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OPINION: ‘Why do we not know their names?’ White Christians have failed our black and brown brothers and sisters | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sarah Sutherland
June 11, 2020
(Photo by Wes Tank)
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Sarah Sutherland is an educator at Milwaukee College Prep and member of City of Light church.
For too long, the white church has failed our black and brown brothers and sisters across this nation. We have failed ourselves, and we ultimately have failed Christ and the gospel to which we are called. We are long overdue for righteous anger. We are long overdue for change.
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It’s time to turn our failure into faith. It’s time to turn apathy into action. It’s time to turn silence into solidarity. It’s time we step up and speak out. Lord, light us on fire.
Say their names . . . Do we even know their names?
George Floyd
Breonna Taylor
Ahmaud Arbery
Say their names . . .  Do we know the lives that were lived in faith, family and harmony with those around them?
Trayvon Martin
Eric Garner
Freddie Gray
Say their names . . . Do we know the lives that were lost to the racism, stereotyping and hate that permeates our country?
Alton Sterling
Philando Castile
Michael Brown
Tamir Rice
Why do we not know their names?
Rather than pursuing racial equity, the white church has remained largely silent for centuries. Our silence reflects our apathy. We have stood by as innocent black and brown people have been murdered at the hands of white police officers. The very people who have been tasked to protect and defend are the very ones our black and brown children need to be protected and defended from.
People of color have been mourning and grieving the loss of lives to police brutality and racial injustice since the inception of this nation. We, as white Christians, are not asked to carry that burden alongside our brothers and sisters — we are commanded to. This is not an option. This is not political.
This is a command to the Body of Christ. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
Romans 12:9 tells us, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Being devoted isn’t a Facebook post when another murder happens. It is not a call or message of sympathy to a black friend. It is not a conversation around your dinner table to discuss recent events with your family. By definition, to devote means to: give all or a large part of one’s time or resources to (a person, activity, or cause). So I ask you, white Christian, are you devoted to your black brothers and sisters? Are you devoted to equality and safety for all? Are you devoted to systematic reform? Are you devoted to anti-racism and justice?
When we are devoted to one another in love, what once seemed to be separate worlds merge as we become one within the Body of Christ. We are able to, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15). When we see the death of yet another black life on the television, we may experience a range of emotions and feel sympathy.
However, when we see that face, that body on the concrete, we don’t see ourselves or our brothers, fathers, mothers or sisters. We don’t lay awake at night praying until our sons and husbands return safely home. We don’t live in fear when a family member decides to go on a run. Our hearts don’t race, and our palms don’t sweat when we hear the sirens and see the flashing lights. We don’t wonder if we should call the police when we are in danger — we assume they will help us. We have to move beyond sympathy, shaking heads and dinner table discussions. We are commanded to mourn alongside the families and communities of color who are grieving and be moved to action.
As white people in America, we have inherent privilege that comes with great responsibility. As Christians, we have an even higher calling to become one with other believers in the body of Christ. In John 17:22-23, Jesus prays this prayer for all believers, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” When we become one, we are able to empathize and mourn with each other. When we become one, we show God’s love to the world.
As white Christians, we need to respond to the gross injustice and murder that is happening across our country. We can no longer deem this a “political issue” and sit back to allow others to create change. We must educate ourselves on the past, the present and take action to create a just future.
As white Christians we need to feel pain and mourn the loss of black and brown lives. That pain should keep us up at night, as we ponder how and when this will all end. We need to be relentless in our pursuit of justice and ceaselessly use our voices until change happens. We need to live out the Gospel we proclaim and walk in the footsteps of the God we follow.
Lord, light us on fire.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6)

author: Sarah Sutherland


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 11, 2020

source: news-milwaukeenns

license: Creative Commons - Attribution - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

author: Adam Carr


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Post from Community: 250 care packages distributed during tuburlent times On June 13 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dalvery Blackwell
June 11, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Well Mommy & Baby Safer-At-Home Care Package Drive-Up Initiative
In Response to Shelter-In-Place Due To COVID-19
The African American Breastfeeding Networking Inc. is hosting a Well Mommy and Baby Care Package Drive-up on Saturday, June 13 at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 22207 N. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI.  The Black Lives Matters protests and  COVID-19 exacerbates stress and anxiety of vulnerable populations.  This Drive-up is designed to reduce stress/anxiety and enhance family-bonding time for 250 registered families in Milwaukee County.   Families have chosen 1 of the 3 Care Packages: Family Centering, New Born Layette, and Mommy Self-Care.  In order to receive a Care Package families had to watch an on-line COVID19 educational video.
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Press invited to interview partners and families attended.

author: Dalvery Blackwell


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Post from Community: Milwaukee County announces $10 million housing initiative | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Office of the County Executive
June 11, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
The Milwaukee County Housing Division received $10 million of Milwaukee County’s allocated CARES Act funding to provide eviction prevention, housing acquisition, and mortgage assistance. The funds, which are available starting Thursday, June 11, will support Milwaukee County residents facing housing instability. This announcement is the first of a series of initiatives that will be rolled out in the coming weeks to address the two pandemics confronting Milwaukee County: COVID-19 and racial inequity.
“Addressing housing instability is critical in advancing health and racial equity for Milwaukee County residents,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “Currently, African-American families represent 80 percent of enrollments in our Eviction Prevention Program. Housing is a key social determinant of health. If individuals are evicted, especially as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, our Black communities will be impacted the most.”
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Tens of thousands of Milwaukee County residents face housing and financial instability following the expiration of Governor Tony Evers’ eviction moratorium. Beginning today, the Housing Division will work with the courts to offer assistance to tenants and landlords during eviction hearings. The majority of the funding, $7 million, is allocated toward eviction prevention – helping pay for rental arrearages. It’s estimated that the eviction prevention funding will be able to support approximately 2,000 households. The specific funding allocation per individual will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
“This CARES Act funding will help meet the needs of many families in our community who are in desperate need, and enable our community partners to do their important work to address the housing crisis,” said Marcelia Nicholson, Chairwoman, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. “We urgently need our state and federal partners to send more funding to Milwaukee County to meet the growing needs of our residents resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.”
Milwaukee County is working in conjunction with community partners including Community Advocates, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, and Legal Action of Wisconsin among others.
“The financial strains of COVID-19 have led to significantly higher evictions claims this year, especially among our most disenfranchised communities,” said Milwaukee County Chief Judge Mary Triggiano. “This funding benefits not only families facing housing instability but also landlords who face financial challenges as well.”
Milwaukee County will use $2 million of the CARES Act funding for temporary property acquisitions and rehabilitation to offer additional housing alternatives to individuals whose options are limited because of COVID-19. Additional housing options are essential since shelters remain at limited, to zero, capacity and it’s not advised for individuals to move in with friends or family because of the coronavirus.
The remaining $1 million will provide mortgage assistance for households that require short-term financial support on payments due to COVID-19.
This Housing Initiative is one component of Milwaukee County’s larger vision to become the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity.  More initiatives of Milwaukee County’s strategic plan will be announced in the coming weeks.
How to access the resources:

author: Office of the County Executive


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Post from Community: Tips to help access remote care amid COVID-19 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dr. Nicole Brady
June 11, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
By Dr. Nicole Brady, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin
With the COVID-19 emergency prompting people in Wisconsin to stay home more than usual, accessing in-person health care services has become more challenging than a few months ago.
That has spurred a surge in telehealth appointments, with new state and federal regulations making it easier and more affordable for people to use digital devices to access medical advice related to COVID-19 and a myriad of other health issues.
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While this is a positive development, there are other potentially overlooked ways to access medical care remotely and use technology to cultivate healthier habits at home. These resources may help encourage whole-person health while reducing the risk of possible exposure to COVID-19 associated with in-person care appointments.
Here are several strategies to consider:
Physical Health: Nearly three-quarters (73%)[1] of employers offer health and wellness programs, including some with virtual resources that help prevent or better manage certain chronic conditions (such as diabetes or obesity) that may be risk factors for complications related to COVID-19.[2] People can check with their employer or health plan for virtual programs that provide personalized, interactive online weight loss support aimed at motivating individuals to improve their nutrition and get active. With many gyms and other exercise facilities currently closed, at-home support programs are increasingly valuable. Plus, people may consider telephonic programs to connect with a licensed counselor to help address various issues, including family and marriage difficulties, alcohol or substance misuse, and depression or stress.
Eye Health: People should also take note of their eye health while spending more time at home, in part because of the link between screen use and digital eye strain.[3] Research shows the prolonged use of computers and smartphones may cause symptoms such as headache or sore neck, shoulder or back.[4] To help prevent these symptoms, people should consider keeping computer screens at least 30 inches away from their eyes, resting their eyes every 20 minutes, and blinking frequently to avoid dry eyes.[5] People may consider prescription glasses that help filter “blue light,” which is emitted by digital devices and may contribute to eye strain.[6] Also, for the 150 million Americans who use corrective eyewear,[7] online retailers enable people to order glasses from the comfort of their homes, in some cases offering “virtual mirrors” or apps that allow users to extract their prescription from their current glasses.
Dental Health: With many dentist offices postponing routine cleanings during the COVID-19 emergency, people should consider focusing on recommended at-home hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice a day for two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste, daily flossing, the use of an alcohol-free mouthwash a tongue scraper, and water flosser. The recent emergence of “teledentistry” may also help people access dental advice and guidance to care, in part to avoid often unnecessary emergency room visits[8] for oral health concerns. And, because many social events are also being postponed, now may be the time for people to improve their smiles. Teledentistry may enable people to straighten their teeth without the need for an in-person dental appointment, using direct-to-consumer clear aligners that offer improved convenience and savings for orthodontic care.
Hearing Health: There are also online resources that may be helpful for the estimated 48 million Americans with some degree of hearing loss,[9] a condition that may be linked to depression, dementia and increased risk of falls. People initially can use free online screeners if they suspect signs of hearing loss but are not ready for an in-person hearing test. For people who have previously had a hearing test – but have not yet moved forward with treatment – home-delivery options may make it more convenient and affordable to order hearing aids without an in-person appointment with a health care professional.
With a greater focus for many people on practicing healthier habits to help maintain or improve well-being during these challenging times, considering these tips and remote care strategies may prove beneficial amid the COVID-19 emergency, and in the future.
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[1] U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2016, https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/022436_labr_wellness_report_opt.pdf
[2] Centers for Disease control and Prevention, 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html
[3] The Vision Council, 2020, https://www.thevisioncouncil.org/content/digital-eye-strain
[4] American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2019, https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/protect-your-eyes-from-too-much-screen-time
[5] American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2020, https://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/protecting-your-vision/computer-vision-syndrome
[6] Prevent Blindness, 2020, https://www.preventblindness.org/blue-light-and-your-eyes
[7] American Academy of Ophthalmology, https://www.aao.org/newsroom/eye-health-statistics
[8] International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 2017, https://academic.oup.com/intqhc/article/29/5/642/4085442
[9] Hearing Loss Association of America, 2018, https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/HLAA_HearingLoss_Facts_Statistics.pdf?pdf=FactStats

author: Dr. Nicole Brady


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Wellness-Resources.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
June 9, 2020

author: Name *


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Post from Community: Rotary Club donates $20,000 to fight COVID-related food insecurity in Johnsons Park neighborhood | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Rotary Club of Milwaukee
June 11, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee (the Club) today announced plans to distribute $20,000 across five local organizations combating food insecurity in the Johnsons Park neighborhood – a neighborhood of focus for the Club.
In the wake of COVID-19 and with in-person Rotarian meetings on hold, the Club made the decision early on to repurpose funds typically used to provide meals at meetings to help local organizations provide food and support to the community in this challenging time.
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“In the face of global struggle, we want to use the resources we have to help serve those struggling in our community,” said Rotary Club of Milwaukee President Steve Chevalier. “The selected organizations have all stepped up to provide food and relief in this challenging time, and we’re honored to play a part in furthering their efforts.”
The Club selected the following five organizations to receive financial support, addressing a range of projects and needs:
Alice’s Gardens will receive $5,000 to help meet the increased demand for garden plots and local fresh food;
Fondy Food will receive $5,000, which will provide dollar-for-dollar matching funds to people participating in food share programs with fresh produce, doubling a family’s access to fresh, nutritious food;
Tandem will receive $5,000 to continue partnerships with local restaurants to provide free food to anyone in need;
St. Ann Center will receive $2,500 to provide food for participants in the intergenerational and adult day care programming; and
House of Peace will receive $2,500 for its emergency food pantry services in the Johnsons Park area.
These organizations were selected based on criteria set forth by the Club to maximize impact in the community. The criteria includes the following:
Recipient organization’s mission addresses food insecurity in the local community, in the effort to achieve “food symmetry” from the Club table to the community’s table;
Activities and projects directly benefit people living in the Johnsons Park Neighborhood;
Organization is adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the community as we move through different stages of the pandemic;
Organization has a clear impact that lifts up dignity of those involved;
Organization has demonstrated need, where a gift of this size makes a noticeable difference; and
Gift will cause a ripple effect and make an impact beyond one organization.
Since March, the Rotary Club of Milwaukee has also made donations totaling $13,500 to Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin and Progressive Community Health Centers to help bring COVID-19 testing to the community.
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About the Rotary Club of Milwaukee
The Rotary Club of Milwaukee brings together and informs leaders who, together, take action to create lasting change – in the Milwaukee community, across the globe and in ourselves.
RCM is part of the effort to transform the neglected Johnsons Park area into an urban green space that meets the needs of neighbors and community groups in the historic Lindsay Heights neighborhood. RCM contributed $200,000 and led the fundraising effort for the Greater Johnsons Park Initiative, valued at more than $3 million. The Johnsons Park area is a greener, safer place for healthy recreation, arts and community gatherings that will contribute to a higher quality of life for its neighbors.
For more information, visit www.milwaukeerotary.com.

author: Rotary Club of Milwaukee


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5 things to do and know the weekend of June 12 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 12, 2020
Those facing housing challenges can get help through the Milwaukee County Housing Division, which received $10 million of the county’s allocated CARES Act funding. (File photo by Aaron Maybin)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about.
If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Housing help for Milwaukee County residents
Milwaukee County residents who are facing a housing crisis can get help through the Milwaukee County Housing Division, which received $10 million of the county’s allocated CARES Act funding. The money will be used to provide resources on eviction prevention, housing acquisition and mortgage assistance. Milwaukee County is working with Community Advocates, Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee and Legal Action of Wisconsin, among others. For help, contact the Community Advocates Rental Housing Resource Center at 414-270-4646.
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2. City of Milwaukee business Restart Grants deadline: Friday, June 12
The City of Milwaukee’s Restart program is offering grants to small businesses in response to COVID-19. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 12. Businesses are eligible for up to $15,000 to cover the purchase of personal protective equipment, the cost of modifications and the restocking of perishable inventory. For additional resources from the City of Milwaukee, click here.
3. Carvd N Stone emergency entrepreneurial grant: Friday, June 12
Carvd N Stone is offering a $1,200 emergency grant to a Milwaukee entrepreneur. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 12. Entrepreneurs must be a resident of the City of Milwaukee, between the ages of 17 to 28 and a full-time/part-time entrepreneur.
4. Sit-in for justice and change: Saturday, June 13
Ty Jackson and local faith leaders are hosting a sit-in for justice from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at 2375 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. Anyone is welcome to join. The sit-in is for people who cannot physically march or need social distancing. Participants are asked to bring their own chair and sign.
5. The Milwaukee County Zoo is reopening: Saturday, June 13
The Milwaukee County Zoo is reopening Saturday, June 13 to a limited number of guests. All guests ages 3 and up are required to wear a mask. At this time, only outdoor exhibits will be open.
Bonus: Civil Rights mural featuring Milwaukee organizers and leaders: Saturday, June 13
Milwaukee artists are being called upon to help paint a Civil Rights Mural in the alley between North Locust and East Holton streets. Painting will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. The mural will feature Milwaukee organizers and leaders and include powerful quotes. This is a volunteer effort. If someone wishes to depict a specific Civil Rights leader, they are asked to make a comment on the event page and show up early.
Bonus: The latest coronavirus coverage from NNS
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporters are hard at work bringing readers up-to-date information regarding coronavirus. Stay informed on coronavirus by following us on our Facebook page and subscribing to our daily newsletter. All coronavirus related articles can be found on this landing page. If you have a question or concern about coronavirus, send them in our way. We’re here to serve you.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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Views from the frontlines: Looking back at two weeks of daily protest in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
June 12, 2020
This gallery has been updated to correct attribution on the photographer of the image featuring Broderick ‘Montell Infiniti Ross’ Pearson.
For the past two weeks, streets throughout Milwaukee neighborhoods have come alive with daily protests. Marchers have been galvanized by outrage from the police killing of George Floyd, as well as the death of Joel Acevedo by a police officer and other local police incidents.
This gallery compiles images and captions from community members, sampling some of the remarkable scenes that have unfolded in our city.
Participating photographers are Shalina Ali, Ryan Berg, Quinn Clark, Allison Dikanovic, Rome Gandelsman, Samer Ghani, Chania Johnson, Eric Kleppe-Montenegro, Juan Miguel Martinez, Camille Mays, Pat A. Robinson, Jeff Roman, Zech Simmons, Wes Tank and Sue Vliet.
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author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


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5 things to do and know the week of June 15 in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 15, 2020
Safe & Sound is hosting a virtual Juneteenth on Friday. In 1971, Milwaukee celebrated its first Juneteenth Day, and the celebration has continued to grow. (File photo by Sue Vliet)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some things we think you should know about as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by .
1. Vegan Soul popup at Alice’s Garden
In celebration of Juneteenth Week, Vegan Soul is having a popup at Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. The menu is entirely vegan and celebrates the food heritage and culture of African Americans. ordersFor CashApp, pay to $ZCourtney and for PayPal, pay to vegansoulful@gmail.com. For additional information call 414-526-9329.
2. Rally to end contracts between MPS and MPD: Wednesday, June 17
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Leaders Igniting Transformation is hosting a rally and asking Milwaukee Public Schools to end its contracts with the Milwaukee Police Department. The rally will take place at Milwaukee Public Schools, 5225 W. Vliet St., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17. : Educators push MPS to end contracts with the Milwaukee Police Department.
3. Drive-in movie screening of documentary “13th”
Bounce Milwaukee, 2801 S. 5th Court, is hosting a drive-in movie screening of the documentary “13th” from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the documentary looks at the history of racial inequality with a focus on prisons. Tickets cost $10 and will reserve your parking spot.
4. PSC ends moratorium on utility disconnections
The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin voted last week to end  the moratorium on utility disconnections put in place to protect users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Wednesday, July 15, utilities will be allowed to send disconnection notices, and full disconnections can begin on Saturday, July 25. Utility customers who may have fallen behind on payments should reach out to their utility provider to set up a payment plan or apply for further assistance. If an agreement cannot be reached, customers can contact the PSC directly at 1-800-225-7729 or file a complaint on the PSC website. Customers who have a medical condition or are sick with COVID-19 can still avoid disconnection with a temporary waiver.
5. Safe & Sound’s virtual Juneteenth Day celebration
Safe & Sound is hosting a virtual Juneteenth Day celebration from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 19. The event will take place over Zoom and feature a celebration of history, culture and freedom. There will be music, poetry and dance. Read what Juneteenth Day means to Milwaukee.
The latest coronavirus coverage from NNS
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service reporters are hard at work bringing readers up-to-date information regarding coronavirus. Stay informed by following us on our Facebook page and subscribing to our daily newsletter. All coronavirus related articles can be found on this landing page. If you have a question or concern about coronavirus, send them in our way. We’re here to serve you.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 14, 2020


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NNS on WGLB: Reporter Allison Dikanovic talks about evictions, protests and News414 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
June 15, 2020
(Photo by Adam Carr)
Allison Dikanovic talks with Saryea Murchison and Dennis Walton of WGLB radio about the state of evictions in Milwaukee after Gov. Tony Evers’ ban expired, community members’ responses to George Floyd’s death and our new reader-driven journalism texting service, News414. Its focus is providing resources to equip residents to create a better, and more just and equitable Milwaukee. To try out the service, you can text MILWAUKEE to 73224.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 14, 2020
“NNS Interview JUNE5”.


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OPINION: How the push to abolish police departments could lead to lasting change in America | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Joey Grihalva
June 15, 2020
(Photo provided by Joey Grihalva)
Editor’s note: Have something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
Joey Grihalva is a MPS teacher, writer and author of “Milwaukee Jazz.”
On June 7, a veto-proof majority of the Minneapolis City Council pledged to dismantle their police department and replace it with a new system of public safety.
The dramatic decision—a first for a major American city—was made nearly two weeks after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department, which sparked what may become the largest sustained protest movement since the Civil Rights era.
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A few days prior, in an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Gov. Tony Evers said that police policy needs a major overhaul, but he does not support defunding and abolishing the police. I think he may be wrong. Here is why.
In the summer of 2000, I was 14 years old. One day, I was hanging out on Milwaukee’s East Side with a friend, who is black. It was getting late and we needed to get back home, but we didn’t know where to catch the bus. We were standing on the corner outside of Oakland Gyros when I spotted two police officers walking toward the restaurant.
“Excuse me, officer, do you know where the 60 bus picks up around here?”
No response. Both officers walked right past us. One of them had a smirk on his face.
As innocuous as that “interaction” may have been, it left a lasting impression and made my young mind wonder, “Who do the police protect and serve?”
Television shows and movies tell us that the police protect us from the bad guys, but it has never been that simple.
Before the incident outside of Oakland Gyros, my understanding of police negligence was shaped by the beating of Rodney King. The takeaway from that case was clear enough for a 6-year-old to understand — police can beat a black person within an inch of their life and face no legal repercussions, even if there’s video evidence. The psychological impact of Rodney King has reverberated for generations.
Growing up a white kid with a brown father and a black best friend in Sherman Park, I became hyper aware at an early age of how race is a source of identity and a cultural force. It wasn’t until high school and college that I learned about institutional racism.
That’s when I learned about the intricacies of slavery. I learned about segregation and Jim Crow laws. I learned about the prohibition of interracial marriage. I learned about the Ku Klux Klan and public lynchings, which is to say, I learned about domestic terrorism against black people. I learned how black people were left out of the New Deal and the GI Bill. I learned about redlining and white flight. I learned about the wealth gap. I learned about disparities in public school funding and drug sentencing. I learned about the criminal justice system, the prison-industrial complex, and mass incarceration. I learned about gerrymandering and voter suppression. I learned about implicit bias and double standards.
This knowledge led me to a new question: “Do the police combat institutional racism or do they enforce it?”
The third question I ask myself when thinking about the police and their role in American society is much more fundamental.
“How do you feel when you see a police officer?”
If the answer were the same for every American, if we all agreed that seeing a police officer makes us feel safe, then there would be a strong argument against criticizing the police. But that is simply not the case.
By and large, Americans of color fear the police, especially if the officer is white. There are people of color who refuse to call the police out of fear that upon their arrival, the caller will be mistaken for the perpetrator. That is an irreconcilable relationship.
This is the reality (we hope) the rest of the country (and world) is waking up to since the murder of George Floyd.
Having answered this essential question, let’s take a closer look at the two more specific questions.
To start, let’s consider an incident that occurred recently in the town of Monona, which is near Madison.
On June 2, a young black man named Keonte Furdge, a former football player at Monona Grove High School, was standing on a porch. The porch is connected to a house owned by one of Furdge’s former football coaches. It was the home of the coach’s mother until her recent passing.
Furdge’s former coach had let Toren Young, Furdge’s friend and another former Monona Grove football player, live at the house. Furdge had lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was staying with Young for a few days. Both young men were familiar with the neighborhood from when they did chores for their coach’s mother.
It was about 9 a.m. when Furdge was on the porch talking on his phone. About 20 minutes after he went inside the police showed up. A neighbor, presuming he was an intruder, had called them to investigate.
When the police entered the house, they drew their guns, barked orders and questioned Furdge, who was compliant. Still, the officers handcuffed Furdge and did not lower their weapons until receiving confirmation that he was not an intruder.
Now imagine if Furdge had responded combatively. Imagine if he had a black hair brush in his hand when the police walked in. Imagine if he had a legally licensed firearm. What might have happened then?
We could be hearing “Keonte Furdge” chanted in the streets.
In this situation, who did the police protect and serve? Keonte Furdge or the fearful white neighbor?
It cannot be said enough, that it is not merely the death of George Floyd, or any of the documented deaths of people of color at the hands of the police, it is also the countless incidents like the one in Monona that is fueling this wave of protests, which have brought together people of all ages, abilities, orientations and skin tones.
Since the protests began, a new question has emerged: “If you join the protests, even if you are peaceful, do the police protect and serve you?”
We have seen too many videos and heard too many accounts suggesting they do not. Take the 75-year-old man in Buffalo who was shoved to the ground by police, his head bleeding as other officers callously walk past his body. This is an egregious, well-known example, but there are more.
A cursory reading of American history reveals that police have actively enforced institutional racism. Police are, after all, agents of the state. If the state has a racist law, it is by definition the police’s job to enforce it. Additionally, it was not uncommon for police officers to be members of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups.
We would like to think that things have changed. Yet, at the 2017 ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville, Va., the “Thin Blue Line”’ flag (a symbol of police solidarity) was flown by white supremacists alongside Confederate flags, suggesting they view police as integral to enforcing white supremacy.
As I have learned, racism may not be as overt these days, but it remains in covert, systemic ways. Here is one example.
On June 5, the Milwaukee Common Council held a special meeting to discuss the Milwaukee Police Department’s use of force against protesters and the implementation of a curfew. Police Chief Alfonso Morales was not in attendance, so Assistant Chief Michael Brunson spoke on behalf of MPD.
In one exchange, Ald. Chantia Lewis asked Brunson to explain how peaceful, unarmed protesters can be deemed an “unlawful assembly” and dispersed with tear gas and rubber bullets, while heavily armed protesters at gun rights rallies or the “Re-open the economy” rallies we saw earlier last month are free to walk the streets with military-grade assault rifles.
Brunson reiterated MPD’s stance that no peaceful protests have been met with force. A protest can be deemed an “unlawful assembly” when someone in the crowd “engages in behavior that can put police officers or the public in harm.” That can simply mean one person throwing a water bottle. On the flip side, Brunson said that citizens have a right to carry guns if they are not a felon and have a license.
Lewis asked if his officers approach such people to see if they have a license and to identify whether or not they are a felon. Brunson’s response is telling.
“If you look at the law, as it relates, if there is nothing to indicate that this person is a felon, then we can’t just go and pre-emptively stop individuals who are exercising their right to carry those rifles.”
That is the law, as it pertains to the overwhelmingly white, heavily armed protesters we have seen around this country. They get the benefit of the doubt.
Meanwhile, unarmed people of color are pre-emptively stopped by the police time and time again, with no pretense besides the color of their skin. This is not conjecture, it is well-documented. And in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, disparities in policing social distancing have followed the same racist logic.
Milwaukee’s biggest protest so far took place on June 6. It began at the North Point Water Tower and stopped in the suburbs of Shorewood and Whitefish Bay. One of the organizers, Darius Smith, said it was important for him to take the march into Whitefish Bay because it was there that he experienced two episodes of racial profiling by the police when he was young.
The first time, Smith was driving his car and the second time he was walking down the street. In both cases, a police officer stopped him and asked, “What are you doing here?” In both cases the officer had no conceivable reason to stop Smith. He was simply a black man in Whitefish Bay.
If we could ask those officers why they stopped Smith, I suspect their response would be, “I was just doing my job.”
And that is the problem.
Since the protests began, there has been much talk, both in the streets and online, about defunding and abolishing the police. This is not a new idea. There are organizations that have been researching and advocating the issue for decades. As quickly as the idea to defund the police is gaining traction, it is just as quickly being dismissed as too idealistic and impractical.
So why then has it suddenly entered the mainstream? Maybe because police reform efforts have failed communities of color? Is that not the underlying message of this movement?
During the Milwaukee Common Council meeting, Assistant Chief Brunson looked over the “8 Can’t Wait” reform initiatives that many American cities are calling on their police departments to adopt. Brunson claimed that MPD has most of them already in place, and the others would hinder their ability to do their job.
As a public-school teacher, I can understand not wanting to be micromanaged by an administrative body. However, unlike police officers, as a teacher, I am held to a zero-tolerance standard when it comes to using physical force against my students. Yet Brunson and the MPD want credit for the “great restraint” they have shown during this time.
Please. I have had things thrown at me in the classroom, and I have been able to resist using retaliatory physical force every single time. I wish I could say the same about the police.
Before you say, “Well, those are children, police deal with adults,” let me inform you that police have pepper sprayed, tear gassed and shot rubber bullets at children and teenagers all over this country in the past three weeks alone. Also, let us remember that Tamir Rice, who was shot and killed by a Cleveland police officer in 2014 for having a toy gun, was 12 years old.
The fact is that the police do not want to be reformed. Their unions have fought tooth and nail against such efforts.
Look at what happened in the aftermath of the senior citizen being shoved to the ground in Buffalo. The two officers involved were suspended. Then 57 of their fellow officers resigned from the emergency response team, not because of the conduct of the two officers, but because of the fact that they faced repercussions. This is abhorrent and indicative of how resistant police are to accountability.
Not only are the police unwilling to reform or self-correct, they fabricate reports to cover up their abuse. It happened in the George Floyd case (police falsely claimed he was resisting arrest) and it happened in the Buffalo incident (police falsely claimed the old man tripped). We can only imagine how many times police have lied when there wasn’t video evidence to set the record straight.
In his interview with the Journal Sentinel, Evers claimed that “most law enforcement are in the profession for the right reason.” Anyone who is critical of the police has heard a version of this response. But the existence of “good cops” doesn’t account for a bad system and a toxic culture.
One of my favorite “sad but true” tweets from the past couple of weeks goes something like this, “Defunding the police seems like a radical idea until you realize we’ve been defunding education for decades.”
The fact is that police budgets are excessive while other social sectors are underfunded. Just look at the expensive riot gear police have been wearing compared to what health care workers have had to work with during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As such, we should start by divesting public money from the police and investing it in institutions and initiatives that address the root causes of crime, namely education, mental health, poverty, homelessness and drug abuse.
We tried a similar approach in the 1960s and 1970s with the War on Poverty, but the political winds changed, Ronald Reagan became president, and it was abandoned. A turbo-charged War on Drugs took its place, ravaging communities of color in the process. We cannot let history repeat itself.
I must acknowledge that there is an elephant in the room, pun intended.
If it is this hard to convince a Democratic governor to defund the police, how can we expect the other side to even listen? After all, they either don’t believe that racism is a problem and that police abuse their power, or they welcome police abuse toward people of color.
To be honest, I don’t have an answer to that question. Nor do I pretend to know exactly how a world without police would operate. But I do know that their place in the public imagination has been wildly inflated by their portrayal in Hollywood. I know that instead of alleviating the inequities faced by communities of color, the police exacerbate those inequities. I know that reform efforts have not worked. And I know that, as The Guardian points out, the tragic irony of the recent protests about police brutality is that they have been met with waves of police brutality.
In the three decades since the exoneration of the officers who beat Rodney King, there have been far too many acquittals of killer cops. Let’s not hold our breath for the outcome of the George Floyd case. Let’s shift the paradigm.
Now is the time to start the process of abolishing the police. This is not something that will happen overnight. It will not work unless we also dismantle systemic racism across the board. But it is a logical solution to the public health crisis of racism.
There will be those that say abolition is a distraction from larger institutional issues like the laws and judges that disproportionately send black people to prison, or the educational systems that fail to teach black children. They will say that the police merely enforce and uphold an unjust, racist system, so if we get rid of the police we will be left with the same system and all its ramifications.
There will also be those that say conservatives will use this call to abolish the police as a cudgel to thwart incremental electoral gains in the coming election.
Let them say what they will say. I believe that this call and the momentum behind it are not a distraction. This is an opportunity.
In this moment of national reckoning, abolishing the police can be the opening act to a radical reimagining of society. If we dismantle law enforcement as we know it, we will have no choice but to work together to create a more just, equitable and peaceful society.
America can no longer afford to ignore its history. If we continue to look away from the sins of our past, we are doomed to repeat them.

author: Joey Grihalva


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JOEY | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 14, 2020


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OPINION: An open letter to White America from ‘an angry black woman with a bone to pick’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Michaela Lacy
June 16, 2020
This is a photo of my family marching in 1981. They are holding a picture of my late uncle Ernest Lacy who was killed by Milwaukee police. (Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Journal Sentinel files)
Editor’s note: Have something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
Michaela Lacy is a youth advocate, writer and educator in the city of Milwaukee, as well as community connector and volunteer coordinator for Ex Fabula, looking to create change in the city and challenge power structures.
I always find it profoundly interesting hearing white folks say they love this country. My mind does mental gymnastics trying to figure out which aspect of the country they are referring to.
I have spent 20 years of my life trying to maintain this toxic relationship I have with America. This has to be the unhealthiest arranged marriage I’ve ever witnessed: my black body and the systems of the United States. I am in a domestic violence partnership that is almost impossible to leave. As long as I continue to exist as a black woman, I will always be in danger here.
Amid the current events taking place right outside my Riverwest door, I hang my head in great shame. I am torn between protecting my body from the harsh effects of COVID-19 and protecting my people in the midst of the uprising.
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My heart wants to feel the warmth of fire flames attempting to burn this country to the ground. My body wants to crawl into a hole with a cup of tea and a pack of wet wipes. This dilemma leaves me mentally stagnant and hinders me from enjoying my day. I am more at war with myself than I have ever been, and every decision I make is made with intention and turmoil.
I find myself shutting off my phone to avoid seeing images of my people with knees in their necks, only to find myself right back on social media to stay in the loop. This is how I felt every time I am informed about racist police brutality in America.
I come from a lineage of folk who have been harassed, abused and even murdered by the hands of police. My brother’s name is homage to my uncle Ernest Lacy, who died with a knee in his back and fear in his heart. Every day, I live in fear of history repeating itself with my little brother. Nearly 40 years later, and my brother still risks dying in police custody. It is this feeling alone that will never let me love America. It is that feeling alone that motivates me to continue to stand with the looters, rioters and protesters walking the streets of my city.
Racist white America could never understand the feelings that run through my body daily. Just weeks ago, I found myself in bed one night with the powerful urge to purchase a camera. I thought to myself, “I don’t have enough pictures of my loved ones. What if one of them dies suddenly and I have no images to remember them by?” Why do I have to think this way? Why do I have to be afraid I won’t have enough time with my loved ones to create sustainable memories?
White America, I am done with you. I am done handing you history lessons as you spit your hatred into my teary eyes. I do not owe you my story. If you cannot understand why my people are outside your door filled with rage and yearn, pick up a history book or turn on the news. White people are lucky that black and brown people are looking for equality and not revenge.
For all the black people feeling tired, enraged, broken, defeated and unheard: I hear you, see you, and love you. This revolution is personal. Communal, yes, but always personal. Each individual is fighting collectively for themselves as individuals. America, I refuse to love you until you do better.
Signed,
An angry black woman with a bone to pick.

author: Michaela Lacy


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 15, 2020


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Reporter’s Notebook: ‘I hope to connect, serve and celebrate Milwaukee communities’: Introducing Princess Safiya Byers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
June 16, 2020
Hello. I am Princess Safiya Byers, a new reporter at the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
I was born and raised in Milwaukee. I love the city. And I love its neighborhoods.
I have spent the last four years at Marquette University, where I studied Journalism and Africana Studies. I have known since middle school that I wanted to work in journalism, but Marquette is where I learned journalism as a service.
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I originally decided to study journalism because I enjoy telling peoples stories. I still do, but I have learned that sharing and understanding each other’s stories helps connect people and communities.
Throughout college, I worked as an intern for NNS as well as at a local nonprofit, where I served youth and their families by providing resources, planning activities and managing data.
My educational experiences and my work at the Milwaukee Community Journal over the past few summers and my experience as an intern this year at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel have confirmed that I want to be a journalist who serves democracy by covering issues important to the community.
I hope to connect, serve and celebrate Milwaukee communities.
I am excited to share your stories.

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


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‘I need this country to be better for my children’: Milwaukee mothers rally for racial justice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
June 16, 2020
Mothers gather outside the District 7 police station for a “Mad Moms” rally. (Photo by Bridget Fogarty)
Darrian “Dee-Dee” Davis, a Lincoln Creek resident, first talked to her son about police brutality when he was 3 years old and saw a news clip of a man being killed by officers.
So when protests began to engulf Milwaukee and other cities across the nation after the death of George Floyd, she knew she had to participate. And she wanted her son, who is now 8, to join in as well.
She quickly discovered the larger protests were not kid friendly. The youth-led marches created challenges as well because they  were not “mama friendly” because participants moved too fast, she said.
What Milwaukee needed, Davis decided, was a space for mothers and their children to protest. On Friday night, Milwaukee mothers turned out in full force outside District 7 of the Milwaukee Police Department on West Fond Du Lac Avenue.
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Mothers of all ages and races sat in front of the precinct for two hours.
“Regardless of the circumstances, all mothers can relate to each other because we all want what is best for our children,” Davis said. “And I want them to see us united.”
Maria Hamilton, the mother of Dontre Hamilton, who was shot and killed by a Milwaukee police officer in 2014, attended the protest.
Mothers from across the area came together Friday during the “Mad Moms” protest to call for an end to police brutality. (Photo by Bridget Fogarty)
“Before the death of Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown or George Floyd, there was the death of Dontre Hamilton here in our own city,” she said. “What took you all so long to get mad?”
Since her son’s death, Hamilton founded Mothers for Justice United, which advocates for and supports mothers who have lost children because of violence.
‘I am devastated’
Sandy Williams, a Menomonee Falls resident, has a 22-year-old son and a 14-year-old daughter.
“Every time I see these murders on the news, I am devastated,” she said.
Friday’s “Mad Moms” protest was the first such event Williams has been able to attend.
“I am here not because I want to be, but because I need this country to be better for my children,” Williams said.
Emily Schoenfelder, a Riverwest resident and mother who attended the protest, came with supplies to make posters as well as food and drinks for the crowd.
“As parents we have a responsibility to educate our children,” she said. “Not only for their sake but for the sake of those they will cross paths with.”
Dasha Kelly Hamilton shared her experience with other moms.
“My daughter is all grown up now and has been attending protests the past few weeks,” said Milwaukee’s poet laureate.  “My child stood with your child, and the police tear-gassed the peaceful crowd. They gassed my baby.”
She urged the mothers to have real talks on race with their children.
“Santa Claus and the tooth fairy – you handled those great,” she said. “Now tell these truths to.”
Added Kelly Hamilton: “Mama power ain’t new. What’s new is all these moms here together.”


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Mental health experts see rise in cases as pandemic, protests create anxiety | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
June 17, 2020
Mental health experts say they are seeing a surge in cases. “The stress of the pandemic, coupled with everything else, may have pushed people into behaviors that are not healthy,” says Crystal Simpson, manager of the Behavioral Health Clinic at Outreach Community Health Centers.
Shannon Boone is used to being mindful about her mental health. The 48-year-old goes to therapy once a week to deal with anxiety and depression.
But COVID-19 has created challenges she’s never faced before.
Working from home was tough as was adjusting to a life of minimal face-to-face interactions, something she’s cherished in her role as director of real estate development for the nonprofit Layton Boulevard West Neighbors. During online Zoom meetings with her co-workers she cried.
“Most everyone else has the chance to process their thoughts with someone before they went to bed or had dinner,” Boone said. “I was processing things with them because they were almost the only ones I talked to.”
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Boone is far from alone in her struggles. According to data from the Household Pulse Survey, 26.7 percent of those surveyed in Wisconsin reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder over the past seven days, compared to 30.6 percent for all Americans. The U.S. Census Bureau and the National Center for Health Statistics created the survey to track weekly changes in mental health, among other subjects.
When broken down by race, 32 percent of Hispanics and 33.8 percent of Blacks reported symptoms of anxiety or depression between May 28 and June 2, the week large-scale protests related to George Floyd’s death broke out across the nation.
“We recognize that this is an important and emotional time,” said Crystal Simpson, manager of the Behavioral Health Clinic at Outreach Community Health Centers, 210 W. Capitol Drive. “The stress of the pandemic, coupled with everything else, may have pushed people into behaviors that are not healthy.”
Madia “Cyn” Norton was diagnosed with depression in her 20s. “Don’t give up and utilize any resources that are put into their path, because you never know what is going to help you,” she advises. (Photo provided by Madia “Cyn” Norton)
Creating artwork, dancing, cooking healthy meals and staying active on social media helped Madia “Cyn” Norton, 40, ride out the initial stages of the pandemic. But for Norton, who was diagnosed with depression in her 20s and has leaned on spirituality to stabilize her life in recent years, things suddenly changed.
“I remember the day that it shifted. I just felt lost,” said Norton, who worked as a sexual health educator until being laid off during the pandemic. “I could barely move and couldn’t eat for days.”
Simmone Kilgore, a mental health specialist and trauma therapist who works with domestic violence victims through Aurora Health Care’s Healing and Advocacy Services and as a consultant for the Milwaukee Health Department’s Office of Violence Prevention, said many of her clients are struggling.
“When things change like that and we feel like we lose control, we tend to feel angry or anxious,” Kilgore said. “You throw in job loss, fear of getting sick, isolation and the uncertainty of what will happen next and people are overwhelmed.”
Both Kilgore and Simpson have treated patients during the pandemic via Zoom, although both have seen patients in-person as well. Simpson said she tries to help patients become aware their triggers are and create healthy plans to manage them.
“It’s definitely something we can support through therapeutic sessions,” said Simpson, whose clinic does not require insurance, charges on a sliding scale and provides benefits specialists to work with patients.
Kilgore said she encourages individuals to utilize meditation techniques related to mindfulness.
“It’s really about being in the moment as much as you can and being thankful and grateful about where you are without overthinking the next day,” Kilgore said.
Boone and Norton have been coping in different ways. Boone walks two miles daily with her neighbor, watches less TV and continues her therapy. As for Norton, the protests have had an empowering effect on her.
“It’s never felt so good to be a black woman and to feel like you can express and have a voice,” she said.
Norton said another thing that’s helped is the realization that she’s not going through this alone.
She offers this advice to others.
“Don’t give up and utilize any resources that are put into their path, because you never know what is going to help you,” she said.

author: Edgar Mendez


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Madia2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 16, 2020


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 16, 2020


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Causey’s Career Corner: Don’t neglect your mental health as you search for jobs | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Damia S. Causey
June 17, 2020
Deavon Collins, a mental health substance abuse counselor and community liaison, gives her take on how we can best navigate our ever-changing normal and careers.
Q: Over 30 million Americans have experienced layoffs, furloughs or lost their employment permanently. What are some coping techniques you can offer to help keep us grounded during such a tumultuous time?
A: I would first encourage one to stay positive as much as they can. Layoffs aren’t personal, although it may feel like they are. Explore all options as far as unemployment pay and health insurance. Be open for resources that can help you and don’t let pride get in the way. I would also say explore your talents that could possibly offer an income stream. Focus on a plan for the career that you want to have not just the job you lost. Set some realistic job goals and finally update your resume and review employment search engines and apply, apply, apply.
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Q: The state of our country at this time can be quite traumatizing. We are constantly inundated with videos of people being killed or harmed, racist attacks like being spit on and violence. What can we do to protect ourselves from being overwhelmed?
(Photo provided by Deavon Collins)
A: Limit your time on social media as well as watching TV. Get outside and take a walk. These times can cause anxiety, irritability, depression and anger. Be kind to yourself. Process your feelings with a loved one or schedule a therapy session. Getting enough rest and staying hydrated are important while things are “heavy” right now.
Q: There tends to be a lot of red tape when it comes to accessing mental health services. What are some efficient ways people can get connected to resources quickly? Are there any free services people can seek to help them during these times?
A: There are several resources for free mental health services via toll free hotlines, Zoom meetings, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24-hour disaster distress helpline for clients during these uncertain times. English: 800-985-5990; Spanish: 800-985-5990 (select option 2); deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, can call their TTY line at 800-846-8517 or text TalkWithUS to 66746. More info can be found here. The Behavioral Health Division has a crisis line at 414-257-7222 and Impact Services can be reached by dialing 2-1-1 for many resources.
Q: Have you seen an uptick in people seeking mental health treatment since COVID-19 and the protests began?
A: I have seen reminders to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It’s OK to talk about what one may be experiencing on various social media platforms, but these platforms are where some of the negative images are displayed. These past few months of COVID and the past 10-plus days of protesting makes it even more important not to forget to wear protective gear. Wear masks, wash your hands or use sanitizer, wash your clothes after you come in after a protest. COVID-19 has not gone away. I pray that everyone takes heed of that message and seek counseling or use resources that can aid one with processing their feelings. I truly believe that the stigma behind seeking treatment for mental health is slowly going away.
Q: With a record number of people filing for unemployment benefits, what can job seekers do to maintain good mental health?
A: Keep a good support system around. Reach out to love ones, via telephone, FaceTime, Skype or have Zoom family meetings. Explore things that you once loved to do and have not had time to do. I always recommend the best six doctors, which are: Sunshine. Water. Rest. Air. Exercise. And diet.
Q: Experts say during COVID-19, people should limit their alcohol consumption. Why do people want to drink more during these times?
A: The pandemic is making people feel anxious and some people may try to numb their feelings with alcohol or other substances. It’s a struggle for people who don’t have a problem with alcohol, as well as those who want to stay sober and maintain their sobriety. If you are struggling with alcohol or other substances, there are many online meetings and resources. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Q: For people who want to participate in some form of protest besides marching, what other things could they do to feel a part of the movement?
A: Volunteering to clean up after a protest, mentor someone, donate money to a cause, VOTE, make phone calls, send emails, post positive messages or Black history facts on social media, read a book on the movement or watch a movie. Be the VOICE for your family. This can be a difficult conversation but monumental at the same time. Let’s not forget meditation and prayer work as well.
Q: There’s a blanket of distrust when it comes to people of color seeking mental health services, and some studies say black men are the worst at seeking help. As an African American therapist, how do you go about dispelling the myths and building community relationships to get more individuals to seek services?
A: Systemically there have been a cultural mistrust of health providers when it comes to African American men. There is a need to build a therapeutic alliance that can actually preserve African American men’s identity as well as their masculinity when it comes to their overall health. Building the community is necessary and in Milwaukee there’s a group of African American Mental Health and substance abuse therapists that have made themselves visible and more that are up and coming. We are becoming more visible so that the community is aware that there are therapists that look like them and understands the culture.
Q. Leave us with the top three things we can do as we navigate our current reality.
A. 1. Take care of yourself. (Social distancing, wash your hands, get rest, eat healthy food, and exercise.)
2. Limit your intake of too much news and social media. Especially the negative news. (meditate for 10 minutes a day, listen to music, download a stress relieving app)
3. Practice random acts of kindness. (Write a letter, send flowers to a family member, leave a thank you note for your postal worker. Write a positive comment on a colleague or friends LinkedIn post or endorse a skill for them). Finally, smile. It’s contagious.

author: Damia S. Causey


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Post from Community: Shalem Healing and Bader Philanthropies teaming up again for free COVID-19 nasal & blood testing | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bader Philanthropies, Inc
June 17, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Shalem Healing will be offering FREE walk-up and drive-up COVID-19 nasal & blood testing on Wednesday, June 17th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the Bader parking lot at 3300 N. Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. No appointment is needed and those seeking a test do not need to be showing symptoms. Those wishing to be tested should enter the parking lot via N. 5th St. The tests are being conducted by Shalem Healing.
No one will be turned away while tests are available, but tests are limited. The nasal & blood testing are FREE. Proper social distancing and precautions will be in effect to ensure safety.
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What: FREE COVID-19 nasal & blood testing at Bader Philanthropies, Inc.
When: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Wednesday, June 17th
Where: 3300 N. Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. (parking lot)

author: Bader Philanthropies, Inc


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COVID-Testing-Flyer-6.17.2020.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 12, 2020


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Milwaukee County on pace to surpass overdose record again in 2020 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
June 18, 2020
Milwaukee County is well on pace to surpass last year’s record high of 418 overdose deaths.
The first drug overdose victim in May was just 21 years old.
A mixed-race female, she died from a combination of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid; tramadol, a painkiller; and the designer drug Flualprazolam.
Over the course of the next six days, there would be 16 more cases similar to hers: People found dead or dying in locales across the city— the faces of a drug overdose tally on pace to shatter last year’s record high of 418 in Milwaukee County.
According to data provided on June 11 by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, there were 192 confirmed drug overdose deaths from January 1 to March 19, with 62 more probable cases pending toxicology tests. The office recorded 153 overdose deaths through June 11 of last year.
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The victims this year have been diverse: 105 were white, 55 Black, 25 Hispanic, four mixed-race, two Native American and one Asian American. Eighty percent of the deaths involved opioids, and 68 percent were tied to fentanyl.
The victims lived in all reaches of the city, although 10 or more each called neighborhoods in the ZIP codes 53204, 53206, 53212, 53215, 53218 and 53219 home.
The pace of deaths has been disturbingly steady: 39 in January, 45 in February, 40 each in March and April, and 28 deaths through May 19.  The city’s hotspot continues to be the South Side, with 19 fatal overdoses  occurring in 53204 and 20 in the adjoining 53215 ZIP code.
Rafael Mercado, founder of Team HAVOC, a group that conducts needle cleanups and trainings on how to administer Narcan, a drug used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, said the South Side has long been a haven for drug activity.
“Many in the community stay blind and hush about what goes on out of fear of arrest by ICE or of retaliation by those using and/or selling the substances,” said Mercado, who also is the co-founder of  MKE Heroin Diaries, a Facebook page devoted to increasing awareness and providing resources about opioids.
The pandemic has left many who struggle with substance abuse out of work, with limited resources and hope, effectively creating roadblocks to recovery, said Michelle Jaskulski, senior director of faith and family programs for the Washington, D.C.-based Addiction Policy Forum.
“Unemployment, having constant stress and triggers while not being able to access group meetings or counseling have come together like the perfect storm,” said Jaskulski, who became involved in the movement after her two sons struggled with addiction.
The Addiction Policy Forum recently conducted a national pilot study to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on individuals with substance-use disorder and found that more than one-third experienced disruptions to treatment or recovery services, and 4 percent reported that an overdose had occurred since the beginning of the pandemic. Twenty percent of respondents reported increased substance use.
Locally, Mercado said he’s seen an uptick in families who have reached out to ask about signs of substance abuse and with questions about Narcan.
“The added stress of parenting, behavioral health issues and other underlying factors have created a need for one to use illicit substances as a temporary reprieve from it all,” he said.
The impact of the coronavirus on the ongoing drug crisis prompted U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin to help lead an effort to request federal funds aimed at preventing the addiction crisis from worsening.
Some additional help to address the epidemic in Milwaukee is on the way. On June 11, the City of Milwaukee Health Department announced a $500,000 grant extension from the National Association of City County Health Officials to implement local overdose prevention strategies. Coupled with a previous grant from the association, it increased the total amount of funds to $1.35 million. Some of those funds will support an expansion of the Milwaukee Overdose Response Initiative, a pilot program originally launched on the South Side.
The program, a collaboration between the health department, the Milwaukee Fire Department and other community partners, involves having peer counselors ride with paramedics six days a week to talk to people who overdosed but were resuscitated, said Ald. Michael Murphy, who co-sponsored the program.
“This positive development is needed to further combat the devastation that the opioid epidemic has caused to Milwaukee communities,”  Murphy said in a statement.
With no end to the pandemic in sight, help can’t come soon enough for the growing number of active users, said Jaskulski, whose organization created a free app to support people in recovery during COVID-19.
“The pandemic and the epidemic are kind of feeding into each other, and creating a vicious cycle of addiction and death,” she said. “This is a desperate time and many communities are at risk.”


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 17, 2020


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Post from Community: BBB Tips: Supporting civil rights charities | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Better Business Bureau
June 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Many donors are motivated to give in response to the protest movement addressing racial justice issues. So, we thought we would provide tips to help you make wise giving decisions regarding charities addressing civil rights, free speech, legal rights and related topics.
We also have included a starter list of BBB Accredited Charities (i.e., charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability) that appear to work in such areas. We hope these tips will help you give with greater confidence to charities of your choice.Find if they have a clear plan
Consider looking beyond the organization’s name and website graphics and find out if they are clear about their planned use for solicited funds. Be careful about organizations that provide detailed descriptions of problems or set high financial goals “we want to raise $10 million” but provide vague or spare explanations about how they will address the issues.
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Look for details when appeals are highly emotional
Almost all charity appeals have an emotional component that inspires donors to give. Use caution, however, if you find the heart-wrenching approach is used to an excessive extent and the content has a lack of details about the organization plans to address its mission. Before reacting, look for additional information about how the charity will carry out is programs and services.
Review the track record of experienced charities
Charities with significant experience in addressing civil rights and related matters can provide an additional degree of assurance. They have a track record that you can review such as annual reports, financial statements and the financial form filed with the IRS – Form 990. They also may have developed skills and activities that have proven to be effective. If you don’t see a charity report on Give.org or BBB.org, information such as a charity’s tax status and  IRS Form 990 may be available at apps.irs.gov/app/eos
Newly established groups are more difficult to vet
Charities that are newly established can provide an element of excitement and potential for creative ideas, but they are harder to check out, especially if have not completed their first full fiscal year. A financial statement or annual report will not yet be available. If a donor wants to consider supporting a new group, see if their website includes: (a) a clear description of their program service activities, (b) a plan that identifies how much they want to raise and explains how they plan to spend it, and (c) a board roster that identifies the professional affiliations of board members. A donor in the U.S. also may want to ask to see a copy of their IRS Form 1023, the application form for their charity tax-exempt status.
Check their social media
Review the charity’s social media to get up to date information on their activities, especially if you are interested in how they are responding to current issues.
Direct support or redistribution
Some charities raise funds for activities that they will carry out directly. Others may be collecting funds with the intention of re-distributing money to other organizations that will carry out the work. While you can support either organization, you may want to verify the type of charity you are considering. You always have the option of “cutting out the middle man” by directly supporting charities “with boots on the ground.”
Check with state charity officials
In about 40 states, charities are required to register before soliciting, usually with either the office of the attorney general or office of the secretary of state.
Not all soliciting groups are charities
Not all nonprofit organizations that are soliciting you for donations about civil rights and related matters are charities, tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is okay to support other groups with the understanding that your contribution may not be deductible as a charitable donation for federal income tax purposes.
Crowdfunding cautions
While charities can be vetted, it is much more difficult to assess the trustworthiness of individuals who have posted a request for assistance. As a result, it is safest to give to crowdfunding postings of people you personally know. Some crowdfunding platforms do a better job of vetting postings and projects that appear on their site than others. Review the site’s description of its procedures. If they do take precautions, they generally announce that fact loudly to help encourage giving. If a crowdfunding posting is claiming to be helping a specific named individual or family, donors in the U.S. generally cannot take a federal income tax deduction, even if the individual or family is in need. Vague descriptions of how the collected funds will be used should also be a yellow caution light.
BBB Accredited Charities addressing racial justice as well as other civil rights, free speech, and/or legal issues
Below is a list of soliciting charities that meet the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability (i.e., are BBB Accredited.) Some of them are nationally soliciting charities evaluated by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Others are regionally-soliciting charities evaluated by the BBB Foundation of Metropolitan New York.  There is no charge to charities for the accreditation assessment and reports are available to the public on Give.org or BBB.org.
ACLU Foundation
Advocates for Children of New York
African Services Committee
Amnesty International
Arab-American Family Support Center
Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
Center for Constitutional Rights
Children’s Defense Fund
Children’s Rights
Chinese-American Planning Council
Demos
Equality Florida Institute
Erase Racism
Her Justice
Human Rights Watch
Immigration Equality
Latino Justice PRLDF
Legal Action Center
Legal Aid Society
Muslim Advocates
NAACP
National Immigration Forum
National Urban League
Native American Rights Fund
Pro Bono Net
Resist
SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders
The Arc
The Sikh Coalition
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights
Zonta International Foundation

author: Wisconsin Better Business Bureau


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Post from Community: Charter launches 2020 digital education grant program, part of $6 million, four-year cash and in-kind commitment to broadband usage and training | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kimberly Noetzel
June 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Timeline for Grants Moved up in Response to Pandemic; Applications are being Accepted Now
Charter Communications, Inc. announced applications are now being accepted for the company’s 2020 Spectrum Digital Education grant program, which supports nonprofit organizations that educate community members on the benefits of broadband and how to use it in their lives. Applications are available at corporate.charter.com/digital-education/grants and will be accepted until Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. EST. Grants will be announced in August and awarded in September.
Charter opened the Spectrum Digital Education application portal two months earlier than planned to help meet the overwhelming need from nonprofit organizations focused on providing broadband training, access and education during the COVID-19 crisis.
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“As a broadband provider, Charter’s connectivity services provide a vital link within the communities we serve, more so than ever in this challenging time,” said Rahman Khan, Vice President of Community Impact for Charter. “We have heard from many organizations struggling to keep up with the demand in their communities for broadband education, training and technology. We are proud to support these nonprofits through Spectrum Digital Education grants and to help meet their evolving needs by accelerating the application process.”
Charter launched the Spectrum Digital Education program in 2017 and has since committed to awarding $6 million in cash grants and in-kind donations to support broadband education. Prior awards have allowed local beneficiaries to set up technology labs, provide online education to senior centers, and  distribute laptops, impacting 28,845 individuals across 17 states and Washington, D.C., through 2019. To be eligible for a Spectrum Digital Education grant, organizations must serve communities located within Charter’s 41-state service area and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. More information on how to apply is available here.
In addition to Spectrum Digital Education, Charter’s Community Impact team has developed several programs to improve local communities. In 2015, it launched its signature program, Spectrum Housing Assist, with the goal of improving 50,000 homes. To date, the company has reached more than 41,000 homes. In 2019, the Spectrum Employee Community Grants program was created to support employees’ volunteer work at local social and human services nonprofits. Last year, the company donated to 140 organizations across 24 states for this program. In February, Charter announced the launch of the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund which will invest $10 million in capital by the end of 2021, making loans up to $1 million to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) in the company’s footprint. Most recently, Charter launched Spectrum Scholars, a two-year educational program for eligible rising juniors in financial need, which will award a total of $400,000 in scholarships.

author: Kimberly Noetzel


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Spectrum_Logo_RGB.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 17, 2020


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Post from Community: SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance Program reopened to all eligible small businesses and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 pandemic | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Shirah Apple
June 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and non-profits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19 today.
“The SBA is strongly committed to working around the clock, providing dedicated emergency assistance to the small businesses and non-profits that are facing economic disruption due to the COVID-19 impact.  With the reopening of the EIDL assistance and EIDL Advance application portal to all new applicants, additional small businesses and non-profits will be able to receive these long-term, low interest loans and emergency grants – reducing the economic impacts for their businesses, employees and communities they support,” said SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.  “Since EIDL assistance due to the pandemic first became available to small businesses located in every state and territory, SBA has worked to provide the greatest amount of emergency economic relief possible.  To meet the unprecedented need, the SBA has made numerous improvements to the application and loan closing process, including deploying new technology and automated tools.”
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SBA’s EIDL program offers long-term, low interest assistance for a small business or non-profit.  These loans can provide vital economic support to help alleviate temporary loss of revenue.  EIDL assistance can be used to cover payroll and inventory, pay debt or fund other expenses.  Additionally, the EIDL Advance will provide up to $10,000 ($1,000 per employee) of emergency economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties, and these emergency grants do not have to be repaid.
SBA’s COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance
For additional information, please visit this website.

author: Shirah Apple


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Post from Community: Seeds of Health Schools to open second Tenor High School this fall: More Milwaukee high school students to receive one free year of college | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Seeds of Health
June 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
When Seeds of Health Executive Director Marcia Spector created Tenor High School with its innovative model for high school education, little did she know about the extent of the impact it would have on the lives of its graduates. This model, whereby students graduate from high school in three years and spend their fourth year taking college courses at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) free of charge, could possibly be Milwaukee’s best kept secret in education. With the original flagship Tenor High School located in the heart of the business community on Jackson Street, that model of education is about to get bigger this fall as Tenor opens its second school, in the former Seeds of Health MC school building on 1 Street.
Tenor High School is a Wisconsin School of Recognition that offers students the ability to graduate from high school in three years and spend their fourth year earning college credits or an MATC certificate… for free. Tenor’s three years of high school combined with one year at MATC has produced numerous success stories, with 90% of its graduates going on to post-secondary education or certification programs after graduation. A big reason behind the success of the school and its students can be linked to its leader, Principal Tyson Tlachac. Tlachac started his career at Tenor as a science teacher, then became dean, and ultimately became its principal, a position he’s held for eight years. Tlachac is 100% invested in the success of Tenor and each one of its students. Tlachac explains, “Tenor is all I know for schools, and all I want to know. It’s the mission behind Tenor that makes me want to stay.”
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Tenor’s mission is simple, yet groundbreaking: “to prepare Milwaukee students for successful entry to post-secondary education and career opportunities through the dual completion of a high school diploma and a Milwaukee Area Technical College program certificate or technical diploma, and/or credits in a post-secondary degree program.”
Tlachac adds, “We’re giving students an opportunity that they may not have had, to attend post-secondary schooling. The students come to me and say they never thought that they could be successful in college until they get there. They become successful with our help, during their senior year. We push them to achieve things they may not have thought they could achieve.”
He continued that many students feel they need to be 4.0 students in order to participate in the Tenor education and then MATC. Tlachac disagrees, “When students hear our mission of going to college early, they think they have to be a 4.0 student or the best. That’s not the case. The ideal Tenor student is a student who is willing to learn, willing to improve, and willing to work hard.  I can give you countless examples of students who started high school wondering if they could make it at MATC. But, when they got to MATC, these students excelled. Students find that their hard work and preparation during the three years of Tenor really prepare them to do well at MATC, especially when they find their niche in a trade or program.”
Students perform at Tenor and MATC thanks to the high expectations outlined by Tlachac and all of the dedicated teachers and staff. Even before students begin their freshmen year, during their pre-high school Summer Institute, they understand the plan and its expectations – three years of high school and the fourth year at MATC. Getting to MATC is part of the conversation throughout the students’ three years of high school. The important thing for all students, and the message they hear from the beginning of high school, is that they’re expected to work hard and always keep the end goal, MATC, in sight.
According to Tlachac, students do understand the expectations and accordingly work hard at Tenor, largely due to the support of the entire staff. Tlachac explains, “I’m a small pawn in this game; much credit goes to the school counselor Carol Pook, the teachers, and the staff.  I’m kind of like a football coach – I make sure everything is running smoothly. My goal on a daily basis is to ensure that the teachers only have to worry about teaching. They shouldn’t have to worry about politics or finances – that’s for me to worry about.”
Tlachac credits the teachers for creating a culture that students want to be part of.  Poor attendance isn’t an issue at Tenor – kids just come every day because they feel like they belong at Tenor and feel that the staff truly cares about them. Perhaps this caring atmosphere is a reason behind the fact there are very few discipline problems at Tenor. Tlachac is “firm but fair” in his discipline and focuses on setting clear and consistent expectations for education and behavior, while also forming relationships with students and nurturing a feeling of mutual trust. He explains, “Building relationships with students helps prevent problems and helps if there are issues. If problems do arise, I invite students into my office to talk about the problems. They know my expectations and that I value honesty above all. They know I’ll work with them to understand the problem. My goal is always to educate the student and have him or her learn and grow from any given situation.”
It’s this kind of connection that keeps students engaged with Tlachac and the teachers throughout their three years of high school at Tenor and their fourth year at MATC. During their fourth year, students attend classes at MATC, but are required to come back to Tenor for a weekly seminar meeting with their counselor, Carol Pook. During those meetings, students receive support with their transition to MATC, classwork, and as the year progresses, college applications and financial aid. Many students come back to Tenor daily, as they have a dedicated space to work. They also continue to participate in Tenor sports and clubs and keep their ties with Tlachac and teachers strong, often stopping in during a class, just to say hello.
Enrollment is now open for students interested in a Tenor education. This is a great opportunity for students to receive a quality, personalized education thanks to small class sizes and a nurturing, yet disciplined atmosphere. This is especially helpful in our current reality, where in-person and online education are both possible learning scenarios for the fall.  Luckily, Seeds of Health has a great track record with both learning modalities. In March of 2020, Seeds of Health schools were prepared to hit the ground running with online education when schools closed due to COVID -19. Currently, administration and staff are preparing for a variety of instructional scenarios. Regardless of what this fall brings, the focus at Tenor High School is to prepare students for graduation and success after leaving Tenor. Statistics back this up, with its students boasting a 100% graduation rate and 90 % of students going on to post-secondary institutions and training programs.
Principal Tyson Tlachac will continue to lead students and staff as school begins again in September. He is happy to be supporting the smooth opening of a second Tenor this fall, located in the former Seeds of Health MC School on 1st Street. Chartered by the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Tenor High School is currently the only school of its kind, now with two locations at 840 N Jackson Street and 131 South 1st Street.
For enrollment details contact Veronica Ramirez of Seeds of Health at 414.380.9179.
About Seeds of Health, Inc.
Founded in 1983, Seeds of Health, Inc. is the only K4-12 charter school agency in the state of Wisconsin serving approximately 1,300 students in four high schools and a K4-8 elementary program. The five individual and unique education programs serve a broad range of student needs – from at-risk to the college bound. Seeds of Health is Milwaukee’s innovative “home grown” answer to imaginative, collaborative and cutting-edge education options, with the vision to positively impact the growth and development of urban children. For more information, please visit www.seedsofhealth.org.

author: Seeds of Health


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Seeds-of-Health-2-Tenor-High-Schools.JPG | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 17, 2020


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Post from Community: Wear Purple, Give Red Blood Drive for Pearls for Teen Girls | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Pearls for Teen Girls
June 18, 2020
Editor’s note: Our Posts from the Community feature is a platform for community announcements and event postings. If you have a post to be considered, send it to info@milwaukeenns.org or submit it directly.
Join PEARLS for Teen Girls, a dynamic and innovative leadership development non-profit serving girls in 5th through 12th grade in Milwaukee, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin, for a blood drive on Wednesday, June 24 from 10AM-3PM. By donating blood at this drive you make DOUBLE the impact in Milwaukee. The event takes place at The Cooperage located at 822 S Water Street.
For every blood donor, PEARLS will receive a donation from Versiti. Wear purple for PEARLS, give red for Versiti. This is a safe and socially distanced event. Safety precautions have been put in place and Versiti asks all participants to bring a mask and wait in their car until it is time for their donation appointment. To sign up to give blood, visit http:// bit.ly/3f3cvFO.
About PEARLS for Teen Girls
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PEARLS for Teen Girls was founded as a volunteer effort in 1993 by a local entrepreneur and grew into a nonprofit in 2002, with the mission to improve the quality of life and strengthen the community through the empowerment and support of young women. PEARLS girls are provided with self-development tools, guidance, and support to strive for better, brighter futures by living out the PEARLS values: Personal Responsibility, Empathy, Awareness, Respect, Leadership, and Support. Our research-based curriculum helps girls break through the persistent barriers of generational poverty, racism, teen pregnancy, and low academic achievement in Milwaukee. To learn more visit: PEARLSforTeenGirls.com.
About Versiti
Based in Milwaukee, Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin is the exclusive provider of blood and blood products to more than 56 hospitals throughout Wisconsin, and provides 230,000+ units of blood annually. There is no substitute for the lifesaving gift of blood; it is precious, perishable, and the need for it is vital. Please consider blood donation today. Saving and enhancing patients’ lives is central to everything we do.
Versiti Blood Center of Wisconsin provides communities with a continuum of care that includes the discovery, diagnosis, treatment and cure of many life-altering health conditions. The diversity of our expertise, educational capabilities and innovation makes Blood Center a truly unique organization.

author: Pearls for Teen Girls


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Blood-Drive-Social-Image.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 17, 2020