Geraud Blanks
Director of Cultures and Communities
Company: Milwaukee FilmRole: Session Presenter
2021 Conference Session:
RECOVER & REIMAGINE: Harnessing the Power of Film to Inform Your Staff, Engage Your Community and Enhance Your Corporate Culture–Virtually
(AW1-A)
During the past 20 years, Geraud Blanks has contributed to the Milwaukee community in a variety of capacities. Dating back to his time as a student programmer at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), Geraud has produced large-scale cultural events throughout the state of Wisconsin. As a band manager, music producer, and event promoter — and later a contributing music writer for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and co-founder of the Milwaukee Film Festival Black Lens program, Geraud has been a leading supporter of local artists.
In addition to his work in the arts, Geraud also has a long history in community service. A former community organizer for Milwaukee anti-crime initiative Safe & Sound; outreach coordinator for homeless shelter Hebron House; and domestic violence caseworker for Sojourner, Wisconsin’s largest domestic violence prevention agency, he has committed much of his life to advocate for marginalized groups.
Geraud is currently Milwaukee Film director of Cultures and Communities and dissertator in Communication Studies at Northwestern University, where he teaches public speaking.