore, Director of Community Safety Policy and Engagement, Comprehensive Injury Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin
“Reuben Harpole is a legend and an icon. Yet, to call Reuben Harpole a legend is almost an understatement that could never embrace the full brilliance of his impact as an activist, an intellectual, and a public servant. Even today, his experience and wisdom offers guidance toward the city’s future: steeped in the wealth of his historical contributions to Milwaukee.” – Dr. Robert Smith, Center for Urban Research, Teaching and Outreach at Marquette University
I was fortunate to connect with Reuben Harpole, along with his daughter Annette Harpole, to celebrate his contributions to Milwaukee and to learn how he’s “surprised” to have been chosen as The Grand Marshall for Milwaukee’s 2026 Juneteenth Parade.
Thank you for taking time to chat, Mr. Harpole. Congratulations on being named the Grand Marshall for this year’s Juneteenth Parade.
Reuben Harpole: It’s an honor for me. I was surprised [laughter].
You’ve done so much for Milwaukee youth over the years. Why were you surprised?
RH: Well, there’s a lot of people in the city they could have selected.
I think they made a great choice!
RH: [Laughter] Ok. Well, people should get familiar with the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum on 26th and Center.
I will be sure to check the museum out.
RH: One story you can learn about there [at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museuem]: When Dr. James Cameron [Wisconsin native who was lynched in Indiana at age 16 in 1930] was released, leaders in Indianopolis said “Now maybe the healing can begin.” That stuck with me.
Yes, we continue to search for healing today, for sure. You mentioned earlier that you met Stokely Carmichael. How did that come about?
RH: We were invited to Africa, with thousands of people who taught in the United States. I was over in Africa [to learn about African schools] and ran into Stokely Carmichael and when he saw me, he said “Welcome home, brother!”
What did you find in African schools that you felt could be incorporated into Milwaukee schools?
RH: We brought the concept of the Rite of Passage back to Milwaukee. The day we’re born on has special meanings: I was born on a Tuesday. Dr. Martin Luther King was born on a Tuesday also and Malcolm X was born on a Tuesday. A Rite of Passage takes young people through a series of African principles. And the names are from Africa, they are over a thousand years old.
Thank you Mr. Harpole, for your time and congratulations on being the Grand Marshal for the Juneteenth Parade. And thank you for everything you’ve done in Milwaukee for young people. Any message for young people in Milwaukee who might attend the parade?
RH: You’re talented and you have a lot of potential. Study hard, work and discover who you are.
Milwaukee’s 55th Juneteenth Jubilee Parade begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 19. It will launch between North 14th Street and West Atkinson Avenue and end between West Locust Street and North Martin Luther King Drive. There will be food from local vendors, live music and other special performances. Find more info about Juneteenth celebrations throughout Milwaukee here.
