LEADERSHIP TRANSITION FAQ | Sherman Phoenix Marketplace

SOMOS SHERMAN PHOENIX

En 2016, estallaron disturbios civiles en el vecindario Sherman Park de Milwaukee después de que un tiroteo fatal por parte de la policía sacudiera a la comunidad. En las semanas siguientes, las conversaciones comunitarias identificaron la necesidad de espacios vecinales seguros y acogedores y, a partir de esas conversaciones, surgió de las cenizas la idea del Sherman Phoenix.

En la actualidad, Sherman Phoenix es un espacio de vanguardia para pequeñas empresas de color. Es un lugar popular para comer, comprar, cuidarse a sí mismo o asistir a un evento cultural o empresarial. Atendemos a más de 100 personas todos los días y hemos albergado a casi 50 empresas desde nuestra apertura.

Sherman Phoenix ha demostrado ser un poderoso centro económico que impulsa a las empresas propiedad de negros, acoge el talento y la innovación y encarna un espíritu inclusivo. En el mercado, albergamos más de 25 empresas, de las cuales el 96 % son propiedad de personas de color y el 63 % están dirigidas por mujeres. Además de estas empresas, Sherman Phoenix apoya a más de 50 emprendedores locales al ofrecer un mercado emergente mensual para exhibir sus servicios, productos y artículos culinarios. En total, nuestras pequeñas empresas emplean a más de 75 residentes.

El Sherman Phoenix, que en su día resurgió de sus cenizas, sigue creciendo y ahora es el corazón de Sherman Park y de las comunidades vecinas del Gran Milwaukee, y brinda recursos y oportunidades muy necesarios. Nos comprometemos a colaborar con organizaciones comunitarias que trabajan para construir economías inclusivas y justas para las comunidades de color. En Sherman Phoenix, somos un ecosistema que trabaja en conjunto para construir comunidades de grupos e individuos dinámicos en Milwaukee.

También somos un faro más allá de Milwaukee, que sirve como modelo e inspiración para otras ciudades que buscan un impacto económico racialmente equitativo. Sherman Phoenix demuestra que traducir la conversación en acción abre posibilidades poderosas. Demostramos que es posible reparar los daños de nuestro pasado y aumentar las posibilidades de nuestro futuro cuando nos comprometemos a trabajar juntos y ser el cambio.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Sherman Phoenix Foundation Board of Directors shares an important update on our leadership transition and path forward The Sherman Phoenix Foundation Board of Directors is committed to ensuring the long-term health, transparency, and sustainability of our organization. Following tenant feedback and an internal review of operations, we’ve taken steps to strengthen leadership and accountability. Leadership transitions took effect October 9th. In the interim, Romero McCants will lead day-to-day operations and Rashidah Butler-Jackson will serve in a consultative role to assist with transition and continuity. The Board will maintain direct oversight while we identify and announce an Interim Executive Director in the coming weeks. We are deeply grateful to our tenants, partners, and the greater Milwaukee community for your continued patience and support. Sherman Phoenix takes seriously its responsibility to operate with integrity, accountability, and transparency. We invite you to join us for our anniversary fundraiser, Phoenix Forward, on November 29, 2025. A celebration of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community renewal. Together, we continue to rise, rebuild, and reimagine what’s possible for our community. For media or partnership inquiries: boardofdirectors@shermanphoenix.com

Who should the media or public contact?

All inquiries should be directed to boardofdirectors@shermanphoenix.com, the official communications channel during this transition.

What is next?

This is a strategic evolution, not an ending. Expect expanded programming, stronger systems, and deeper community investment in the weeks ahead.

How can funders or partners support right now?

By staying engaged, attend Phoenix Forward on November 29th, participate in Giving Tuesday, and continue investing in economic spaces built for and by the community.

Do you still have an “About Us” page?

Yes. The page has been updated and is now live with current Board and leadership roles.
Following the recent leadership transition, we briefly removed the page to ensure that all information, including roles and governance structure, was accurate before re-publishing.
It will continue to evolve as we move forward.

Where do vendors submit invoices or documentation?

All vendor and contractor inquiries should be sent to billing@shermanphoenix.com.

Do donations go to tenants directly?

No. Donations to the Foundation support programming, wellness, business support, community impact initiatives, and sustaining the ecosystem, not individual business profits.

Is Sherman Phoenix behind on property taxes?

Sherman Phoenix is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are currently working with the city to finalize how our exempt status is reflected across past records. A good-faith payment has already been made. All operations remain fully active.

Are tenant businesses affected by this transition?

No. Tenants remain fully open and operate independently. Their revenue is not affected by nonprofit leadership transitions.

Who is leading day-to-day operations?

Romero McCants is leading operations as Interim Executive Director.
Rashidah Butler-Jackson is serving as Strategic Transition Consultant, supporting continuity and community engagement.
The Board of Directors retains full governance oversight during this transition.

Does being a nonprofit impact how the marketplace operates?

No. The businesses inside the Sherman Phoenix marketplace remain independently owned and operated. Being a nonprofit does not change their ownership, revenue, or autonomy. The Foundation’s role is to support tenants, through programming, resources, community partnerships, and long-term sustainability, not to manage or control individual businesses.

Is Sherman Phoenix still operating?

Yes. The Sherman Phoenix marketplace and Foundation are fully operational. Tenants remain open, active, and serving the community. Programming and partnerships are continuing without interruption.

What is Sherman Phoenix? Marketplace + Foundation explained.

Sherman Phoenix is both:

A marketplace of independent small businesses, nonprofits, creatives, and wellness practitioners who rent space.
A nonprofit Foundation that powers programming, business development, community events, and long-term ecosystem impact.

Is Sherman Phoenix a nonprofit?

Yes. The Sherman Phoenix Foundation became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020, with its inaugural Board established in 2021. In 2023, the Foundation acquired ownership of the building, and in 2024 the Board structure was formalized under full nonprofit governance and accountability standards, consistent with national best practices. As a 501(c)(3), the Foundation is able to reinvest every dollar back into entrepreneurs, programming, cultural activation, and community wealth-building rather than private profit.

What is Sherman Phoenix?

Sherman Phoenix is both a small business marketplace and a nonprofit foundation. Together, they operate as an ecosystem supporting entrepreneurship, creativity, and community wealth.