Murv Seymour

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Murv Seymour is a special projects journalist for Here & Now. He joined PBS Wisconsin in March 2021 to report on social justice issues, political stories, and general news events ...

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Murv's Recent Stories

Myra McNair on mental health therapy for diverse patients

Health

Myra McNair on mental health therapy for diverse patients

Anesis Center for Marriage & Family Therapy owner Myra McNair describes a growing interest in mental health care among Black and other diverse communities and the resulting demands on practitioners.

Wednesday November 13, 2024


A photographic look at 2024 campaign rallies in Wisconsin

Elections

A photographic look at 2024 campaign rallies in Wisconsin

A photo essay captures scenes from multiple 2024 presidential campaign stops across Wisconsin made by Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in advance of the election.

Friday November 1, 2024


In Focus with Gena Kakkak: Tribal politics and youth health

In Focus

In Focus with Gena Kakkak: Tribal politics and youth health

Murv Seymour talks with Chairperson Gena Kakkak of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin in Keshena about the scope of tribal governance and its efforts to support the health of Indigenous youth.

Monday October 21, 2024


Key Jennings on Democrats pursuing Black voters in 2024

Elections

Key Jennings on Democrats pursuing Black voters in 2024

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Black Coalition Manager Key Jennings discusses encouraging voters to try to convince friends and family members to cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election.

Thursday September 12, 2024


Hilario Deleon on Republicans pursuing Latino voters in 2024

Elections

Hilario Deleon on Republicans pursuing Latino voters in 2024

Republican Party of Milwaukee County Chairman Hilario Deleon discusses local efforts to cultivate voters in Latino and other communities to support former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

Wednesday September 11, 2024


In Focus with Corey Pompey: Directing the UW Marching Band

In Focus

In Focus with Corey Pompey: Directing the UW Marching Band

Murv Seymour talks with Corey Pompey at the Hamel Music Center about leading the University of Wisconsin Marching Band and crafting its musical direction in practice and on the field for Badgers fans.

Monday September 9, 2024


Black, Latino turnout is pivotal in Wisconsin’s 2024 vote

Elections

Black, Latino turnout is pivotal in Wisconsin’s 2024 vote

Black and Latino voters will play a key role in who wins the 2024 presidential election, and the Democratic and Republican campaigns are touting their candidates to these communities around Wisconsin.

Friday September 6, 2024


Kamala Harris and Tim Walz walk and gesture indoors on a runway with screens reading 'Freedom' and people standing below.

Elections

Harris, Walz rouse Milwaukee as the DNC rolls into Chicago

A month after the RNC gathered at the Fiserv Forum, Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz rallied in Milwaukee in parallel with action at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Friday August 23, 2024


A tumultuous 2024 presidential race takes off in Eau Claire

Elections

A tumultuous 2024 presidential race takes off in Eau Claire

Western Wisconsin was in the 2024 presidential spotlight when Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as well as Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance, campaigned in Eau Claire on the same day.

Friday August 9, 2024


In Focus with Stephen Kantrowitz: Keeping history present

In Focus

In Focus with Stephen Kantrowitz: Keeping history present

Murv Seymour talks with Stephen Kantrowitz at the Wisconsin Historical Society about his writing on Black and Indigenous struggles, the politics of racism and the importance of learning about history.

Monday July 29, 2024


Harris rallies Wisconsin Democrats in a 2024 campaign pivot

Elections

Harris rallies Wisconsin Democrats in a 2024 campaign pivot

Two days after President Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris stood on stage with Wisconsin Democrats in West Allis to reinvigorate their party's fortunes.

Friday July 26, 2024


An aerial view shows flat ground with scattered trees and buildings with a horizon in the background.

Elections

Who did — or didn’t — watch the 2024 RNC around Wisconsin?

Milwaukee was at the center of American politics during the 2024 Republican National Convention, but elsewhere in Wisconsin, interest in the event was less evident, including in and around La Crosse.

Friday July 19, 2024


A smartphone showing a screen time app that includes a chart showing daily averages and options to limit usage sits on a lawn outside.

Health

Counselors tackle the growing issue of kids who are struggling with screen addiction

Children are spending an increasing amount of time viewing their phones and other screens, and the impact on their mental health is leading therapists to focus more of their efforts on addressing the issue.

Thursday July 11, 2024


Rabbi Bonnie Margulis on young people learning civic values

Politics

Rabbi Bonnie Margulis on young people learning civic values

Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice Executive Director Bonnie Margulis discusses working to teach young people about the impacts of voting and trying to make their voices heard by elected officials.

Tuesday July 9, 2024


People hold yellow signs reading 'Voters Decide.'

Elections

Motivating diverse religious voters in Milwaukee and Madison

Churches, temples and other faith-based groups in Milwaukee and Madison are encouraging people to vote and engage with public officials, extending a longstanding historical connection with the ballot.

Friday June 28, 2024


Watch parties react to Biden’s and Trump’s first 2024 debate

Elections

Watch parties react to Biden’s and Trump’s first 2024 debate

Supporters of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump gathered at a pair of watch parties in Madison to witness the candidates in the first of two 2024 presidential debates.

Friday June 28, 2024


A line of people wearing hardhats and holding shovels scoop up mounds of dirt in front of them.

Social Issues

Center for Black Excellence marks groundbreaking in Madison

Hundreds of people attended a groundbreaking celebration in Madison for the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, a $33 million project and vision of Rev. Alex Gee scheduled to be built by 2025.

Friday June 21, 2024


In Focus with Courtney Bell: Teachers, students in Wisconsin

In Focus

In Focus with Courtney Bell: Teachers, students in Wisconsin

Murv Seymour talks with Courtney Bell at the Wisconsin Historical Society about leading the Wisconsin Center for Education Research in its work on classroom innovations, challenges and inequities.

Monday June 17, 2024


Three cloth dolls of individuals from different racial backgrounds sit on a shelf in a wood bookcase.

Health

Black youth find solace in mental health therapy with a focus on race and belonging

Therapists at New Beginnings Counseling Center in Madison provide one-on-one and group sessions for Black and multiracial children to nurture their identity and feelings of community while confronting challenges of racism in their lives.

Thursday June 13, 2024


Six paper signs with illustrations of Black individuals engaged in different activities with the words In Session, Out of Office, At Home, Eating Lunch, In Office, and Taking Break, with a small pom pom attached to the one marked In Session, are attached to a wood door, with a painted wall on one side and a craquelure glass window on the other side.

Health

Mental health, race and how Black therapists work to help more Black patients in Madison

Anesis Center for Marriage & Family Therapy and New Beginnings Counseling Center seek to build trust and community as they provide mental health services for Black patients struggling to overcome racism and generational traumas.

Wednesday May 29, 2024


In Focus with Pete Souza: Photographing presidential history

In Focus

In Focus with Pete Souza: Photographing presidential history

Murv Seymour talks with Pete Souza at PBS Wisconsin about his work documenting daily life and historic events on the world stage as White House photographer for the Obama and Reagan administrations.

Friday May 24, 2024


In Focus with Curt Fuszard: First responders comfort kids

In Focus

In Focus with Curt Fuszard: First responders comfort kids

Murv Seymour talks with Curt Fuszard at PBS Wisconsin about REACH-a-Child, a Madison-based nonprofit that provides books for first responders to help console kids facing trauma in crisis situations.

Monday April 22, 2024


In Focus with Rev. Greg Lewis: The power of the Black church

In Focus

In Focus with Rev. Greg Lewis: The power of the Black church

Murv Seymour talks with Rev. Greg Lewis at St. Gabriel Church of God in Christ about bettering the Black community in Milwaukee and promoting voter engagement through the Souls to the Polls campaign.

Monday March 25, 2024


In Focus with Michael Wagner: Journalism in the 2020s

In Focus

In Focus with Michael Wagner: Journalism in the 2020s

Murv Seymour talks with Michael Wagner at PBS Wisconsin about teaching journalism to UW-Madison students as the media landscape continues changing and the political climate grows more contentious.

Thursday February 29, 2024


In Focus with Roy Wood Jr.: What’s funny about Wisconsin?

In Focus

In Focus with Roy Wood Jr.: What’s funny about Wisconsin?

Murv Seymour talks with Roy Wood Jr. at Comedy on State in February 2022 about performing stand up comedy in Wisconsin, in the wake of the pandemic and in the midst of serious conversations on race.

Wednesday February 28, 2024


In Focus with Rev. Alex Gee: A decade of Justified Anger

In Focus

In Focus with Rev. Alex Gee: A decade of Justified Anger

Murv Seymour talks with Rev. Alex Gee at Fountain of Life Church about the journey of the Justified Anger course teaching Black history and how he hopes it is making impacts on Wisconsin.

Tuesday February 27, 2024


A woman in a black dress stands on a podium facing a crowd with rows of people dressed in black.

Politics

Herb Kohl memorial honors philanthropist, former US senator

Mourners gathered at Fiserv Forum arena to pay respects and honor the life of philanthropist and former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, who is celebrated for his public service and support for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Friday January 12, 2024


WPR’s ‘The Morning Show’: Lasting effects of racist policies

Wisconsin in Black & White

WPR’s ‘The Morning Show’: Lasting effects of racist policies

Wisconsin Public Radio's "The Morning Show" interviews PBS Wisconsin special projects journalist Murv Seymour about how racist policies in the state's history affect people's lived experiences today.

Friday November 3, 2023


Helping build Black and Brown homeownership in Wisconsin

Wisconsin in Black & White

Helping build Black and Brown homeownership in Wisconsin

The Men of Color Initiative in Milwaukee and Own It: Building Black Wealth in Madison are working to educate and provide assistance to expand the ranks of people who can purchase their own homes.

Friday October 20, 2023


A conversation on racial inequalities and education outcomes

Wisconsin in Black & White

A conversation on racial inequalities and education outcomes

Dr. Alex Gee, Kaleem Caire and Dr. Courtney Bell participate in a Wisconsin in Black & White roundtable about effects of racial inequality on education and work to expand student opportunities.

Wednesday September 27, 2023


The effects of racial inequalities on education in Wisconsin

Wisconsin in Black & White

The effects of racial inequalities on education in Wisconsin

Access gaps, economic adversity and school segregation in Wisconsin lead to racial disparities in educational outcomes, with efforts growing to expand learning options for diverse groups of students.

Tuesday September 26, 2023


A conversation on racial disparities and criminal justice

Wisconsin in Black & White

A conversation on racial disparities and criminal justice

Dr. Alex Gee, Carl Fields and Alex Lindenmeyer participate in a Wisconsin in Black & White roundtable about racial disparities in the criminal justice system and ongoing work to address their impacts.

Wednesday September 20, 2023


A legacy of racial inequality before the law in Wisconsin

Wisconsin in Black & White

A legacy of racial inequality before the law in Wisconsin

Racial disparities in the criminal justice system have been shaped by unequal application of the law, prompting efforts to educate about their impacts in Wisconsin and provide support in communities.

Tuesday September 19, 2023


Redeveloping Madison’s Bayview community with design justice

Economy

Redeveloping Madison’s Bayview community with design justice

A long-time center of cultural diversity in Wisconsin's capital city, the Triangle neighborhood is home to a low-income housing development that seeks out the perspectives of people who live there.

Thursday September 22, 2022


An adult and child walk on an icy sidewalk toward doors covered by an entrance tent, with a sign at right noting the location of COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19

Milwaukee, Madison health officials roll out response to omicron wave

In a pair of news conferences, the health departments for Wisconsin's two largest counties by population shared how they're deploying increased testing availability, higher-quality masks and vaccination clinics to fight the surging omicron variant of COVID-19.

Tuesday January 11, 2022


Transgender Wisconsinites fight for awareness, safety

Social Issues

Transgender Wisconsinites fight for awareness, safety

PBS Wisconsin special projects reporter Murv Seymour spends time with transgender Wisconsinites and activists who are building community while fighting for greater awareness and safety.

Friday January 7, 2022


Boxes of food sit stacked in the middle of an aisle in a warehouse with tall shelves filled with boxes on both sides.

Social Issues

Wisconsin’s food pantries adjust as the pandemic stretches on

The arrival of COVID-19 kick-started a spike in food insecurity around the state that has persisted for nearly two years, and relief organizations are using state and federal aid to boost their infrastructure to continue feeding hungry people.

Tuesday December 21, 2021


A bouquet of flowers is attached to a metal poll on a sidewalk with cars driving down the adjacent road.

Social Issues

Waukesha endures heartache, requires healing from parade tragedy

City authorities announced that criminal charges are being filed in response to the vehicular attack on a Christmas parade on Nov. 21 that has left at least 6 people dead and dozens injured, as community members impacted by the senseless act try to overcome their feelings of fear and shock.

Tuesday November 23, 2021


Kyle Rittenhouse stands in a courtroom with observers seated in the background.

Social Issues

Jury finds Rittenhouse not guilty, courthouse crowds respond to outcome

After nearly a week of deliberations and a bustling scene of demonstrations outside the courthouse, Kenosha County jurors acquitted the Illinois teenager on all counts, finding that his shooting of three men during unrest in August 2020 was in self-defense.

Friday November 19, 2021


A trailer-style bus with signage stating Milwaukee Justice Center Mobile Legal Clinic is parked in front of a building.

Policy

Wisconsin Turns Back Toward an Active Pardon Policy

In less than three years, Gov. Tony Evers has granted more pardons than the previous three governors combined, and an updated policy will open the door to more applications from people with certain felony convictions to seek a new start.

Monday October 4, 2021


A Two-Decade Journey from Incarceration to Leader in the Community: How and Why Anthony Cooper Was Pardoned

WisContext

A Two-Decade Journey from Incarceration to Leader in the Community: How and Why Anthony Cooper Was Pardoned

Special projects reporter Murv Seymour shares the story of a Madison man who was convicted of drug-related offenses in 1999 and after serving time in prison would go on to become a community leader focused on reducing violence sought and received a pardon from Gov. Tony Evers, who has granted more than 250 in an effort to promote second chances and reduce prison populations

Monday October 4, 2021


Noon Wednesday: The Pandemic’s Fifth Wave

COVID-19

Noon Wednesday: The Pandemic’s Fifth Wave

Reporter Will Cushman discusses how communities across Wisconsin are coping with another surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations as the Delta variant spreads with about half of the state's population remaining unvaccinated.

Wednesday August 11, 2021


A Wisconsin Tribute to Negro Leagues Baseball

Social Issues

A Wisconsin Tribute to Negro Leagues Baseball

Special projects reporter Murv Seymour goes to the ballpark to explore a tribute to the Negro Leagues and their deep ties to Wisconsin as the Madison Mallards collegiate team took the field in unique uniforms evoking a special era of baseball.

Friday August 6, 2021


Noon Wednesday: Faith Leaders Denounce Voter Suppression

Elections

Noon Wednesday: Faith Leaders Denounce Voter Suppression

The Wisconsin Interfaith Voter Engagement Campaign is a coalition of faith organizations that are bringing awareness on what they consider anti-voter legislation. Rabbi Bonnie Margulis, from Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice talks about what faith organization across Wisconsin are doing to fight voter suppression.

Wednesday June 23, 2021


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Social Issues

March from Milwaukee to Madison Draws Attention to Immigrant Rights

Voces de la Frontera is leading a walk across Wisconsin for access to driver licenses and citizenship for migrant workers.

Tuesday June 22, 2021


Wisconsinites Prepare for the Chauvin Sentencing

Social Issues

Wisconsinites Prepare for the Chauvin Sentencing

PBS Wisconsin special projects reporter Murv Seymour takes a closer look at how different parts of Wisconsin feel about the upcoming sentencing of Derek Chauvin.

Friday June 18, 2021


COVID-19 Vaccination Inequalities in Wisconsin

COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccination Inequalities in Wisconsin

PBS Wisconsin special projects reporter Murv Seymour explores COVID-19 vaccination disparities in Wisconsin, with a closer look at efforts by the Urban League of Madison to bring vaccine opportunities deeper into communities of color.

Friday May 28, 2021


Split screen with PBS Wisconsin special projects journalist Murv Seymore (left) and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley (right)

Social Issues

Wisconsin One Year After George Floyd’s Murder

One year after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley discusses its impacts in Wisconsin's largest Black community, how people are memorializing the death and what it has meant for the movement to promote more police accountability.

Tuesday May 25, 2021


Milwaukee Pharmacist Aids in Pandemic Vaccinations

COVID-19

Milwaukee Pharmacist Aids in Pandemic Vaccinations

"Here & Now" special projects reporter Murv Seymour covers how local Milwaukee pharmacist Lauren Chars has gone from filling pharmacy prescriptions to aiding in enhanced services to help with the pandemic.

Friday May 14, 2021


Milwaukee Residents Respond to Derek Chauvin Verdict

Social Issues

Milwaukee Residents Respond to Derek Chauvin Verdict

"Here & Now" reporters Will Kenneally and Murv Seymour report from Milwaukee moments after people peacefully took to the streets with joy following the Derek Chauvin verdicts.

Friday April 23, 2021


Sen. Tammy Baldwin and scientists watch research in a laboratory.

COVID-19

Research on Coronavirus Variants at UW Lab Buoyed by CDC Funding

Sen. Tammy Baldwin touts federal funding for genomic research at UW-Madison, where scientists are studying how COVID-19 cases are distributed around Wisconsin.

Tuesday April 6, 2021


Screenshot of surveillance footage of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd on May 25, 2020

Social Issues

How Video Evidence in the George Floyd Case is Traumatic for Trial Watchers

Graphic footage presented as evidence in the Chauvin trial can have long-lasting effects and mental health providers are warning people following the case to protect themselves.

Monday April 5, 2021


Courtroom for the Derek Chauvin trial, with distanced tables and speaking shields as pandemic precautions

Social Issues

Wisconsin Lawmakers Prepare Policing Bills As the Chauvin Trial Starts in Minnesota

State Rep. Shelia Stubbs reflects on the gravity of prosecution beginning in the May 2020 police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, anticipates the potential of forthcoming police reform legislation.

Monday March 29, 2021


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