Milwaukee's Dr. Howard Fuller inspires change through new documentary

Former WISN anchor Mike Gousha is a producer of a new documentary highlighting the life and impact of Dr. Howard Fuller, a prominent advocate for education and social justice in Milwaukee.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The documentary, titled "A Fuller Education," highlights Dr. Howard Fuller's early years, including his time attending Milwaukee's North-Division High School and being the first Black student at then-Carroll College. It also covers his work as an organizer in North Carolina and his founding of Malcolm X Liberation University, named after one of his greatest inspirations, Malcolm X. The film delves into Fuller's advocacy for equal education for low- and middle-income families in Milwaukee, which he called the most crucial social justice issue of our time. This advocacy helped lead to the creation of Milwaukee's Parental Choice Program, the first of its kind in the nation. At 85 years old, Fuller continues to work toward improving education in Milwaukee.

Why it matters

Dr. Howard Fuller is a prominent figure in Milwaukee's history, known for his fierce advocacy for education and social justice. This documentary aims to share his remarkable life story and inspire viewers to do more to create positive change in their communities.

The details

The documentary, produced by former WISN anchor Mike Gousha, explores Fuller's early life and career, including his time as the first Black student at then-Carroll College and his work as an organizer in North Carolina. It also delves into his advocacy for equal education in Milwaukee, which led to the creation of the city's Parental Choice Program, the first of its kind in the nation. The film takes a nuanced look at the choice discussion, as Fuller's work on this issue is an important part of his legacy.

  • Fuller attended Milwaukee's North-Division High School.
  • Fuller was the first Black student at then-Carroll College.
  • Fuller founded Malcolm X Liberation University in North Carolina.
  • Fuller created the Study Commission in Milwaukee in 1985 to address the racial gap in learning between Black and white students.
  • Milwaukee's Parental Choice Program, the first of its kind in the nation, was created as a result of Fuller's advocacy.

The players

Dr. Howard Fuller

A prominent advocate for education and social justice in Milwaukee, who served as the superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools and fought for equal education for low- and middle-income families.

Mike Gousha

A former WISN anchor who is a producer of the documentary "A Fuller Education" about Dr. Howard Fuller's life and impact.

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What they’re saying

“I looked at it as I had this opportunity to be in rooms that people I cared about would never get into. That's the thing that always pushed me right, is that, look, man, you're in these rooms. Don't. Don't just be in here. Be in here and do something.”

— Dr. Howard Fuller (A Fuller Education)

“The word that we hear over and over again, from people who have seen the documentary, is 'inspiring.' People feel that when they watch this film about this man's life, that they can do more, that they should do more.”

— Mike Gousha, Producer (A Fuller Education)

What’s next

"A Fuller Education" is streaming now on PBS, and viewers are encouraged to watch the documentary to learn more about Dr. Howard Fuller's inspiring life and legacy.

The takeaway

This documentary highlights the remarkable life and impact of Dr. Howard Fuller, a trailblazing advocate for education and social justice in Milwaukee. His unwavering commitment to creating positive change and improving educational opportunities for underserved communities serves as a powerful inspiration for viewers to do more to make a difference in their own communities.