"The Hills We Climb"
(North Ave. Market 2022)

"The Hills We Climb," an original piece by poet laureate Amanda Gorman, was performed during the 45th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. Chris Harris-Morse, the owner, then translated and transformed the poem into a visual metaphor that embodies the rich and resilient history of Milwaukee. The poem was divided into five stanzas, each symbolizing significant movements, individuals, locations, and time periods that celebrate the cultural diversity upon which Milwaukee is built. Esteemed figures like Oprah Winfrey and Tammy Baldwin, as well as the historic Bronzeville era of the 1950s and 1960s, were acknowledged. Iconic landmarks such as the internationally renowned Summerfest Festival Grounds and the Hoenn Bridge during Pridefest represent key aspects of Milwaukee's cultural foundation. While Kamala Harris, the only non-Wisconsin reference, holds a prominent position in the project, her representation serves as a beacon of political aspiration for many young African-American women nationwide. Soberano Studio expresses gratitude to the artists Julien Roberson, Vince Poole-Oliphant, and Maria Alfaro for their invaluable assistance and expertise during the collaborative process.