text:
‘Makes my heart sing’: Read the winners of the 2021 César E. Chávez Writing Contest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
March 31, 2021
The four winners attend schools in Milwaukee. (Photos courtesy of individual students)
Editor’s note: For the third annual César E. Chávez Celebration, students throughout Milwaukee responded to the theme, “CommUNITY” as represented by Chávez’s quote, “From the depth of need and despair, people can work together, can organize themselves to solve their own problems and fill their own needs with dignity and strength.”
We’ve collected essays and artwork from the four age category winners. The virtual César E. Chávez celebration takes place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 31. The event is presented by Bader Philanthropies in conjunction with the Marcus Performing Arts Center.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
(Photo provided by Brandon A. Gorton)
Brandon A. Gorton attends Reagan College Preparatory High School.
Under a temporary agricultural visa, Eduardo Reyes-Trujillo went to Michigan to work in 2018. He came from an impoverished area of Mexico where there were few job opportunities and low wages.
Four Star Greenhouse, the company Eduardo worked for in Michigan, promised wages much higher than he could ever make in Mexico. However, his dreams were crushed when he was tricked by his company into working for no pay. When he complained, his company convinced immigration agents to deport him back to Mexico.
No one deserves this type of treatment.
This is the type of treatment that Cesar Chavez fought against throughout his lifetime. Migrant workers were not covered by the minimum wage law in those days, so many of them were exploited and were not compensated for the hard labor they performed.
Cesar Chavez saw this injustice and used his life savings to start a labor union for migrant workers. Using nonviolent methods, Chavez improved the working conditions and wages for migrant workers. Chavez once said, “What we do know absolutely is that human lives are worth more than grapes and that innocent-looking grapes on the table may disguise poisonous residues hidden deep inside where washing cannot reach.”
While conditions have certainly improved for migrant workers, we must do better.  The federal minimum wage is only $7.50 per hour. These workers are the backbone of their industry and they deserve to be compensated fairly.
To make America more equitable and to build a better community, we must pay all workers enough money so that they can afford basic human needs. If we come together as a community, we can raise the minimum wage to $15 and help thousands make a living wage.
We must also fight for better working conditions for all workers so that no one’s rights are violated in the workplace.
Like Cesar Chavez once said, “It is possible to become discouraged about the injustice we see everywhere. But God did not promise us that the world would be humane and just. He gives us the gift of life and allows us to choose the way we will use our limited time on earth. It is an awesome opportunity.”
(Photo provided by Le Nasia Quila Mahone)
Le Nasia Quila Mahone attends the Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language.
Cesar Chavez was an American civil rights activist. He fought for equal rights for farm workers across the U.S. beginning in the 1960s until he sadly died in 1993.
Cesar Chavez was born in Yuma, Arizona, on March 31, 1927. Cesar dropped out of school after the 8th grade to help his family in the fields. Chavez led marches, called for boycotts and went on several hunger strikes. It is believed that the hunger strikes led to his death.
I feel like Cesar Chavez was born to be an activist. He didn’t let anyone or anything get in his way for fighting for our community.
Chavez dedicated his life for improving treatment for his fellow farm workers. He saw that they worked hard and deserved better treatment. He wanted equal rights for people.
If I was born back then, I would have been thinking about how the future would improve. I have seen how he changed some parts of the world. He would have been a big help with the Black Lives Matter Movement. He was still a big help with the community. Cesar Chavez would have done peaceful protests and would have done anything he could to improve our community.
Cesar called for a national boycott of California table grape growers. I think Cesar Chavez is important because he stood up for his people and believed in himself. He didn’t give up. He didn’t stop until people got the rights they deserved. He fought for others. He put himself in danger for others. He is the most selfless person that I have ever heard of.
I believe that everyone deserves equal rights. I witnessed a white police officer racially profiling someone in a Walgreen’s store two months ago. The police officer said he saw him steal something, but I personally didn’t see that.
It was horrific to see. That’s when I started to think about equal rights more. Chavez would have been just like Martin Luther King. For example, when Dr. King was arrested several times, but still fought for equal rights. Chavez does not deserve hate for fighting for equal rights, just as Martin Luther King Jr. did.
Chavez and Martin Luther King have so much in common. They both fought for equal rights. They both believed in themselves. They both struggled as kids. They both have very pure hearts for others. When I look at my community, all I see is hatred.
In conclusion, I think Cesar was an amazing activist. I just admire the way he fought for his community just so they could get health care, better treatment and jobs. But what I feel that is most important about Cesar Chavez is that he put in the most effort that he could so that he could help people that couldn’t obtain their needs. He did protests, he ran boycotts. All of that just so people could have their rightful needs? Makes my heart sing.
If I could ask Cesar Chavez one question, I would ask him if he thought it was worth it. Because I certainly do. Cesar E. Chavez was born a hero and died a hero.
(Photo provided by Yellian Cancel)
Yellian Cancel attends Lowell International Elementary School.
Unity means that people all stick together.
Cesar Chavez made the farm workers all stick together because they had to do dangerous jobs with chemicals and machines. The farmers thought they should not pay them very much money because they were from Mexican heritage. The farm workers could not go to the hospital when they got hurt because the farmers would not pay for health care. Sometimes they could not even get enough money to pay for food and houses.
The kids had to work and not go to school. If they didn’t go to school, they could not get better jobs and then they had to be farm workers like their parents when they grew up. Then they were poor, too.
Cesar Chavez started a boycott against the grape farmers, and they did it for five whole years! He started a group named Farm Workers United and then he changed the name to the United Farm Workers. They got more money and had more time to spend with their families. The kids got to go to school.
Cesar Chavez made people stick together and have unity.
Cristobal Sanchez attends ALBA School.

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 30, 2021

source: news-milwaukeenns

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

author: Adam Carr


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
March 31, 2021


text:
Post from Community: Big Brothers Big Sisters weekly informational session | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee
March 31, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Did you know a little time can make a BIG difference in the life of a youth? There are HUNDREDS of Little Brothers and Sisters on our waiting list that could use a mentor just like YOU.
With our new normal, we’ve adjusted our recruitment, enrollment, screening, training, and matching process to go virtual, making it even easier to start making an impact. Are you ready to learn more about becoming a Big?
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Join us throughout the month of April for a series of virtual events and learn what it means to be a Big, how to apply, and be entered to win prizes like an Amazon Gift Card just for participating!
We are offering NINE different thirty minute morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to accommodate varying schedules. If none of these times/days work, please reach out to me via email at jnesemeier@bbbsmilwaukee.org to find a better time to connect!
Once you register for this event, a link will be sent to the email that you provided. All information that is required to register for this event is confidential and will not be shared with anyone outside of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization!
We are looking forward to seeing you this April!


text:
Eventbrite-Photo.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
March 31, 2021

author: Name *


text:
Here’s how you can get the help you need to avoid eviction | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
April 1, 2021
“Making Rent: A conversation about eviction prevention and tenants’ rights” is an online event taking place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 7. You can sign up by clicking here. (Graphic by Claire DeRosa)

author: PrincessSafiya Byers


text:
Post from Community: Three individuals appointed to MATC district board | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Area Technical College
April 1, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The Milwaukee Area Technical College District Board Appointment Committee has appointed three individuals to volunteer positions on the MATC District Board at a March 30, 2021 meeting.
The MATC Board has the responsibility to ensure that MATC is meeting its commitment to increase the potential and productivity of the people in the district through the development and delivery of high-quality educational programs consistent with current and emerging educational and labor market needs.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The following individuals were appointed to the MATC District Board:
Lauren Baker, retired from a long career in education and industry; Additional Member classification. Baker previously served on the MATC District Board from 1995-2015.
Erica Case, director, human resources, Harley-Davidson Wisconsin Operations; Employer (100+ employees) manufacturer classification. Case was first appointed to the MATC District Board in 2018.
Mark Foley, attorney/shareholder, von Briesen & Roper, s.c.; Employer (100+ employees) classification. Foley was first appointed to the MATC District Board in 2015.
Terms begin July 1, 2021, and expire June 30, 2024. The appointments are subject to approval by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.
The Appointment Committee members included: David Crowley, Milwaukee County executive; Donald Kriefall, Washington County Board chairperson; Marcelia Nicholson, Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors chairperson; and Lee Schlenvogt, Ozaukee County Board chairperson.
A meeting of the Appointment Committee will be held in the near future to replace David Mitchell, who resigned from the MATC District Board in March 2021, citing time constraints. Mitchell represented the Employer (15+ employees) classification.  The term of that successful candidate will run through June 30, 2023.
Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 30,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 150 academic programs; and transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

author: Milwaukee Area Technical College


text:
5 things to do and know the weekend of April 2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
April 2, 2021
The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association and Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School are hosting their annual Easter egg hunt Saturday. (Photo provided by Washington Heights Neighborhood Association)
It’s Friday 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 noon Thursday.
1. “Hyphenated Americans”: Open gallery hours: Friday, April 2
“Hyphenated Americans,” an exhibition that explores what it means to be Latinx in the United States, is on display at Latino Arts, 1028 S. 9th St. The gallery is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 2. Pre-registration is required. The exhibit will be on display from now until Friday, June 4. Katie Avila Loughmiller, the co-founder of LUNA, curated the exhibit.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
2. Wisconsin State Fair: cleaning crew hiring event: Friday, April 2
Wisconsin State Fair is looking to hire people for its cleaning crew. The organization is hosting a job fair at the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center at State Park, 640 S. 84th St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 2. Attendees should enter through Gate 5. There will be on-site interviews and those interested are asked to bring a resume, proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., their Social Security card and a good attitude.
3. Financial statement basics with SCORE Mentors: Saturday, April 3
SCORE Mentors is offering a free online workshop on financial statement basics. Participants will learn about budgeting and how to understand a financial statement, including how these statements can be used and why they can be of interest. The workshop will take place online from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 3. To register for the event, click here.
4. Washington Heights Easter egg hunt: Saturday, April 3
The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association and Mount Olive Lutheran Church & School are hosting their annual Easter egg hunt. The event will take place at the Mount Olive Lutheran Church and Christian Day School, 5327 W. Washington Blvd., beginning with an appearance by the Easter Bunny at 10:30 a.m. with the Easter egg hunt to follow at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 3. The event is free for children 12 and under. Participants are asked to wear a mask and bring their own basket.
5. Step-by-step paint class: Easter eggs: Sunday, April 4
Join the Farmhouse Paint Bar & Banquet Hall, 4511 S. 6th St., for a step-by-step painting class. Participants will paint a basket of Easter eggs in honor of Easter Sunday. The class is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 4. Those interested can take the class in-person or virtually. For tickets, click here.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
Election 2021: Meet the school board candidates for District 4 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 2, 2021
Aisha Carr and Dana Kelley (Photos provided by respective candidates)
On Tuesday, voters head to the polls again – as four of the nine seats on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors are up for election.
Candidates Marcelia Garcia and Henry Leonard are each running unopposed – in Districts 6 and 7, respectively. But there are contested races in Districts 4 and 5.
In District 4, which includes parts of the Midtown, Lindsay Heights, Martin Drive and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods, Aisha Carr and Dana Kelley are vying to replace outgoing school board director Annie Woodward.
Early voting is open at City Hall until 5 p.m. You can find your Election Day polling place here.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Below are short biographies on the candidates, as well as their answers to questions about why they feel they are qualified and what they think about some of the school board’s current issues. You can find more discussion on current issues from District 4 candidates here.
Answers have been edited for length.
(Photo provided by Aisha Carr)
Aisha Carr
Age: 33
Address: 2819 N. 2St., Milwaukee WI 53212
Education: Master’s in educational leadership and policy analysis at UW-Madison; master’s in urban special education at Cardinal Stritch University
Occupation: Opportunity Youth Re-Engagement Director at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
Past election experience: Ran for Milwaukee school board District 4 in 2017
Endorsements: State Rep. Evan Goyke, Zion Rodgers (Rufus King High School student), Andre Lee Ellis, state Rep. David Bowen, state Sen. Lena Taylor, City Attorney Tearman Spencer, Shyla Deacon, Bevin Christie, state Rep. Lakeisha Myers, full list here
(Photo provided by Dana Kelley)
Dana Kelley
Age: 45
Address: 2969 N. 45th St., Milwaukee WI 53210
Education: Graduate of North Division H.S.; associates in biblical studies, Midwest Bible College
Occupation: Co-Op Organizer of North Side Rising, Citizen Action of WI; assistant pastor, The Reviving Faith Movement
Past election experience: None
Endorsements: Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America, National Democratic Socialists of America, Our Wisconsin Revolution, Citizen Action Wisconsin, Working Families Party, AFT Local 212 MATC, Voces de la Frontera, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, MPS Director Marva Herndon, Rick Banks, cofounder of MKE Black, MPS Director Erika Siemsen, state Rep. Evan Goyke, full list here
1. What are the most important issues in the final election, and what is the difference between you and your opponent on these?
Carr: “The most important issues in the final election are the plans around developing a strategic safety and academic plan for transitioning our students back to school and ensuring that the students and teachers have the resources and supports necessary to ensure: 1) that everyone is healthy and safe at all times, and 2) that we have academic intervention plans in place for students who were struggling and behind pre- and post-COVID-19. The district is in need of stronger strategies and practices for retaining educators, driving high-quality academic virtual instruction, and ensuring that the funding is properly allocated to address the decrease in enrollment, teacher retention and resources to support families and communities impacted by the chaos and confusion that the pandemic has presented.
“It is humanly impossible for my opponent to learn the depths of our educational system in such a short amount of time and then serve in the capacity of a school board director and lead at a time when our city and our public school district is in its most vulnerable state and the state of emergency. Further, her lack of direct experience in the field of education will be detrimental to children, families and educators in the district. Her dependence on her professional support networks such as the MTEA to guide her through these trying times in education only suggest that she will be yet another school board candidate beholden to these entities to push their political agendas which are dangerous, corrupt and shameful, only to create the changes they want her to support. I am the change that is NEEDED.”
Kelley: “I am the candidate for Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Public School students in District 4. I will fight for funding for public schools to remain in public schools. I will not allow privatization to continue to pilfer from our public school funds at the detriment and despair of our public school students. I will ensure quality education through smaller class sizes, higher teacher salaries and more mental health and social workers in MPS. I will continue to seek and create funding for music, arts and physical education teachers to be hired full time in every school in District 4. I will generate revenue for books, computers and science labs that have been stripped from our public schools by charter and voucher schools programs. I will implement the Green New Deal in Milwaukee Public Schools, which will generate living-wage jobs in communities of color, provide healthy schools and food programs, introduce a climate equity curriculum and generate revenue by producing power through solar panels and achieve MPS’ energy independence from We Energies and fossil fuels. This is why the teachers’ union endorses me, and why teachers are volunteering for my campaign.
“It’s time to go green and learn clean with Milwaukee Public Schools!”
2. Why should people vote for you, and not your opponent?
Kelley: “I am for Milwaukee Public Schools and keeping public dollars public. My opponent has shown in the past to be supportive of charter schools and privatization and allowing public dollars to go towards funding private schools and I am totally against that. We don’t have enough adequate funding for our public MPS system, so we cannot afford to foster the private education system as well.”
Carr: “My opponent and her team have continued to spread lies and fallacies relative to my commitment and support of our public school system. Because of this, I support all high performing schools and will continue to fight for all of our public schools to meet that standard. Here are some undeniable facts: I graduated from MPS schools; I taught in MPS for almost 6 years; I enrolled my daughter in MPS schools and currently work with and have employed graduates of MPS. Another undeniable fact is: MPS is the chartering authorizer of some amazing charter schools such as: Highland Community School, Milwaukee College Prep, Hmong American Peace Academy, and IDEAL, to name a few. I have always maintained an unyielding commitment, love, service and support to children and families in the City of Milwaukee and that will never change. My strong youth-led campaign, including over 30 youth organizers, is a testament to their hunger for change and their relentless pursuit of it.”
3. For Kelley: Your platform calls for reinstating music and arts classes as graduation requirements in MPS schools. If state funding falls or remains the same next year, what would you cut in order to fully fund music and arts programs?
Kelley: “Actually music and art has a slot already funded due to the work of Marva Herndon, who represents District 1, and a couple of her allies. Right now we have funding for 22 teachers to start in the fall, so this year there shouldn’t be any need for a cut. Going forward I am working on bringing in funding so we shouldn’t have any cuts going forward either.”
4. For Carr: Your platform calls for the inclusion of young people in school board processes, and you have floated the idea of expanding the board to include young people. How would you do this, and are there models from other cities that exemplify your vision for how Milwaukee’s school board should look?
Carr: “I believe that it is time for new, young, passionate and informed individuals to be leaders within MPS District 4. They can not only fight with their words but with their actions as well and produce results. In order to prioritize students, we must give them a voice within the school board. We have been researching for almost a year as well as connecting with other school boards across the country to determine best practices, garner support, draft a resolution to move toward action and then collaborate with the board, District leaders and the community to ensure we create spaces for the youth to lead on the board.”
5. For Kelley: You have talked about the need to bring the Green New Deal to MPS. How is the Green New Deal applicable to public schooling?
Kelley: “One of the ways we will bring funding into school from the federal and state governments is through implementing the Green New Deal in MPS. Working on our infrastructure, heating and ventilation, plumbing, and even using the roofs of MPS buildings for solar panels so we can generate electricity to We Energies, which will generate revenue for MPS. Also, implementing the Green New Deal in MPS creates more jobs for communities of color which increases property values. This leads to more local homeowners, higher property values, and more city taxes. So you’ve got federal money coming, state government money coming, and you’re also generating your own revenue, all from the Green New Deal.”
In case you missed it: Here’s what you need to know to vote in the April 6 spring election

author: Sam Woods


text:
50909253238_f5e77c2a78_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
50911871228_756e3b976c_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
Election 2021: Meet the school board candidates for District 5 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 2, 2021
Jilly Gokalgandhi and Alex Brower. (Photos provided by respective candidates)
On Tuesday, voters head to the polls again – as four of the nine seats on the Milwaukee Board of School Directors are up for election.
Candidates Marcelia Garcia and Henry Leonard are each running unopposed – in Districts 6 and 7, respectively. But there are contested races in Districts 4 and 5.
In District 5, which includes parts of Harambee, Riverwest, Downtown and the East Side, Alex Brower and Jilly Gokalgandhi are vying to replace outgoing school board director Larry Miller.
Early voting is open at City Hall until 5 p.m. Friday. You can find your Election Day polling place here.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Below are short biographies on the candidates, as well as their answers to three questions about why they feel they are qualified and what they think about some of the school board’s current issues. You can find more discussion on current issues from District 5 candidates here.
Answers have been edited for length.
(Photo provided by Jilly Gokalgandhi)
Jilly Gokalgandhi
Age: 29
Address: 1601 N. Jackson St., #501
Education: Bachelor’s, international affairs and economics from Marquette University
Occupation: Equity in education strategist at American Family Insurance
Past election experience: None
Endorsements: MPS Director Larry Miller, MPS Director Bob Peterson, MPS Director Paula Phillips, MPS Director Tony Báez, MPS Director Megan O’Halloran, state Rep. Jonathan Brostoff, Citizen Action Wisconsin, United Auto Workers, state Sen. LaTonya Johnson, state Rep. Francesca Hong, U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, Shepherd Express, AFSCME Wisconsin Council 32, Wisconsin Conservation Voters, Tatiana Joseph, Ald. Nik Kovac, full list here.
(Photo provided by Alex Brower)
Alex Brower
Age: 33
Address: 2536 N. Palmer St.
Education: Bachelor’s in political science from Beloit College
Occupation: Executive director of the Wisconsin Alliance for Retired Americans and a substitute teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools
Past election experience: None
Endorsements: Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, Milwaukee Democratic Socialists of America, Milwaukee Solidarity, Green Party of Milwaukee County, MPS Director Marva Herndon, MPS Director Sequanna Taylor, MPS Director Megan O’Halloran, MPS Director Erika Siemsen, Milwaukee County Supervisor Ryan Clancy, Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, Rick Banks, national Democratic Socialists of America, full list here.
1. What are the most important issues in the final election, and what is the difference between you and your opponent on these?
Brower: “MPS is under attack from privatization, systemic racism and underfunding. While I believe that both my opponent and I would agree that these are problems that need to be addressed, I am the only candidate that has consistently called for systemic change throughout this race and who has a clear track record fighting and winning real change in MPS through the school board. For example, as president of the substitute teachers union, I defeated efforts to privatize our jobs to a temp agency and won healthcare benefits for most subs by going on a 21-day hunger strike. Throughout my years as an active community leader and as a democratic socialist, I’ve proven that I have the experience, vision and political courage to fight for the real, systemic changes that our communities deserve.”
Gokalgandhi: “The most important issue in this election is which candidate has the vision, experience and skills to combat privatization, fight systemic racism, build power to win equity in funding, work with the MPS community to help every child succeed, and guide the district through the COVID-19 crisis. My opponent’s approach is to rely on slogans and one-man heroics, but I know the only way to win systemic change is to organize with others. I wrote the response to the state takeover attempt of Bradley Tech High School and worked along with the educators and community to defeat it as part of my deep work every day coordinating that community school. I’ve been part of successful efforts to promote restorative justice and environmental justice practices and to increase student and community voice. In addition to recognizing the need for a collective response rather than an individual savior, I bring needed diversity to a school board that, if my opponent wins, would end up being majority white.”
2. Why should people vote for you, and not your opponent?
Gokalgandhi: “I am a proud multilingual, millennial immigrant woman of color with a deeply held belief in social justice and valuable experience in Milwaukee Public Schools. My experience as a Community School Coordinator gives me a unique understanding of one of MPS’ most sought-after school models. I worked every day with educators, students, families, community partners, and administration. I will work closely with all members of the MPS community to make sure our work is centered on our students, advances equity and inclusion, and vigorously defends public education. Milwaukee Public Schools serves some of the most impoverished ZIP codes in the country and has a student population of approximately 90% children of color. Representation matters. My election would ensure the MPS school board remains majority people of color.”
Brower : “I completely acknowledge that my life experience as a cisgender white man is different from many of my students and many in my community. Having been an MPS teacher for seven years, I’ve seen firsthand the inequities that MPS’ majority Blackand Brown students face in school and in our communities. Being a co-parent in a multiracial family in Milwaukee, members of my family face many of the struggles that families in Milwaukee face: balancing working from home while supporting our child while attending school virtually, having to ensure internet connectivity, and trying to support our child dealing with the stresses of a pandemic. I am running for this office not to be a white savior but to make the change that will bring about a better world for my family, all Milwaukeeans, and to do what all white people in Milwaukee should be doing: standing in solidarity with the social movements that are fighting for structural change. The main focus should be ensuring that our representatives truly represent our values for a quality and dignified life for all by fiercely fighting for systemic change.
That’s why one of my main platform points is to democratize education — ensuring that underrepresented communities have a voice in school and district-wide decision making.”
3. For Brower: In February 2020, you ran for city comptroller. Less than four months later, you registered your campaign for school board. What would you say to someone who believes you are just looking to hold any political office and are not interested in the school board specifically?
Brower: “I’ve run for office twice because elections have real consequences on my students, family and community. In my years as an active leader in Milwaukee, I’ve seen too many politicians in this city make decisions based on what will advance their political careers and get them re-elected rather than fight back against the status quo and have the courage to make the difficult decisions that will lead to systemic change. I ran for comptroller and I’m running for school board because both of these elections lacked candidates bold enough to call for systemic change and who identify as democratic socialists. After I lost the February 2020 primary for comptroller, I was exhausted and thought I’d never run for office again. Then, when the incumbent in District 5 decided not to run for re-election, people in my community encouraged me to run for this important position because I’ve been fighting for strong public schools as an MPS educator and union leader for seven years.”
4. For Gokalgandhi: Your platform calls for the creation of “an inclusive initiative for young women and gender nonconforming students” similar to the Black and Latino Male Achievement program. If you were including this initiative in last year’s budget, what would you take out in order to fund this initiative?
Gokalgandhi: “I will tap into and learn from the work that has already been done in this space, bringing together educators and individuals who have contributed to systemwide change. I will ensure strong participation from students, parents, guardians, etc. and the community. We can create an initiative for young women and gender nonconforming students without disrupting the funding of the current Black and Latino Male Achievement Program. MPS still has a large budget for Contracted Services which needs much closer scrutiny. There are contracted services which can and should be done by MPS employees. As we continue to fight for equitable funding for MPS, I will draw on my experience in the funding community to identify partners who support public education to assist in this effort.”
5. For Brower: The Wisconsin Policy Forum recently released a report highlighting the interpersonal and institutional obstacles facing teachers of color in Wisconsin. The MPS board also recently created a task force to address the shortage of teachers in central region schools. How would you recruit and retain teachers of color in MPS, particularly to staff historically understaffed schools?
Brower: “Hiring and retaining more teachers of color is one vital component to closing the opportunity gaps for students of color in MPS and is something I will fight for on the board. A key piece in the recruitment and retention of educators of color is the need to create anti-racist school working environments. Some things I would do as a school board director to accomplish this would be to 1) fight for salary and benefit increases that are competitive with other more white and wealthy districts; 2) have mandatory anti-racist professional development trainings for all school staff and administrators; 3) include teachers of color in school and districtwide decision-making; 4) make sure that teachers of color receive the support they need — especially during the early (and usually the most difficult) years of teaching — such as providing special professional development, coaching and mentorship opportunities specifically for teachers of color.”
6. For Gokalgandhi: You have brought up the need to fight for equitable funding. Would this necessitate receiving more funding from the state Department of Public Instruction, and, if so, how would you see that that happens?
Gokalgandhi: “There are three components to this challenge. First, we must make stronger demands upon the state and federal governments to do their part. We must fix the state funding formula and insist upon full reimbursement for transportation, special education and other costs unique to our urban school district. We recognize that for state government, with an intransigent Legislature, that will take time, but we will help build the power for change. Second, we also must get creative about local funding, including supporting referenda to raise funds so that we have adequate resources. Third, we need to leverage philanthropy to supplement the needs of our students and stand with us in the fight for equitable funding. Clearly, philanthropy must not play a role in governance or interfere with local control of our district. As we fight for the best state funding formula and expanded federal dollars, we should do what we can to meet those student needs right now.”
In case you missed it: Here’s what you need to know to vote in the April 6 spring election


text:
50915267201_8e348272e0_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
district5 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
MPS school board candidates in District 4 don’t live in neighborhood | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 2, 2021
The MPS Central Office building, 5225 W. Vliet St. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
The candidates running to represent District 4 on the MPS school board are a study in contrasts.
Aisha Carr, who unsuccessfully ran for the seat in 2017, touts her educator credentials as a reason why she would be able to better navigate the state’s largest school district as a director.
Her opponent, Dana Kelley, believes “it’s time to go green and learn clean with Milwaukee Public Schools!”
And neither live in District 4, which includes parts of the Midtown, Lindsay Heights, Martin Drive and Metcalfe Park neighborhoods,
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Both candidates told NNS they are in the process of moving back to the district.
Kelley said her lease is already up, and that she is looking to move as soon as possible.
Aisha Carr and Dana Kelley (Photos provided by respective candidates)
“It’s a half a block outside the district. I moved here days before the nation shut down due to COVID last March, and I am looking to move currently, especially once I win,” Kelley said.
Carr said she moved to her current address because when she was running for the same school board seat in 2017, a group of individuals armed with firearms came to her home to intimidate her to drop out of the race. Carr said she did not file a police report for the incident, citing mistrust of the police.
Carr said she is looking to move back into the district as soon as possible, whether that be through buying a house or renting.
“Am I going to relocate to the district? Yes. I am working with a realtor to buy a house in the district, and also working on identifying a rental property in the district in case I cannot buy a house in time.” Carr said.
After Tuesday’s election, the winner will have until April 26 to move back into the district or risk having to give up the seat.
Milwaukee Election Commission Executive Director Claire Woodall-Vogg said that if a candidate is in the midst of buying a home in the district on April 26, the City Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether or not to administer the oath of office to swear in the winner.
If the winner is not sworn in, the Common Council would call a special election to fill the vacant seat.


text:
Untitled design-15 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 1, 2021


text:
Post from Community: 2021 Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Robinson & Symphony Swan
April 4, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
BlackSpaceMKE is an urban art cooperative with a basic principle of spreading the message about cooperative economics. In an effort to raise awareness about social entrepreneurship and garner support of black owned businesses, BlankSpaceMKE has established Milwaukee Black Restaurant Week. The week will take place Monday, April 12th through Sunday, April 18, 2021.
For the 6th year in a row BlankSpaceMke (founded by black women Bridget Robinson & Symphony Zawadi) have launched a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurship of our locally owned eateries and want to direct patrons to restaurants that they can support. We have done this at no cost to the restaurant owner! This is a grass roots effort to engage Milwaukee in building wealth in our community. We do not profit from this event.
This year, there are over a dozen black owned restaurants featured locally in the greater Milwaukee area. This is a celebration of the culture, with a goal to increase social entrepreneurship and to support sustainability within local businesses.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Safety precautions are still on the digital and disposal menus! Participating restaurants all have enhanced safety guidelines in place, and we are encouraging curbside, to-go and delivery options in addition to limited in-person dining.
Black Restaurant Week is not a new project. Cities across the country often host an annual restaurant or dining week during which they offer deals or menu specials to bring in new customers. BlankSpaceMKE hosts have decided to bring the same movement to the city of Milwaukee. Locally our city has developed programs such as Recycle the Black Dollar and All Black Everything that enhance the access and spread knowledge about minority owned businesses. In this project, we hope to direct attention to thriving restaurants that could benefit from the exposure and marketing.
Last year in 2020 – in partnership with Ossie Kendrix and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Wisconsin – many of our participating restaurants realized significant sales increase (some almost doubling in daily sales amidst a very uncertain and challenging time for small business owners). The surge in media attention and the boost of new customers that placed orders for curbside and delivery helped tremendously keep the doors open of many restaurants listed in our lineup today.
How does the week work?
We have researched local black owned restaurants and asked them to allow us to include them in the project. With their permission, we use data collection from the week to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative economics and the significance of the local dollar to sustain businesses.
We then ask residents of Milwaukee and surrounding communities to visit one or more restaurants on the list. Patronize! Spend money! Eat good food! And document your attendance by “checking in” on social media using the hashtag #MBRW21 and taking a photo of your receipt. We also ask that residents will share their experience at the end of the week. We track all of this data for our final community report.
*It is important to note that this year’s lineup is a reflection of those business owners that signed up to participate as a featured black owned restaurant for the week. We acknowledge that there are dozens of other black owned restaurants that were unable to participate at this time.
BlankSpaceMKE is an urban art cooperative aimed at empowering the community to work together to strengthen values of entrepreneurship by way of fundamental cooperative economics. We believe that a community motivated to invest in themselves while embracing models of shared collective consciousness can build relationships that will sustain business and improve socio economic conditions. BlankSpaceMKE looks to offer long term resources and serve as a hub for small business owners who share in the vision of economic collaboration.
For more information about BlankSpaceMKE’s Black Restaurant Week including a lineup of restaurants visit us at https://blankspacemke.weebly.com/ or contact us at blankspacemke@gmail.com

author: Bridget Robinson & Symphony Swan


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 5, 2021


text:
5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: April 5 to April 10 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
April 5, 2021
The community is invited to help out at Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., for the first work day of the growing season. (2014 file photo by Andrea Waxman)
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 noon Thursday.
1. Free food pickup: Monday, April 5
The Milwaukee Center for Independence will be at the Collaborative Farm, 5500 W. Silver Spring Drive, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, April 5. Families with children will be able to pick up free food.
2. Election Day: Amp the vote: Jamming at the polls: Tuesday, April 6
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Milwaukee Action Intersection and Metcalfe Park Community Bridges are hosting “Amp the Vote and Jamming At the Polls” in honor of Election Day. The goal of the event is to encourage people to get out and vote. The celebration will take place at Center Street Library, 2727 W. Center St., from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. There will be free food from Chuchos Red Tacos, safety voter kits and more.  READ: Here’s what you need to know to vote in the April 6 spring election
3. ‘Making rent: A conversation about eviction prevention and tenants rights’: Wednesday, April 7
News414, a joint project of Wisconsin Watch and the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service,” is hosting “Making rent: A conversation on eviction and tenants rights,” from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. Click here to register. The virtual event will feature experts from the Rental Housing Resource Center and NNS housing beat reporter PrincessSafiya Byers.
4. Expungement and pardon clinic: Wednesday, April 7
The Milwaukee Justice Center Mobile Legal Clinic is offering free services to individuals seeking an expungement or pardon. The appointments will take place over Zoom from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 7. To schedule an appointment to meet with a pro bono lawyer and discuss your options, call 414-278-2046. For additional information, email expungemke@gmail.com. There will be additional clinics on Wednesday, April 14, 21 and 28. Spanish speakers are available.
READ: Groups, lawmakers push to ease expungement of low-level criminal convictions and ‘One thing can follow someone for a really long time’: How to get your record expunged in Wisconsin
5. Alice’s Garden work day: Saturday, April 10
Alice’s Garden Urban Farm, Kujichagulia Producers Cooperative and The Table are inviting the community to the first work day of the 2021 growing season for Alice’s Garden. Participants are asked to bring garden gloves, reusable water bottles and tools. There are some community tools available but additional rakes, lawnmowers, brooms and large garden bags are appreciated. The work day will take place at Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 10.
Bonsu: The public health significance of racism: Tuesday, April 6
The UWM College of Nursing is hosting a screening of Thomas A. LaVeist’s documentary, “The Skin You Are In,” followed by a discussion with LaVeist. The event will take place over Zoom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. Registration is required by noon on Monday, April 5.
Bonus: Frank Talks: Political polarization: Tuesday, April 6
The Zeidler Group’s conversation series, “Frank Talks,” is back. This month’s conversation will center on the film “The Reunited States,” with Van Jones and Meghan McCain. The conversation will take place on Zoom at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. To register, click here.


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 4, 2021


text:
Election 2021: What you need to know about the race for state superintendent of public instruction | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sam Woods
April 5, 2021
Deborah Kerr (left), the former superintendent of Brown Deer Schools, is running against Jill Underly, superintendent of the Pecatonica School District in southwestern Wisconsin. (Photo provided by the candidates)
On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will choose a new state superintendent of public instruction to lead the state’s education system.
This position is currently held by Carolyn Stanford Taylor, who decided not to run after she was appointed to the position in 2019. The office was previously held by Gov. Tony Evers, who resigned to take the office of governor.
Deborah Kerr, the former superintendent of Brown Deer Schools, is running against Jill Underly, superintendent of the Pecatonica School District in southwestern Wisconsin. The candidates differ primarily in their approach to reopening schools during the pandemic and the expansion of the voucher funding system.
But what does the state superintendent do, and why are they important? We’ll answer these and other questions below to help you cast your ballot.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The state superintendent oversees the state’s public education system, including charter schools and its voucher program with private schools. This includes, but is not limited to, evaluating school performance, licensing teachers and creating reports and public information on the state of public schools in Wisconsin. Recently, state superintendent Stanford Taylor has been most active in guiding Wisconsin schools through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The position is elected every four years in a nonpartisan election. If the incumbent resigns before their term is over, a replacement is appointed by the governor.
Kerr and Underly have drawn differences between themselves on the issues of reopening and the state’s school voucher program. Kerr has stated reopening the state’s schools as a priority, while Underly favors a local approach where individual districts can make the choice they feel is right for them. Milwaukee Public Schools, for example, has already signaled its intent to return to in-person learning, and some Milwaukee schools outside MPS have already reopened in-person learning.
Underly has also made clear her dissatisfaction with the state’s school voucher program, which allows private and charter schools to receive state funding based on their enrollment. Underly does not support expanding the program, though any changes to the funding formula would have to come from the state Legislature, not the state superintendent.
Kerr is endorsed by the Wisconsin Reading Coalition, Decoding Dyslexia Wisconsin and the Wisconsin branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She is also endorsed by a long list of individuals, many of whom are connected to the Brown Deer School District Kerr used to lead as superintendent.
Underly has more institutional support, including endorsements from the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association, Voces de la Frontera and Black Leaders Organizing for Communities, or BLOC. Underly is also backed by many local and state elected officials, most of them Democrats, and community leaders. You can view a full list here.
We asked both candidates the following questions. We heard back only from Underly’s campaign but will update with Kerr’s answers if and when we receive them.
I’m running for state superintendent to disrupt the systems of inequity that are plaguing our public schools. I’m 100% in support of our public schools, and my platform is centered on what kids need and fixing the broken school funding formula, in contrast to my opponent, who has bizarrely called for the relocation of the Department of Public Instruction, a plan that would be incredibly costly and take further funds away from our schools that are already in a funding crisis. I believe I have the experience, qualifications, perspective, and record of sound financial management to lead our schools out of this crisis.
report
The lack of diversity in our teaching profession is deeply concerning. Our Black and Brown students deserve to have teachers that look like them — and our white students need to have teachers that don’t.
One of the most critical things we need to be focused on in terms of diversifying our teacher workforce in Wisconsin is ensuring that our educators are paid the family-sustaining wages they deserve.
I also have other ideas on areas we can focus on that support teachers in the workplace:
Most importantly, we need to have a goal of increasing teachers of color. It needs to be built into every program, policy and initiative around teacher recruitment and retention. We need to make teaching an attractive profession to our best and brightest and encourage young people to consider teaching as a career path at a very young age.
This pandemic has been incredibly traumatic to our students. This has been a major disruption to their education and social lives, and many have lost their financial stability or worse, a loved one to the pandemic. It’s crystal clear that we’re facing a mental health crisis that must be addressed in order for us to truly recover.
As state superintendent, I’ll be a strong advocate for increased funding to our schools so they can hire professionals and provide the mental health resources our students need. I’m a big fan of the governor’s budget proposal that calls for this increase in funding.
Additionally, I’ll work to ensure that the Department of Public Instruction can help provide guidance and a framework to help facilitate local partnerships with school districts and community organizations. We need to help provide before- and after-school support and other programs for our students’ mental health and emotional well-being as we work to recover from COVID-19.
State superintendent candidates discuss return to school, other issues leading up to spring election
The 2021 candidates for state superintendent
Voter’s guide: Kerr, Underly differ on choice schools, diversifying workforce as state superintendent race hits home stretch
Here’s what you need to know to vote in the April 6 spring election


text:
The NNS coronavirus update for week of April 5: Vaccine eligibility opens to general public; Wisconsin Center gets federal support; Milwaukee mask mandate still in effect | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 5, 2021
The Wisconsin Center will have the capacity, staffing and resources to vaccinate up to 3,000 people in a day. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Here’s the latest update on COVID-19 in Milwaukee and the resources you need to combat it.
Effective Monday, all Wisconsin residents ages 16 and older are eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.
Supplies will be limited, however, for those from the ages of 16 to 18 who wish to get the shot. Only one of the three immunizations in use, the Pfizer vaccine, is approved for use in those under 18.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The city’s central vaccination site will get an increase in support from the federal government beginning Tuesday, April 6, bringing more workers and vaccines into the city.
It was announced last week that the Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., would be designated as a federal community clinic for COVID-19 vaccinations. The site will operate seven days a week for the next eight weeks and will begin receiving federal vaccine allotments.
With an additional 1,000 doses from the state, the Wisconsin Center will have the capacity, staffing and resources to vaccinate up to 3,000 people in a day.
The site is appointment-only. To make an appointment, visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/CovidVax or call (414) 286-6800. You can also make an appointment at https://wi-telegov.egov.com/milwaukee-vaccines.
Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said last week that some restrictions for local businesses could be reintroduced following an increase in cases.
Milwaukee County’s case indicator remained in the red again, indicating a significant upward trend in COVID-19 cases, which also are rising across the state.
The most recent public health order from the Milwaukee Health Department, enacted on March 19, loosened restrictions on businesses and gathering limits. Johnson said the health order would be reviewed on the week of April 18.
If trends do not improve, the department will have to re-enforce restrictions, Johnson said.
Last week, the Wisconsin Supreme Court voted to repeal the statewide mask mandate, leaving local jurisdictions to decide whether face coverings will be required in public settings.
The 4-3 decision from the conservative-controlled Supreme Court followed criticism of the mask orders from Republican lawmakers, who said Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, overstepped his authority by continuing to declare mask mandates without legislative approval.
The City of Milwaukee’s mandate, which has been in place since July, remains in effect.
Vaccine data
As of April 2, 272,871 people in Milwaukee County have received one dose of the vaccine. This includes 70% of the 65+ population, which amounts to 92,738 people.
The state has fully vaccinated 1,076,380 people with both doses of the vaccine. Nearly one-fifth of all Wisconsinites have been fully inoculated.
Check out our Instagram primer
8 things you should know
Read our story here.
Read our story here
To obtain a free mask, residents can visit these sites:
NNS reporters also gathered a list of where to buy locally made masks if you’re looking to show some local business love when masking up.
Check the City of Milwaukee Health Department’s website for the most updated facts and answers to questions about the mask ordinance.
Look here for up-to-date statistics on COVID-19 in the county. More precautions on how to stay safe and information on COVID-19 can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Contact your health provider, call IMPACT 2-1-1 or take a look at the county’s testing site map to find a testing center near you. The free community testing sites at the Northwest Health Center, 7630 W. Mill Rd., and Southside Health Center, 1639 S. 23rd St., are now open and operating. American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), 1 Brewers Way, is also open as an effective testing site.
For more information on testing, including how to identify symptoms and when you should get tested, visit TestUpMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
For more information on vaccine distribution and where to find it, visit HealthyMKE.com. Available in English, Spanish, Hmong, Burmese and Arabic.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
Looking for more personalized direction to resources and information during the coronavirus crisis? Get connected with News414, a texting-based news resource from Milwaukee NNS, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. You can text MILWAUKEE to 73224 and begin to receive free, personalized data via text messages.

author: Matt Martinez


text:
‘We’re not given the option to get vaccinated’: Advocates work to narrow racial and ethnic disparities in Wisconsin | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bram Sable-Smith (Wisconsin Watch/WPR)
April 6, 2021
Barbarafelt ecstatic in January when a Wisconsin Department of Health Services letterconfirmed that she and her parents were eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.
The28-year-old education student lives with her parents in Milwaukee. All threeshare caretaking duties for Barbara’s young child, who is on the autismspectrum. That unpaid work qualifies them as frontline health care personnel inWisconsin’s vaccine rollout.
WPRand Wisconsin Watch are withholding Barbara’s last name to avoid repercussionsfor her parents, who are living in the country without legal authorization. Thefamily arrived in Wisconsin from Mexico about two decades ago. Barbara iscurrently protected from deportation under the federal Deferred Action forChildhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, which grants some rights to eligibleimmigrants who came to the United States as children.
Barbarashouldered more caretaking duties during the pandemic because her parents workoutside of the home, and they feared exposing the child to the coronavirus.Vaccinations would make everyone’s life a little easier. Booking threeappointments at a Milwaukee Walgreens went smoothly.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Butthe pharmacy staff turned away her parents because their IDs were expired, shesaid. Barbara said she presented two current, state-issued IDs but was askedfor additional proof of residency. The pharmacy gave her a 45-minute deadlineto return after fetching it from home, she said.
Thefamily left and didn’t come back. It is just one example of what some membersof racial and ethnic groups in Wisconsin say are barriers to getting vaccinatedamong people hardest hit by the pandemic.
Shots at last
Thefamily eventually received shots through the Milwaukee Health Department, wherea family member works. But not until a month later.
“Alot of us want to get vaccinated. But we’re not given the option to getvaccinated,” she said. It’s very challenging, especially for the undocumentedcommunity.”
Walgreenswould not comment on Barbara’s experience unless she signed a medical privacywaiver, a corporate spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The pharmacyasks for identification at the appointment and in the store to match the personreceiving the vaccine to the person who booked it online, according to thestatement.
“Unlessspecifically required by a jurisdiction, our policy is to not turn awayindividuals who do not produce an ID,” the statement said. “Neither astate-issued ID nor U.S. citizenship is a requirement for a vaccine. We arereiterating this policy with our 40,000+ pharmacy team members.”
Vaccinations hard to find for some
Publichealth leaders have called Wisconsin a national
leaderfor quickly and widely delivering shots to residents. But access remains farfrom even among Wisconsinites. The state’s racial, ethnic and other minoritygroups face major barriers to inoculation — just as those groups suffer a disproportionate share of COVID-19 infections,hospitalizations and deaths. A March study of 48 states ranked Wisconsin 32 indelivering shots to highly vulnerable communities.
Interviewswith Barbara and others illustrate how barriers are fueling disparities in thestate’s vaccination rollout.
ShengKhang of Wausau, who is Hmong, sees barriers in the form of“white-culture-based” security questions she answered in a health recordsportal while booking an appointment for her mother, who immigrated to Wisconsin26 years ago. The online portal asked for the patient’s astrological sign,which her mom would have little reason to know.
MelodyMcCurtis sees a range of barriers for residents in the Metcalfe Park neighborhoodon Milwaukee’s Black-majority North Side. Those include a lack of internetaccess, time and transportation — resources that more privileged vaccinehunters have used to find
appointmentsduring times of high vaccine demand.
Wisconsinofficials anticipated some challenges early in their vaccination campaign. DHSin April awarded $6.2 million in grants to promote vaccine accessin underserved communities. But DHS data reveal that stark disparitiespersist: Only 12% of Black residents have received at least one vaccine dose asof April 1, compared to 29% of white residents, 20% of American Indianresidents and 19% of Asian residents. Meanwhile, only 14% of residentsidentifying as Hispanic have received a dose, compared to 30% who arenon-Hispanic.
Aimingto understand what works, WPR and Wisconsin Watch interviewed nearly a dozenpeople working to bring vaccines into underserved communities. The barriers ineach community vary, but the solutions illustrate common themes, including thepower of partnerships, deep listening and meeting people where they are.
‘Our ZIP code has been left out’
Aimingto reach Black and brown-majority neighborhoods in deeply segregated Milwaukee,state and local officials in March broadened vaccine eligibility to allresidents 18 years and older who live in 10 city ZIP codes. Not on that list:53210, home to Metcalfe Park.
“OurZIP code has been left out,” said McCurtis, deputy director of the nonprofit Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, “even though we know that whenCOVID first broke out, 53210 had some of the the most cases, the most deathsand people were getting sick and dying from this virus.”
(Gov.Tony Evers last week expanded eligibility to all residents 16 andolder beginning Monday.)
McCurtis’group worked with the city health department and Milwaukee nonprofits to launchvaccination clinics open to residents 16 and older who live in the MetcalfePark and Amani neighborhoods.
Thecoalition, funded by The Northwestern Mutual Foundation, is planning eight vaccination events through earlyJune. COA Youth and Family Centers and the Wisconsin Black Historical Society,two familiar spaces, are hosting the clinics. Appointments are open to walk-upsonly —  to decrease the likelihood that digitally connected vaccinehunters living elsewhere will gobble up slots.
Thatrequires spreading the word. McCurtis and other volunteers are circulatinginformation about the events and vaccines themselves. They are also closelylistening to their neighbors.
Earlierlistening sessions revealed less trust in the Johnson & Johnson vaccine— hesitancy popping up
in various communities nationwide. Clinical trials have shownthe company’s single-dose vaccine to be safe and effective. But at one glance, the vaccine mightappear less effective at preventing COVID-19 illnesses, compared to the Modernaand Pfizer vaccines, whose trials produced a higher efficacy rate. Expertscaution that Johnson & Johnson performed its tests later in the pandemic ascoronavirus variants emerged, complicating
comparisons.
Evenso, McCurtis knows that perception matters, especially in communities that havereason to distrust an American health care system with a racist track record. So the coalition’s walk-in clinicswill deliver only the Pfizer vaccine — to reduce any hesitancy.
Asinterest grows in the community clinics, McCurtis said, “We’re seeing theeffects of what access, real outreach and commitment does to a community thathas been oppressed and almost left on the back burner for almost a year now.”
Offering comfort and familiarity
Madison,Wisconsin’s Hmong community is seeing similar success with vaccination events.The Hmong Institute, a nonprofit, hosted two such events in March and plansmore.
LifeCenter Madison is hosting the events, providing a familiar backdrop forresidents who previously attended Hmoob Kaj Siab, The Hmong Institute’s culturallyand linguistically accessible mental health program for elders, which pausedduring the pandemic.
Thefamiliarity is key to encouraging shots among Hmong elders, some of whom facedtrauma around vaccinations before arriving in Wisconsin as refugees from Laos,Vietnam and neighboring countries following the Vietnam War, said Peng Her, CEOof The Hmong Institute.
Insome cases, the military in Laos forced mass vaccinations upon villages. Otherresidents may have received poor treatment from disdainful Western doctors atrefugee camps decades ago, Her said.
“Therewas a lot of distrust built back then,” he said. “Fast forward to now when eventhe testing site at (Madison’s) Alliant Energy Center —  the National Guard was there to help. Thathelps trigger a lot of the things that they witnessed and saw back in Laos.”
Vaccinationsite staff speak in Hmong, and the Hmong Medical Association offers informationabout the vaccine and possible side effects through a video playing in awaiting room.
Sincesome residents lack internet access, The Hmong Institute uses word of mouth andother outreach channels. Most of the 49 people vaccinated at the first event,on March 9, previously participated in programs such as Hmoob Kaj Siab, Hersaid. A March 23 event vaccinated 80 residents, and the institute plans tovaccinate 200 more at the next event.
‘Why do you want to help me?’
InMarathon County, the COVID-19 Hmong and Hispanic
Communication Network (H2N) is spreading information and helping to book vaccineappointments through extensive on-the-ground outreach.
Khang,who booked her mother’s vaccine appointment in Wausau, serves as a Hmongcommunity coordinator for the network, a joint project of the WisconsinInstitute for Public Policy and Service and the Medical College of Wisconsin-CentralWisconsin. Khang said her team reaches residents in a variety of ways,including through a Hmong-language podcast and a booth at the Wausau World Market, whereher colleagues can schedule appointments.
TheWausau-based Hmong American Center is also a crucial partner, Khang said, sincestruggling residents have also relied on it during the pandemic for informationon everything from food to rental assistance.
Outreachto Marathon County’s Hispanic communities looks somewhat different, said TonyGonzalez, a Hispanic community coordinator for H2N. Their homes are spread outacross rural countryside and they lack a centralized community center, Gonzalezsaid.
SoGonzalez meets residents where they are. He runs a soccer league, where hecirculates  vaccine information. Gonzalezalso occasionally appears as a guest on El Premerito, a popular local Spanish-languagepodcast.
IsisVidal and Norma Castro, two network liaisons, perform additional outreach,delivering food door-to-door and sharing information about a variety of rent relief and other services, now includingvaccines.
Equippedwith training, the women answer questions such as how much vaccines cost(nothing) and what documents are needed. They also spend time building trust,Vidal said, which strengthens their work.
Theteam’s successes include working with an Abbotsford Pick ‘n Save pharmacy toreserve 100 doses for Latino residents. Spanish-speaking pharmacy employeescalled residents to schedule appointments over the phone, overcoming theobstacle of English-only scheduling websites. H2N community liaisons supplied acontact list.
INFO BOX: Five things to know about
vaccination
Wisconsin Watch (wisconsinwatch.org) collaborates with WPR, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and
the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass
Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated by
Wisconsin Watch do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of UW-Madison
or any of its affiliates.

author: Bram Sable-Smith (Wisconsin Watch/WPR)


text:
DHS-graphic | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 5, 2021

author: Dwayne Burtin


text:
Vaccine-Access-01 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 5, 2021


text:
Vaccine-Access-02 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 5, 2021


text:
Vaccine-Access-05 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
April 5, 2021


text:
You’re invited to ‘Making rent: A conversation about eviction prevention and tenants rights’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
April 6, 2021
(Graphic by Claire DeRosa)
Are you facing eviction, have housing uncertainty and/or barriers navigating the system?
Then you should tune in to the online event, “Making rent: A conversation about eviction prevention and tenants’ rights,” from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 7.
A panel of experts from the Rental Housing Resource Center will be joined by community representatives and NNS housing beat reporter PrincessSafiya Byers.
The event is brought to you by News414, a joint project of Wisconsin Watch and the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
You can sign up by clicking here.


text:
Here’s a list of places to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Matt Martinez
April 7, 2021
Hayat Pharmacies runs walk-in COVID-19 clinics at various locations, like this one at the Ma’Ruf Center in February. Residents 16 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include latest hours for the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
Wondering where to get your COVID-19 vaccine? Here’s a list of places to get the shot in Milwaukee.
City-run sites
Wisconsin Center
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The Wisconsin Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., has been selected to become a federal community clinic for COVID-19 vaccinations. This means for the next eight weeks, it will be open seven days a week and have the capacity to administer 3,000 shots per day.
The Wisconsin Center is appointment only. You can sign up for an appointment here or by calling (414) 286-6800.
North Division High School/South Division High School
The city now welcomes all Milwaukee residents ages 16 and older to both North Division and South Division high schools. Previously vaccinations were offered to residents in specific ZIP codes. The walk-in clinics operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until April 16.
North Division High School is located at 1011 W. Center St.
South Division High School is located at 1515 W. Lapham Blvd.
Additionally, if you live in the 53210 and 53206 ZIP codes, you can also go to the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, 2620 W. Center St., or COA Youth and Family’s Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St., on select Saturdays over the next few months. Click here to find out more about when and where the clinics will be. These are walk-in clinics.
Kozciuszko Community Center
The Kozciuszko Community Center, 2201 S. 7 St., is open to any member of the ZIP Code program, as well as Medicare Long-Term Care Program recipients and county employees.
Appointments required. To register, visit this webpage.
Other sites
Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin– The easiest way to sign up for a vaccine at Froedtert is through the MyChart app.
Advocate Aurora Health – Use the LiveWell app/website or call (866) 443-2594. You can also visit this page for step-by-step instructions.
Ascension Wisconsin – Visit this link to schedule an appointment.
Progressive Community Health Centers – Call (414) 935-8000. Appointments required. This system has multiple locations.
Outreach Community Health Centers – Call (414) 727-6320. Appointments required.
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers – Available for established patients of the clinic. Call (414) 672-1353 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weeknights to schedule an appointment. Located at Parkway Clinic, 2906 S. 20 St.
Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center – Call (414) 383-9526. Appointments required. Located at 930 W. Historic Mitchell St.
Milwaukee Health Services – MLK Heritage Health Center, 2555 N. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Drive, and Isaac Coggs Heritage Health Center, 8200 W. Silver Spring Drive.
Milwaukee VA Medical Center – Vaccines available for veterans of any branch, including reserves and National Guard, and their spouses and caretakers. Call (414) 384-2000 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or visit the registration window at 5000 W. National Ave.
St. Ann Bucyrus Medical Clinic – Appointment only, call (414) 210-2430. Located at 2450 W. North Ave.
UMOS is hosting a vaccine clinic April 10 and April 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2701 S. Chase Ave. To make an appointment, visit this link. Walk-ins welcome.
Pharmacies
Meijer
Meijer recently announced that COVID-19 vaccines would be available at every operating store. To register for a vaccine, visit https://clinic.meijer.com/ or text COVID to 75049.
Walgreens
Every Walgreens pharmacy in the state received allotments for the COVID-19 vaccine. To see a list of Milwaukee-area Walgreens by ZIP code, click here
Hayat Pharmacy
Hayat Pharmacy is hosting a number of walk-in vaccination clinics over the next month. You can register at https://HayatCovidVaccine.as.me
The clinics are as follows:
April 26 and May 3: noon to 8 p.m. at Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St. Walk-ins welcome.
April 24: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Brentwood Church of Christ, 6425 N. 60 St.
April 25: noon to 5 p.m. at Presbyterian Church USA, 1930 W. Walnut St.
CVS Pharmacy
Pick N Save and Kroger – Visit the link or call (866) 211-5320
There also is an effort at Summerfest grounds using vaccines from Pick N’ Save and Kroger. A clinic runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on some Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can make an appointment using the Pick N Save website or phone number.
The shots are administered in the Summerfest Guest Services Building, at 200 N. Harbor Drive
Northshore Pharmacy – Located at 1421 E Capitol Drive.
•CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
•NIH (Nation Institute of Health)
•WHO ( World Health Organization)
•FDA Report On Pfizer Vaccine
•Milwaukee Vaccine Appointment Scheduling Tool
For information on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, click here.
To hear from health care workers who received the vaccine, click here.
Check out our continuing coronavirus coverage.
Looking for more personalized direction to resources and information during the coronavirus crisis? Get connected with News414, a texting-based news resource from Milwaukee NNS, Wisconsin Watch and Outlier Media. You can text MILWAUKEE to 73224 and begin to receive free, personalized data via text messages.
Did we miss anything? NNS will update this list as more clinics open. Reach out to mmartinez@milwaukeenns.org if you have any suggestions to add.


text:
50982980011_0c2926f5ea_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 6, 2021


text:
OPINION: What I want my patients to know as schools reopen | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dr. Bryan Johnston
April 7, 2021
Artist Mauricio Ramirez created this mural on the corner of South Sixth Street and West Lincoln Avenue to honor frontline workers and medical professionals. (Photo by Adam Carr)
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.
Last week I went for a jog in the park around our clinic. It was surprisingly cold out, almost freezing, and I shoved my hands into the end of my shirt sleeves. It had rained earlier, and the path was muddy in spots. I felt old and out of shape and labored to finish.
On my last lap, a small child, probably 7 or 8 years old, trudged across the field, wearing headphones like ear muffs, staring down at his phone. I realized he must be in class. He sat down on a bench. When I passed, he gave a brief, wan smile. I finished and went inside to shower.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
When I looked outside afterward, he was gone. I thought, this is how our kids are learning.
Milwaukee Public Schools, like many school systems, is giving students the option to return to in-person education in the coming weeks. After a year out of school, these dates may seem to be approaching fast.
Opinion is divided on whether and how to return. Students and families have been given the option to continue with all-virtual school for the remainder of the school year. Like all pandemic-related choices, this is a hard one.
Here’s what I’ve been discussing with my patients.
The case for a student returning to school:
Tips for keeping your child and your family safe as schools reopen:
1. Continue discussions with your family and others about your relative risk and risk tolerance — arrangements that might have seemed safe may look different now that children are returning to school.
2. Maximize your family’s risk reduction in other ways. This means masking and following infection control guidelines, limiting unnecessary exposures to people and places and getting vaccinated as soon as possible. All currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are excellent and safe. To echo public health guidelines, the best vaccine is the soonest one you can get. Everyone 16 years and older in ZIP codes 53204, 53205, 53206, 53209, 53215, 53216, 53218, 53223, 53224, 53233 are now eligible for vaccination. The city is offering public vaccination sites — more information here. Pharmacies are offering appointments, and your doctor’s office can also direct you.
3. Keep up to date with MPS plans and safety protocols — and engage with opportunities to learn more: https://mymps.org
4. Make sure your child is supported in the transition back to school. Expect some rough patches as children reintegrate into social and academic environments they’ve missed. The adaptations they’ve been forced to adopt may not serve them well anymore. Expect the good and bad interactions that school represents, and the intensity of emotion this can bring. Expect your children to need a little more space or support (or both) as they adjust back. Expect some struggles and offer patience as they reintegrate to the structure and pace of classroom learning and, in some cases, discover how much they’ve missed.
5. Thank teachers and school workers! They do what they do because they want what is best for our children.
6. Know that by returning to class, we are doing the right thing for our kids. Teaching our children is arguably the most important thing that our society does. Let’s take pride in getting back to how we do that best.
Dr. Bryan Johnston is a family physician working on the North Side of Milwaukee, returns again to offer advice on navigating the pandemic.

author: Dr. Bryan Johnston


text:
Post from Community: Alverno Community Conference will focus on change through equity, diversity and inclusion | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alverno College
April 7, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Alverno College will host its annual Community Conference virtually on Friday, April 23 as part of the College’s Teach and Learn Weekend. The theme of this year’s conference is “Reaching for Change: Promoting Equity,” and the goal is to explore how we can promote change through equity, diversity and inclusion. Deanna Singh, author, educator, motivational speaker and champion for marginalized communities will serve as the keynote speaker for the event. Her presentation on the Power of Inclusion will kick off the event.
The annual day of learning, which provides an opportunity for the extended Alverno community to share research, new initiatives and best practices, includes workshops, discussions and creative activities. Eighteen breakout sessions will be offered on a variety of topics including LGBTQ+ healthcare equity, cultivating female leaders, racial equity, disability justice, and the impact of COVID on marginal communities.
For more information about the 2021 Alverno Community Conference or to register, visit https://www.alverno.edu/community-conference. Additional questions can be directed to the Assessment and Outreach Center at 414-382-6020 or alverno.outreach@alverno.edu.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The event is sponsored by the Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy, music and liturgy, and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For the past two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.

author: Alverno College


text:
community-conference-logo-1200px.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
April 6, 2021


text:
Post from Community: Convergence Resource Center hopes to raise $50,000 as 17th annual fundraiser becomes online virtual event | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Convergence Resource Center
April 7, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Although the end of a year-long global pandemic is in sight as more Americans are vaccinated against the Coronavirus, Convergence Resource Center (CRC) plans to hold its annual fundraising event online on the evening of Friday, April 23. The goal is to raise at least $50,000 to expand programs to help women rebuild their lives after incarceration and female survivors of human trafficking.
CRC provides support services for adult women rebuilding their lives after trauma. Each “Work of ART” (CRC sees each woman it is working with as a Work of ART) identifies their trauma. These may include but are not limited to human trafficking, incarceration, or substance abuse. ART refers to CRC’s Avoid Recidivism Track that provides counseling and training to help women avoid repeating negative behaviors.
“The pandemic has actually increased the need for our trauma-informed programs,” said Debbie Lassiter, D. Div., the nonprofit’s CEO and co-founder. “COVID-19 didn’t stop human trafficking – it actually intensified. Our Works of ART struggled with isolation, physical and mental abuse, fear, and more during the pandemic. We need people’s help now more than ever.”
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The event begins at 6 p.m. on April 23 and can be viewed on Zoom. There is no admission fee. Attendees can register on CRC’s website (https://www.convergenceresource.org). An access code will be sent by email a few days before the event. People can donate before, during, or after the event by clicking a button on CRC’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/conresctr), its website, or by texting “CRCGIVE” to 44-321. Lassiter said the 18-year-old faith-based organization is seeking corporate sponsors to invest in the lives being changed.
Lassiter says the online event will be fast-paced with several interactive segments similar to previous fundraising banquets. It will feature presentations on how the nonprofit has continued to serve women during the pandemic, the services it provides, plans for expanded services, how CRC helped save women from human trafficking during the Super Bowl, and hear from survivors how CRC has helped them in their most vulnerable time.
CRC conducted a five-day virtual telethon on Facebook last August. Each half-hour live segment was recorded for later viewing and they remain on CRC’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/conresctr) and on its website.
“In past years, tickets for our banquet cost $50 each and we were limited by the number of people who could attend or afford that cost. Despite millions of Americans being vaccinated already, many people are not ready to attend an in-person event because they don’t want to catch or spread the Coronavirus,” said Carla McKiver, CRC’s co-founder and Chief Financial Officer.
“By taking our program online last year, more people learned about what we do and the lives we’re changing. That’s why we are sticking with a virtual event this year. With a virtual format, hundreds – even thousands of people – can still join us and donate through our Facebook page or our website,” said McKiver.
“We have become a leading service provider for human trafficking survivors and justice-involved women, and our HEMAD campaign has transitioned into a movement which addresses the demand side of human trafficking. We are prepared to launch several new services that are poised to address gaps in services for human trafficking survivors and we need support from the community,” added Lassiter.
About Convergence Resource Center
Convergence Resource Center (CRC) is a faith-based nonprofit community service organization providing support for men and women rebuilding their lives after trauma with an emphasis on justice involved women and female survivors of human trafficking. It collaborates with more than 50 community service organizations locally and nationally through partnerships and membership in several human trafficking task forces. To learn more, call (414) 979-0591 or visit www.convergenceresource.org.

author: Convergence Resource Center


text:
Post from Community: Webinar: Advocacy groups reveal new analysis on energy burden in Milwaukee finding major disparities & links to redlined areas | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jess Haven
April 7, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Webinar: Advocacy Groups Reveal New Analysis on Energy Burden in Milwaukee Finding Major Disparities & Links to Redlined Areas
This online press event will reveal a new analysis on energy burden in Milwaukee, showing major disparities and links to redlined areas of the city. The event will feature an overview of the analysis, as well as speakers sharing their lived experiences, and local leaders advocating for attention on the issue of energy burden in Milwaukee for Black and Hispanic/Latinx households.
WHO:
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Dana Kelley, Health Equity Organizer – North Side Rising
Brendan Pierpont, Senior Electricity Sector Analyst, Expert – Sierra Club
César, South Side resident – Milwaukee
Lady T, South Side resident – Milwaukee
Marcelia Nicholson, Chairwoman and 5th District Supervisor – Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors
WHAT: 30 minutes of speakers, 30 minutes of Q&A from press and public.
WHEN: Thursday, April 8 at 1:00pm CST.
WHERE: Online. To join the webinar, click the Zoom link below, enter the passcode, and then you will be joined: https://sierraclub.zoom.us/j/99091624888?pwd=dWsvM3l5R0kyKzc0UlhNYldkM2FpQT09
Passcode: 023068
Meeting ID: 990 9162 4888

author: Jess Haven


text:
EBurden-Event-4.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
April 6, 2021


text:
NNS on ‘Lake Effect’: 5 things to do and know this April in Milwaukee neighborhoods | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
April 8, 2021
Amillion Mills and Harold T. Carson Jr. clean up paper drifting in the lagoon at Washington Park on Earth Day in 2018. (File photo by Talis Shelbourne)
NNS’s Adam Carr joined WUWM and Joy Powers of “Lake Effect” for the April installment of our monthly “5 Things” feature.
This month includes our News414 collaborative event “Making Rent: A conversation about eviction prevention and tenants’ rights”; the opening of Mutòpe j. johnson’s art exhibit exploring Milwaukee’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood “In Search of a Benevolent Kind of Blue”; a spring work day at Alice’s Garden; separate cleanups from Near West Side Partners and Milwaukee Riverkeeper; and First Stage’s new virtual play series Amplify, which commissions works from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color playwrights and directors.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 8, 2021
“0407c”. Released: 2021.


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
April 8, 2021


text:
Post from Community: Habitat kicks off affordable homeownership initiative in Harambee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity
April 8, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
The first walls were raised today on an affordable homeownership initiative in the Harambee neighborhood. Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity plans to build more than 80 brand new, affordable homes in the area over the next four years. These homes are part of their Cost of Home campaign to serve 250 families on Milwaukee’s northwest side through affordable homeownership and critical home repair.
Mayor Tom Barrett, CEO of Bader Philanthropies, Inc. Dan Bader and City Development Commissioner Lafayette Crump joined Milwaukee Habitat Executive Director Brian Sonderman to kick off the project by raising the walls of one of three Habitat homes beginning construction on the 3400 block of North 3rd Street.
Milwaukee Habitat’s Brian Sonderman noted that Habitat homeownership is about the present and the future.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
“Today there are neighbors in our community who are struggling with unaffordable, unsafe and overcrowded rental units. These are hardworking families who, because of the rising cost of housing, are paying half or more of their income for an apartment with a leaking roof. These families need a safe place to raise their children at a price they can afford today. But this is also about the future. A tenet of the American dream is upward mobility. The opportunity to give your children a better future than you had growing up. One of the largest factors in generational wealth creation is homeownership.”
U.S. homeowners have an average net wealth that is 400% higher than that of renters with similar demographics and earnings. Yet, local families earning below Milwaukee’s median income are often met with barriers to homeownership like the ability to afford a down payment or gain access to an affordable loan.
Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity offers an opportunity for local families in need of safe, affordable housing to become first-time home buyers. Habitat homeowners pay a mortgage that won’t exceed 30% of their income, widely recognized as the threshold for affordable housing. They also receive financial education and home maintenance courses to help prepare them to be successful homeowners.
Milwaukee Habitat is now accepting applications for their 2021 new construction homes. Interested individuals can learn more and apply by attending their free, virtual homeowner orientation at .

author: Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity


text:
Post from Community: Milwaukee writer publishes first book on South Asian mental health stigma | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mrinal Gokhale
April 8, 2021
Editor’s note: Posts from the Community is the place for community announcements and event postings. If you have a community-oriented event you feel our readers would be interested in, please submit here.
Wellness and psychology is a special interest for Milwaukee-based writer Mrinal Gokhale, and her first published book will highlight these very passions. As a former freelance reporter, Mrinal, a second-generation Indian-American, covered various Mental Health Awareness Month events focused on the African-American and Latino/Hispanic communities, but never in Asian communities. That’s why she has now written her very first book highlighting mental health awareness in her own culture.
Saaya Unveiled: South Asian Mental Health Spotlighted, shares the stories of second-generation immigrants of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi descent, who navigate mental health in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Told in third person, each story details their bi-cultural experiences, how destigmatizing mental health became their fight, and how they are bridging the gap of education, access, and acceptance between generations. Addressing topics like identity, healthcare access, socialization, academia, love, loss, trauma, and suicide, each unique true story unveils a part of the shadow (saaya) of mental health in the South Asian diaspora.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Coming to Amazon in May 2021 for Mental Health Awareness Month!

author: Mrinal Gokhale