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MPS centers help connect students to college | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
June 18, 2019
Tre’Quan Martin (left), planning assistant at Barack Obama School of Career and Technology Education’s College and Career Center, helps students during a workshop. (Photo by Patricia Kline)
Summer is no time to slack.
Especially when it comes to all things college and career.
Four MPS College and Career Centers around the city are open this summer to help students navigate the steps to higher education and jobs.
Ameera Fowler, who just graduated from Rufus King International High School, would like to see more students take advantage of the assistance the centers offer, which includes taking them on college visits.
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She said she hadn’t realized how helpful the staff would be until she visited with friends who were regulars there. She wishes she had started using the center’s services earlier.
Fowler worked with planning assistant Ronnicia Walker-Johnson to figure out how to get into college and how to pay for it.
Walker-Johnson “forms a bond with everyone who comes in there,” said Fowler, and she relieved Fowler’s stress by reassuring her that they could get through the process in time.
Planning to major in business and minor in fashion and design, Fowler was accepted at MATC, Mount Mary University and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. She’s still waiting to hear about financial aid before making her decision.
MPS opened College and Career Centers at all 20 traditional high schools in 2017. Since then, 17,500 students have been helped in more than 95,000 visits, said Ericca Pollack, MPS college access coordinator.
Samari Price, a 2019 Milwaukee Marshall High School graduate, will begin her college career at Marquette University. (Photo provided by Samari Price)
Samari Price, a Milwaukee Marshall High School 2019 graduate, said the center helped her with mailing transcripts, writing essays, studying for tests and played a big role in the number of schools to which she applied.
“Whenever I needed to talk,” the staff “was always there to listen,” she said.
Most of the centers’ work is with seniors on post-high school enrollment steps, including helping them with college applications, scholarships and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA, form. The form is required by most colleges and universities when applying for financial aid, she said.
For families that don’t have experience navigating the college and career process, the centers are able to provide one-on-one support, Pollack said.
Erika Britton, whose twins, Ameera and Taajwar Evans, graduated among the top 10 in the class of 2019 at North Division High School, said their planning assistant was like a big sister with whom they could talk about anything. She had a rapport with the students and was involved throughout their high school years.
Britton works first shift and her husband is busy operating a business, so it was helpful that Planning Assistant Shariah Salahaladyn kept her seniors on track with all their deadlines, Britton said.
Ms S., as the students call her, reviewed the Evans twins’ essays more than once, and made sure Britton understood the entire process, she said.
In the fall, the twins will go to UW-Whitewater, where they both plan to major in nursing.
Some students who apply to colleges and are admitted don’t always enroll. The centers can help them resolve whatever roadblocks arise, Pollack said.
“One of the big things that happens is that when our students get their first tuition and fees bill, the shock of what the actual cost is can be a bit overwhelming for families,” Pollack said.
The centers can help all entering or continuing high school students write resumes and look for internships and summer jobs.
The flagship center at South Division High School will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays during the summer.
Centers at Rufus King International High School, 1801 W Olive St.; Milwaukee High School of the Arts, 2300 W. Highland Ave.; and Alexander Hamilton High School, 6215 W. Warnimont Ave., will be open mornings and some afternoons during the summer. (See website for most up-to-date hours.)
Interested students and families can walk into any of the centers or call South Division at (414) 902-8458.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 17, 2019

source: news-milwaukeenns

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

author: Adam Carr


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48037956691_ea073ab3d4_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 17, 2019


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‘A day of celebration and of jubilation’: What Juneteenth Day means to Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 19, 2019
In 1971, Milwaukee celebrated its first Juneteenth Day, and the celebration has continued to grow. (File photo by Sue Vliet)
Juneteenth Day is a day of celebration and remembrance. The tradition began upon the end of the Civil War and has carried on through the generations. Milwaukee is celebrating its 48 Juneteenth Day on Tuesday, June 19.
What is Juneteenth Day?
Juneteenth Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the Civil War had ended and with it, the enslavement of black people, according to Juneteenth Day Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s official Juneteenth Day website. This was two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
Upon hearing the news, people broke out into celebration. Eventually, that day became known as Juneteenth Day.
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McArthur Weddle, the executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House, which is a multipurpose community center, said Juneteenth Day focuses on the importance of recognizing one’s heritage. Weddle, who has been with Northcott for 42 years and is retiring this month, according to the Journal Sentinel, is one of the main leaders behind Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day celebration.
Juneteenth Day is a day for celebration and jubilation, says McArthur Weddle, executive director of Northcott Neighborhood House. (File photo by Allison Dikanovic)
What is the history of Juneteenth in Milwaukee?
In 1971, Milwaukee celebrated its first Juneteenth Day, Weddle said.
Weddle said a Northcott Neighborhood House employee was visiting a relative who lived in the South. Her visit coincided with June June Day, what the locals called Juneteenth Day. Inspired by the celebration, the employee suggested Milwaukee throw its own celebration.
Forty-eight years later, Milwaukee continues to celebrate Juneteenth Day with an all-day affair that continues to grow with additional vendors, speakers and events such as the pageant.
The Miss Juneteenth Day pageant began 27 years ago. Several years ago, a Little Miss Juneteenth Pageant was added for young girls ages 7-13. The pageant provides young women the opportunity to showcase their talents, academic achievements and community contributions. The winner is featured in the Juneteenth Day parade along with the grand marshals.
How does Milwaukee celebrate?
Originally, Milwaukee’s Juneteenth Day celebration was held on a couple of blocks and featured a handful of vendors. These days, it spans four blocks and has hundreds of vendors, a parade and a Miss and Little Miss Juneteenth Day pageant.
“This is a day of celebration and of jubilation,” Weddle said.
Marcus Duke said Milwaukee has one of the best Juneteenth Day celebrations. Duke is the executive director of Club K.I.D.S. (Kids In Danger Saved), an organization that empowers children to stay out of gangs. He said the celebration gives urban vendors a chance to showcase their products and provides place to reconnect with old friends.
“The Milwaukee celebration is so huge because there’s a lot of pride in the black community,” Duke said. “Other cities can’t even fill a park.”
What is the significance of Juneteenth Day?
While Juneteenth Day is a day of celebration, it also focuses on heritage and ancestry.
“Our ancestors gave up everything,” Weddle said.
The day is dedicated to reflecting on the past and progressing toward a brighter future. Weddle said Juneteenth Day is about fellowship and unity.
What’s happening today?
The parade begins on the corner of North 19 Street and West Atkinson Avenue at 10 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at noon. The parade will feature Miss Juneteenth and co-grand marshals, Adriane Griffin and Bob Johnson.
The celebration will be held on North Dr. Martin Luther King Drive between West Center and Burleigh streets and will conclude at 5:30 p.m.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 18, 2019


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Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis to receive 2019 Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jewish Community Relations Council
June 19, 2019
(Photo courtesy of Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation)
Pardeep Singh Kaleka and Arno Michaelis have been selected to receive the 2019 Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award. The award was established in 2014 by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. Previous honorees are attorney James H. Hall, Danae Davis, Jose Olivieri, Reggie Jackson, and Fran Kaplan.
Arno and Pardeep were chosen for their individual and collaborative work to counter hate, provide a model for friendship and the power to change one’s life. The selection committee was overwhelmed by their stories of moving forward from tragedies, giving voice to the victims rather than the perpetrators, and choosing a path of compassion and good.
After the 2012 white supremacist attack at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, Arno and Pardeep developed a personal relationship and from that, founded the organization, Serve 2 Unite, which works to establish a healthy sense of identity, purpose and belonging in order to divert young people from violent extremist ideologies and a range of behaviors that harm the self and other.
Their 2018 book, “The Gifts of our Wounds,” was selected as Booklist’s 2018 Editors’ Choice.
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“We are so pleased to be honoring Arno and Pardeep for the work they do together,” said JCRC Chair Ann Jacobs. “Their partnership is an inspiring and important model for countering polarization of all types.”
“We are continually inspired by Arno and Pardeep’s way of bringing themselves fully into the work of healing our community,” said JCRC Director Elana Kahn.
The award will be given at the JCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting, which will be June 20, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Renaissance Place. Event theme is “Use Your Power for Good: Women Wage Peace,” and will feature a pair of Israeli Jewish and Druze women from the Israeli organization, Women Wage Peace. Click here to RSVP.
Robert H. Friebert (1938-2013) dedicated himself to the pursuit of social justice and the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world). A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, Friebert was a founding partner of the law firm Friebert, Finerty and St. John S.C.
He argued four cases in the United States Supreme Court and served as the first public defender for the State of Wisconsin from 1966-1968. Friebert was also extremely active in local, state and national Democratic politics in his pursuit of social justice. In addition to his legal and political work, Friebert held significant leadership roles in numerous organizations, boards and commissions. For more on Friebert and the award, click here.
About the Jewish Community Relations Council
Founded in 1938, the Jewish Community Relations Council, a program of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation, advocates for the rights and values of Jews individually and collectively, here and abroad. The Council implements a coordinated program of education, action, and advocacy for the Jewish community. For more than one hundred years, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation has been dedicated to building a strong Jewish community. The agency distributed nearly $19 million last year to Jewish and non-Jewish organizations locally and around the world.
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author: Jewish Community Relations Council


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Arno and Pardeep — Friebert winners.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 19, 2019

author: Name *


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We need to do more to reduce tobacco’s impact on the LGBT community | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Emma Chavez, Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network Member
June 19, 2019
June is Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, a yearly celebration of LGBT equality. There have been advances in LGBT rights and equality, but discrimination and disparities remain a problem for LGBT individuals.
For example, LGBT health disparities are often overlooked, especially those related to tobacco. LGBT individuals face adversity from social stigma and exclusion, which leads to an increased chance of engaging in risky behaviors, like using tobacco.
In Wisconsin, the 2013-17 smoking prevalence rate for LGB individuals in Wisconsin is 26 percent, 10  points higher than the state average for adults. This doesn’t need to remain the case in our state. There are groups and individuals working to support LGBT individuals who want to quit smoking and also to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and create more smoke-free spaces.
In addition, the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line provides free quit tobacco assistance, regardless of orientation and identification. Tobacco users should call 1-800-QUIT-NOW today for free help!
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Sincerely,
Emma Chavez
Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network Member


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NNS Spotlight: ‘Living in two worlds’: Indian Community School connects students with culture | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
June 20, 2019
Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series that highlights groups and people worth knowing in Milwaukee. To nominate a person or a group, email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “Spotlight” in the subject line.
Mark Powless strolled the grounds of the Indian Community School in Franklin as its end-of-the-year powwow unfolded.
Drums pounded and dancers swirled in the afternoon light as parents, students, teachers and community supporters joined the festivities earlier this month.
Powless is a member of the Oneida Nation and the director of Our Ways, the school’s cultural curriculum.
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“Powwows have come about over the years as a way of gathering, to understand each other even though we come from hundreds of different Native nations,” he said. “It’s a celebration of all that’s been accomplished and a look forward to what is coming up in the future in a social atmosphere.”
The powwow tradition is just a small but important part of the cultural programming at the Indian Community School, where the Our Ways initiative supports the school curriculum by connecting students with traditional practices and ways of life. The school, founded in 1969, serves 372 students from the greater Milwaukee American Indian community.
Our Ways focuses on Native American language, cultural values, history and sovereignty.
The powwow is not a formal part of the curriculum, but it does incorporate some of the same values, Powless said.
At a powwow, “you should see people being brave, trying out something new, getting out there in front of their peers,” Powless said. “Always working on being humble. Trying to take the teachings of our elders that have been passed down to us about specific kinds of dances or how to maintain ourselves, being wise about those things, living an authentic life in the honest way that the Creator intended us to be.”
Audra Williams has two children enrolled in the school. She was an early advocate of the Our Ways initiative, which took several years to develop starting in 2015.
“It’s amazing that it’s happening now,” Williams said. “For those kids that are coming in, they’re lucky. They’re going to get so much, and that’s who we need to get to, those younger minds where it’ll set in and become their way of life.”
The Our Ways curriculum emerged from more than 800 interviews with Native people, Powless said.
The school’s goal is to prepare students with an “understanding of living in two worlds,” said Head of School Jason Dropik. “For us, it’s just acknowledging the fact that both parts make up who they are, our students are not just Native, they come from many different cultures, and being urban that’s a culture in and of itself, so that is also part of who they are.”

author: Mark Doremus


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 19, 2019


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Study aims to improve food access for African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes in Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Medical College of Wisconsin
June 20, 2019
One quarter of people with diabetes in the U.S. report food insecurity – an inability to or limitation in accessing nutritionally adequate food – and African Americans overall are three times more likely than whites to be food insecure. In many cases, this poor access to nutrition among Type 2 diabetics leads to worse control over their chronic illness and more difficulty following a healthy diet compared to non-food insecure diabetics.
Two new studies led by scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) will focus specifically on food insecurity among African Americans with Type 2 diabetes in central-city Milwaukee.
While diabetes affects nearly 10 percent of the U.S. population, African Americans suffer at a higher rate – nearly 60 percent – than white Americans. African Americans are also three times more likely to be food insecure and four times more likely to experience complications of diabetes, such as amputations and end-stage renal disease.
With a more-than-$3.2 million, five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health Institute on Minority Health and Disparities, Leonard Egede, MD, MS, professor of medicine and chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine, and Rebekah Walker, PhD, assistant professor of medicine at MCW, will test the separate and combined efficacy of monthly food vouchers for farmer’s markets and monthly mailed food stock boxes layered upon diabetes education for low income, food insecure African Americans with Type 2 diabetes.
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Dr. Walker will also lead a second study to refine and test an intervention to improve glycemic control, dietary intake, self-care and quality of life in food insecure African Americans with Type 2 diabetes. The intervention will involve weekly culturally relevant food supplementation boxes mailed to the participants and culturally tailored telephone-delivered diabetes education and skills training. This study is funded by a four-year, nearly $600,000 grant from the American Diabetes Association.
Several other studies have tested strategies to address food insecurity through food supplementation, including vouchers to cover the cost of food, coupons for farmer’s markets and pre-packaged food shipments to participants’ homes. However, results of these studies are still unclear in terms of if food supplementation alone is effective in individuals with diabetes.
Another aspect still unclear is how best to understand and address the unique barriers faced by African Americans, who are often more likely to face the compounded impact of low socioeconomic status, food insecurity and diagnosis of diabetes.
Dr. Egede and Dr. Walker’s studies will seek to fill in these gaps in the research as well as study the cost effectiveness of these strategies.
With a history dating back to 1893, The Medical College of Wisconsin is dedicated to leadership and excellence in education, patient care, research and community engagement.  More than 1,200 students are enrolled in MCW’s medical school and graduate school programs in Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Central Wisconsin in 2016. MCW’s School of Pharmacy opened in 2017. A major national research center, MCW is the largest research institution in the Milwaukee metro area and second largest in Wisconsin. In FY2016, faculty received more than $184 million in external support for research, teaching, training and related purposes. This total includes highly competitive research and training awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Annually, MCW faculty direct or collaborate on more than 3,100 research studies, including clinical trials. Additionally, more than 1,500 physicians provide care in virtually every specialty of medicine for more than 525,000 patients annually.

author: Medical College of Wisconsin


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MCWLogo_green.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 20, 2019


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5 things to do this weekend: June 21 to June 23 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 21, 2019
Milwaukee residents are invited to join Ald. Ashanti Hamilton and Ald. Khalif Rainey on a bike ride Saturday through the 1stand 7th Districts of the Milwaukee Promise Zones. (Photo from Northwest Side Community Development Corporation)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. 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.
The grand opening of “Evicted,”  based on Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, takes place from  Friday, June 21 at the. Mobile Design Box, 753 N. 27 St.  The exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through Sept. 30. The experience presents data developed by Desmond’s Eviction Lab and features original photography and audio examining reasons for and the fallout from eviction. Click here to register.
2.  FunFest at UMOS
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Join UMOS, 2701 S. Chase Ave., for its  Admission is free, and food, drink and resources will be provided. The festivities begin at For more information, contact Carmen Lerma at (414) 389-6002 or carmen.lerma@umos.org.
Milwaukee Youth Expo
Milwaukee youths are invited to at North Division High School, 1011 W. Center St., on Saturday, June 22. The expo will focus on five areas, including CPR, violence prevention and mental health. To register click here. The expo runs from
Residents with old medicine can  at the Salem Lutheran Church, 6840 N. 107 St., on Saturday, June 22. The Drug Take Back event is a part of Project Clean & Green and goes from  It is sponsored by MPD District 4. Click here to learn more about how you can take back unused medicine any day of the year
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Milwaukee residents are invited to join Ald. AshantiHamilton and Ald. Khalif Rainey on a through the 1 and 7 Districts of the Milwaukee Promise Zones. The ride will start at Garden Homes Park, 2600 W. Atkinson Ave., at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, and include a stop at the Sherman Phoenix. For more details, contact Sarah Bregant at (414) 444-8200, ext. 8104 or via email at sarah.b@nwscdc.org. Click here to register.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 21, 2019


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 20, 2019


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Dominican Center Awarded We Energies Foundation Grant for Amani Ring Project | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dominican Center
June 23, 2019
(Photo by Jamieah Moore, 7th grade)
We Energies Foundation has extended support to the Dominican Center in the form of a $1,500 grant for the Amani Ring Project. “We are pleased to partner with the Dominican Center in an effort to create a safer and brighter future for the communities we serve,” said Beth Straka, vice president of the We Energies Foundation and senior vice president of – Corporate Communications and Investor Relations of WEC Energy Group, the holding company of We Energies.
Data reveals that the incidence of burglaries in the Amani neighborhood, which the Dominican Center serves, is approximately twice that of the City of Milwaukee as a whole. Therefore, the Dominican Center would use this grant to purchase and install video doorbells in the homes of Amani residents.
Video doorbells send notifications to homeowners’ phones or computers when visitors ring or trigger the built-in motion detector. Homeowners can then answer their doors or see, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere using their mobile device.
These smart doorbells, which cost $200 each, are out of reach for more than 52% of Amani homeowners, so this grant will allow the Dominican Center to launch the Amani Rings program, anticipating a contribution to a decrease in Amani burglaries and violent crime, all resulting in residents feeling safe and more secure in their homes. Amani residents believe that improved safety in housing and increased home ownership will improve the quality of life for all residents, not just those homes where a video doorbell is installed.
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Dominican Center is located at 2470 W. Locust Street, in the heart of the Amani neighborhood. It works with Amani residents and partners to build a better future. The Dominican Center served as the community anchor for the White House Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, Building Neighborhood Capacity Program and is the lead community partner for the US Department of Justice’s Innovations of Community Based Crime Reduction grant for Amani.
Please contact Christina Chronister at the Dominican Center for additional information at (414) 444-9930 or by email at christina@dominican-center.org

author: Dominican Center


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DSC08863 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 12, 2015


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: June 24 to June 29 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 24, 2019
Milwaukeeans can hang out with the Brewcity Bruisers on Wednesday at the Washington Park bandshell. (Photo provided by Brewcity Bruisers)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. 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. Liberating Minds Reading Circle: Monday, June 24
All are welcome to join Ubuntu Research and Evaluation in Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21 St., for an intergenerational reading experience. Guests should bring a chair or blanket and a reusable water bottle. Books and articles will be available. There will be two reading circles on Monday, June 24, one at 10 a.m. and one at 6 p.m.
2. Interfaith rally against family raids: Monday, June 24
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Religious leaders from the Racine Interfaith Coalition, the United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, WISDOM, MICAH, Milwaukee’s Jewish community and Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice will join Voces de la Frontera members at a rally at 1:30 p.m. Monday, June 24 outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, 310 E Knapp St. Participants will be protesting President Donald Trump’s “Family Operation” raids targeting refugee families. Call (414) 643-1620 for more information.
3. Brewcity Bruiser’s Give Back Picnic: Wednesday, June 26
The Brewcity Bruisers is hosting its annual give-back picnic at the Washington Park Bandshell, 4599 W. Lloyd St. Guests can hang out with roller derby athletes, eat free hotdogs and enjoy live music. The picnic is on Wednesday, June 26 and starts at 5 p.m.
4. Havenwoods Community Job Fair: Thursday, June 27
Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation is hosting a job fair on Thursday, June 27. Attendees are asked to bring their resume and be prepared to fill out applications on site. Employers include Milwaukee Job Corps, Brady Corp, Employ Milwaukee, US Bank and more. The fair is at the Milwaukee Job Corps Center, 6665 N. 60 St., and goes from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5. Jazz Under the Trees: Saturday, June 29
St. Mark AME Church, 1616 W. Atkinson Ave., is hosting Jazz Under the Trees on Saturday, June 29. The event is free. Attendees should bring a chair. The music starts at 6 p.m.


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BRUISERS | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 23, 2019


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NNS Spotlight: ‘Something lit up for me’: Her mission is tackling Haiti’s sanitation crisis | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Amanda Parrish
June 25, 2019
Gigi Pomerantz says she never intended to create a nonprofit but “the people in Haiti were so warm, and a lightbulb went off.” (Photo provided by Youthaiti)
Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series that highlights groups and people worth knowing in Milwaukee. To nominate a person or a group, email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “Spotlight” in the subject line.
In 2006, Gigi Pomerantz, a nurse practitioner at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, went to poverty-stricken Haiti on a medical mission trip.
What she found was a sanitation crisis, due in part to a lack of toilets. Children were starving. And gardens were depleted.
In five days, she helped treat 1,400 people for worms, mostly from water-born illnesses in the mountain village of Duchity. Some villages, Pomerantz said, function without any toilets, making open defecation common. This, she said, can lead to the contamination of water and cause diarrheal diseases such as cholera—which has devastated Haiti since it was first detected in 2010.
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When she returned home, Pomerantz began researching about ecological cleanliness and community organizing in developing countries.
Ten months later, Pomerantz went back to Haiti. And in 2008, she founded Youthaiti, a nonprofit organization that helps solve the country’s sanitation crisis with ecological toilets.
Although she retired from her nursing job three years ago, Pomerantz, 64, is still working hard as Youthaiti’s executive director.
“Something lit up for me,” Pomerantz said. “The people in Haiti were so warm, and a lightbulb went off. I wasn’t thinking of starting an organization, I was just thinking ‘Oh, we’ll build a toilet, and then they’ll figure out how to build these toilets.’ ”
Contributing to the community
Gigi Pomerantz, along with residents, tend to a garden. (Photo provided by Youthaiti)
Pomerantz said Youthaiti builds toilets for households. The waste from the toilets is used as fertilizer for community gardens or plots for planting fruit trees, she said, contributing to community sustainability and sanitation.
While the heavy lifting is done in Haiti, Milwaukee functions as the hub for fundraising, public relations and recruiting volunteers.
One such fundraising event is Haitifest, which was held for the first time June 9 at Washington Park Urban Ecology Center. While the money raised is still being added up, Pomerantz said she expects the total to fall in the $9,000 range.
Tipan Verella grew up in Juvénat, Haiti, near Port-au-Prince, and came to the United States in 1996 to attend the University of Maryland. He moved to Milwaukee in 2010 and joined Youthaiti’s board of directors in 2012.
Verella said he appreciated the work Pomerantz was doing and liked that it was different from a lot of mission trip volunteerism in Haiti.
She “is significantly more concerned with the long-term well-being of the people she is interacting with,” Verella said.
Freddy Francois, 35 and originally from Port-de-Paix, Haiti, was one of the roughly 200 attendees at the Haitifest fundraiser.
Francois said he reached out to Pomerantz before Haitifest to see if he could help be a part of the solution to some of Haiti’s issues. He said he plans to get more involved with Youthaiti down the road and, if it’s held again, wants to make Haitifest more authentic next year.
Haitian culture “isn’t something you can explain,” Francois said. “You have to experience it.”
Francois said he never thought he was going to leave Haiti, but the 2010 earthquake led him to weigh his options and he moved to Appleton to continue his education at Fox Valley Technical College.
Francois is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Pomerantz “is really passionate about what she is doing, she really cares about it, and that is what you need,” Francois said.
Other organizations in Milwaukee also aim to help the situation in Haiti, including The Haiti Project of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee, which focuses on education, creating jobs and agriculture in Jeannette, Haiti, according to Mary Alice Eschweiler, trip coordinator.
Steven Duclair, a 2019 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is working to bring shoes, clean water, education and sustainable community to Haiti with the nonprofit Sustain the Future. Duclair, 24, moved to Milwaukee nearly 12 years ago from Port-au-Prince.
“There are people who need help everywhere,” Duclair said. “And maybe when we are doing work that we’re supposed to be helping the human race evolve, we should not exclude a group of people.”

author: Amanda Parrish


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 24, 2019


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Now Hiring: Youth Organizer | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Safe & Sound
June 25, 2019
Safe & Sound is HIRING!!
Job Description: Youth Organizer
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POSITION SUMMARY: The Youth Organizer at Safe & Sound is one part of a three part strategy aimed at building collective efficacy in neighborhoods to create safer communities. The youth organizer focuses on engaging youth in positive activities in the community, providing project based opportunities for creativity and leadership development. Safe & Sound’s effectiveness is dependent up these three strategies working together. We are looking for exceptional people who excel in the field and in the office. Youth Organizers need to operate successfully when working independently and as a member of a team.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Must have a valid driver’s license, a vehicle, and automobile insurance. • Must be able to pass a criminal background check.  • Requires City of Milwaukee residence at time of hire.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Send cover letter, resume, salary history and three professional references with phone and email contact information to Human Resources at hr@safesound.org
Applications accepted until Tuesday, July 9th at 5 pm.
Visit: https://www.safesound.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Youth-Organizer.pdf for more information

author: Safe & Sound


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SS_horiz-e1435254314581.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 25, 2019


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OPINION: Let’s not revictimize the young victims of human trafficking | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dana World-Patterson
June 25, 2019
Copper Lake is a secure detention center for female youths. (Photo provided by Wisconsin Department of Corrections)
Dana World-Patterson, CEO of Foundations for Freedom and chairwoman of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee, discusses how the justice system should respond to girls who commit crimes while they are being trafficked.
For more than a decade, I’ve worked to eradicate human trafficking in Milwaukee and beyond. As part of my work with Foundations for Freedom Inc., I’ve gotten to know the young girls and women who are forced into sex work and how it impacts their lives long after they have escaped that environment.
However, in Wisconsin, we don’t make it easy for these young women to adjust to normal life. The average age of girls who are trafficked domestically is 13. When trafficking begins, the victims are introduced to a life that includes not only trauma, but crimes as well – from theft to drugs and worse.
More often than not, our penal system treats these teenagers — who legally cannot consent — as if they were in that situation voluntarily. The reality is traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to get these young women to do what they tell them. By ignoring that and focusing on the crime, our justice system locks them up in a youth prison, away from their communities, families and any support systems they have.
Taking these young girls into custody might help them temporarily avoid a bad situation, but it does not make them safer and it does nothing to prevent them from being victimized again, especially as some do not self-identify as being trafficked. Research shows that youth prisons exasperate underlying trauma and prevent young people from healing or repairing the damage they’ve caused.
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Thankfully, there is a better way to help these young women. Recently, the Safe Harbor legislation, which prevents minors from being charged with soliciting, was introduced in the state Assembly. If the Senate, Assembly and Gov. Tony Evers approve the legislation, it will be a major step forward to prevent the unnecessary incarceration of trafficked girls.
But that legislation alone isn’t enough.
Closing Copper Lake is essential to ensuring that young women are safe and receive the trauma-informed care they need. Wisconsin must resist locking these girls up in similar facilities that don’t provide them with the support they need to heal. We can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to trauma.
Right now, the state is set to add more beds to the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center in Madison to accommodate girls who are currently in Copper Lake. Milwaukee’s young women make up the majority of the girls behind bars – so it does not make sense to send them to Madison, farther away from home. To make matters worse, Mendota has no experience in treating teen girls and there has been little transparency about the programming and treatment it intends to offer.
Additionally, this plan assumes that every struggling young woman needs placement in a restricted setting. Mendota also does not have space for young people who identify as trans – a group that is disproportionately incarcerated and highly marginalized. Instead of adding beds to Mendota, Wisconsin should invest in existing out-of-home programs in Milwaukee, where young women and trans youths can receive support nearby their support systems and homes.
Furthermore, imprisoning trafficked girls does not address underlying issues, which lead to contact with the justice system in the first place. Prison also makes it harder for young people to finish school; get jobs and housing in the future; and build the positive relationships that will help them become productive adults.
What most of the young women who I meet really need is housing and wrap-around supports that go above and beyond to help them succeed. There are no short cuts to heal the emotional, physical, sexual and psychological trauma that comes with human trafficking. However, adequate housing, jobs, food and programs to help them rebuild their confidence is essential to helping them grow into healthy women.
At Foundations for Freedom, a program called Project PINK helps girls assimilate back into school and rebuild their self-esteem, worth, value and help them learn the skills they need to thrive. This is just one example of the types of programs Milwaukee can scale up and support as we prepare to close Copper Lake and work to reform our justice system. Each girl, each young person, each individual is different – so we can’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.
We can create a system where youth prisons and locked doors are not the default response to youth who make mistakes or fall victim to human trafficking. At Foundations for Freedom, we focus on planting seeds to show youths what a better life could look like – but we have to come together as a community to support that vision.

author: Dana World-Patterson


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DAMA | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 24, 2019


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EXCLUSIVE: Keisha Krumm leaving Common Ground; new successor named | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
June 26, 2019
Keisha Krumm speaks at a news conference at City Hall in 2015 at which Nationstar Mortgage announced it would contribute $30.5 million to help Sherman Park homeowners recover from the foreclosure crisis. (Photo provided by Common Ground)
Keisha Krumm, executive director of Common Ground, will step down this week after leading the organization for eight and a half years.
“It wasn’t an easy decision because I love Common Ground. I love Milwaukee. It’s been good to me and my husband,” Krumm said.
On Nov. 1, she will assume the executive director position at Greater Cleveland Congregations, which has more than 40-member organizations from different denominations.
Among the important issues Common Ground pursued during Krumm’s tenure was the reform of MPS’s Supplemental Education Services, which was intended to provide free tutoring for low-income students under the No Child Left Behind law.
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Common Ground discovered that the program at MPS had little oversight and accountability and worked with MPS to create Tutoring for You, or T4U. The program got national recognition for showing the most and fastest gains in academic performance, Krumm said.
Keisha Krumm delivers a sermon at Community Baptist Church of Greater Milwaukee. She is associate pastor at Tabernacle Community Baptist Church. (Photo provided by Keisha Krumm)
Another campaign, Fair Play, ended with a $30.5 million agreement that Nationstar Mortgage made with the city. The money went to Sherman Park homeowners hit by the foreclosure crisis and allowed people to stay in their homes and get their mortgages refinanced, Krumm said.
Wes Edens, a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, was chairman of the board of an investment group that owned the mortgage services company.
She is proudest, she said, of her role in developing the Common Ground organizers, people she described as “better, bolder, more indignant and more committed to righting the wrongs that have been done to ‘the least of these’ in the city.”
The nonpartisan coalition of more than 45 congregations, schools, small businesses and neighborhood groups works to address and find creative solutions to problems important to the community. Many of those problems concern inequalities in health care, housing, education, criminal justice and employment opportunities.
“I found her very direct and approachable, and I have a great deal of respect for the work she was doing and why she was doing it,” said Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
“We worked on issues that would relate to equity in the community. While we may have been on opposite sides of some issues, I think we clearly agreed on the destination.” Sheehy said.
Krumm has a power to articulate a great story to create the will to make change and bring about results, said Will Davis, pastor of Invisible Reality Ministries and a Common Ground member.
“Great leaders do that,” he said. “She will truly be missed. “
Jennifer O’Hear, who will succeed Krumm at Common Ground, said Krumm deserves credit for “building this tri-racial organization and leaving Common Ground in a much stronger position than it was when she came. It’s financially stable and it has a lot of mature leaders working on different issues.”

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 25, 2019


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: Readers offer tips on how to make the most out of your summer | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019
Youth dancers from Escamilla Entertainment perform on the Silver City InterNational Festival’s main stage in 2017. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s Note: Today we start the first of an ongoing series called NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will help you make the most out of everyone’s favorite season. What’s your best way to enjoy a summer day in Milwaukee? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
It’s no secret our city comes alive during the summer. All the options can be overwhelming, which can easily lead to an overflowing calendar and frustrating choices.
To help make your summertime fun decisions easier, we asked Milwaukeeans from different neighborhoods the same question: What do you love to do during a Milwaukee summer?
Here are their fun, affordable suggestions (edited for clarity) on how we all can make the most of the warm weather months.
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Francisco Arenal
Summerfest and Mexican Fiesta
One of my favorite places to go to in Milwaukee is the Summerfest grounds. Summerfest is always a great and exciting time for the city, but my personal favorite is Mexican Fiesta at the end of August. It is a time to celebrate my culture and share it with all. It is always great to see the number of people that go to enjoy the culture, especially the food.
Name: Esperanza Gutierrez
Public water playgrounds
A cool place to enjoy our city is a splash pad, kiddie or wading pool. It’s a place for children, young parents, grandparents and even daycare centers to enjoy the enclosed, safe, clean, refreshing waters at these sites. It’s very entertaining to watch the little ones test out their social skills and lose their fear of being in the water. Milwaukee city and county have numerous pools and splash pads throughout the area.
Rae Johnson
Silver City InterNational Festival
My favorite summer event is Silver City InterNational Festival. There’s nothing better. This festival is an underrated gem, organized by members of the community and LBWN, our neighborhood association. It’s scrappy but well done. There’s something for everyone — a variety of art, music and ethnic foods. It’s a place that’s welcoming and so alive that you’re transported to all parts of the world. You’ll forget that you’re on National Avenue in Milwaukee.
Keith Stanley
Pete’s Pop and Ambassador Hotel
This summer, I suggest you grab a pop at Pete’s Pop and walk through Washington Park on a warm summer evening! Or enjoy a drink and an appetizer at the new outdoor patio at the Ambassador Hotel. They have one of the best happy hours in the city.
Ambrose Wilson-Brown
Introduction to Mindfulness sessions at the Menomonee Valley Urban Ecology Center or Moody Park
SKY Schools (formerly known as YES for Schools) hosts free introduction to mindfulness sessions for Milwaukee community members. Mindfulness has become popular within the last few years, especially in schools as a replacement for detention or suspending students. But most people don’t actually know how to do it. Join one of our sessions and learn what it means to be mindful.


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Raina Johnsons | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 25, 2019


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: School’s out and summer camps are in! | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 26, 2019
The Urban Ecology Center offers weekly camps and late afternoon programs. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
Editor’s Note: Welcome to NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will give you the resources you need to have a successful summer. Did we miss anything? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
If you’re looking for affordable or free options to keep your children entertained, we’ve got you covered.
From sports to academics, fine arts to science projects, camps can give your kids the chance to dive into unfamiliar areas of interest- not to mention some structure in their summer days.
All summer long
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1. Summit Educational Association
Over the summer, students in 4 to 8 grade can participate in the Summit Summer Olympics Program, which lasts seven weeks and includes weekly field trips. It costs $100. To apply, parents must schedule an interview with Summit, (414) 672-1786.
2. Summer Recreation Enrichment Camp
Milwaukee Recreation offers Summer Recreation Enrichment Camp for ages 3-12 at Fairview Camp, 6500 W. Kinnickinnic River Parkway, and Neeskara Camp, 1601 N. Hawley Rd. Activities include reading, sports/games, educational field trips and more. Breakfast, lunch and snack will be provided. Participants can register here, at the MPS Central Services office, the OASIS office or in person at either location.
Organizations throughout Milwaukee have programs and camps for preteens and teens. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
3. Milwaukee Area Technical College camps
Milwaukee Area Technical College will host eight summer camps for high school and middle school students at its Downtown Milwaukee, Mequon and Oak Creek campuses through July. Some are free; others have a fee, but scholarships are available. All are hands-on and career focused. Space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. YMCA
The YMCA has a plethora of options when it comes to summer programs. Y Day Camp is available for children at five YMCA locations, including Wilson Park, 1601 W. Howard Ave., Parklawn, 4340 N. 46 St., and North Milwaukee 9050 N. Swan Rd. To register, stop by your local YMCA, call (414) 276-9622 or go to ymcamke.org.
5. COA’s Community Learning Centers
COA has Community Learning Centers and programming for teens and preteens. Registration is required at the location of one’s choosing. Activities include monthly field trips, league sports, team building and more. Hours may vary per location. The Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St., and Riverwest Center, 909 E. Garfield Ave., offer programming through Aug. 23. The other locations offer programming until July 26.
6. 7 Generations YEP Summer Day Camp
Native youth ages 7-12 can participate in the 7 Generations YEP Summer Day Camp. Activities include health, nutrition, cultural teachings, sports, creative arts and more. The camp meets Tuesdays and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To register contact Stacey Mattson at (414) 316-5050 or smattson@gliihc.net.
7. “Be the Change” Bridge Program
The “Be the Change” Bridge Program welcomes current MPS 8th grade black and Latino boys to learn leadership skills as well as earn service hours and citizenships required for graduation from high school. The free four-week program includes breakfast, lunch, transportation, and field trips. It will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 1-July 26 at Rufus King High School, and students will spend Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at Running Rebels.
Students interested in getting involved should contact the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement at (414) 475-8248 for further information, or talk to a school counselor.
8. PeppNation’s Activate Milwaukee County Parks
Through tutoring, field trips and nontraditional sports, the PeppNation Summer Program exposes students living in Central City neighborhoods to enriching experiences. Camp meets Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, click here.
Coming Thursday: Weekly camps and drop-ins and day camps
Did we miss a camp or program? Send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.


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Neu Life FACT youth air out big tobacco’s dirty laundry | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Neu Life Community Development FACT
June 27, 2019
Photo courtesy of Neu Life Community Development
On June 9, as members of Neu Life Community Development FACT, we spread the truth about Big Tobacco to community members at Milwaukee PrideFest. We were at a booth airing out Big Tobacco’s “Dirty Laundry,” letting others know what tobacco industry executives say about their customers. One quote from our “Dirty Laundry” display states, “The base of our business is the high school student.” FACT member Erik sees this is true with his peers. “If they see other people do it they would do it too,” he says. FACT member Mikayla also agrees high school students make easy customers because they often have stress and use tobacco products to avoid stress in their life or school. FACT member Tamesha notes, “I find it disturbing but accurate because a lot of high school teens face many obstacles in life, and some turn to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco products like cigarettes, Black and Milds, or e-cigarettes. To have the opportunity to get out there and spread the word and make an impact on those who do smoke was a great experience. We gave advice to some smokers who stopped at our booth and helped encourage them to stop smoking.”
Last year, Milwaukee PrideFest took a stand against Big Tobacco by no longer accepting tobacco industry sponsorship money.  In the past, they had allowed the promotion of cheap menthol cigarettes on festival grounds, but luckily they no longer allow it. The tobacco industry first started targeting the LGBTQ community in the 1990s through what they called “Project SCUM” which stood for Sub-Culture Urban Marketing.
We think it’s important to raise awareness about tobacco industry tactics to gain new customers. Every year, 2,600 Wisconsin teens become new daily smokers, and most teens say they wouldn’t try smoking or vaping if the products weren’t flavored like mint, candy, or fruit.
FACT is Wisconsin’s youth tobacco prevention movement. For more information, visit www.factmovement.com. To watch video stories about how tobacco addiction impacts the Milwaukee LGBTQ community, visit http://bit.ly/tobaccofreepride.
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author: Neu Life Community Development FACT


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FACT youth at Pride.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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June 26, 2019


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: ‘Milwaukee is magical in the summer’: Readers share more of their favorite things to do | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 27, 2019
During Ciclovia, a route on the near South Side is blocked off for bikers, hikers, scooters and any other non-motorized mode of transportation. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series called NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will help you make the most out of everyone’s favorite season. What’s your best way to enjoy a summer day in Milwaukee? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Summer Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
In a city that is sometimes known for its divisiveness, there is one thing that unites us: Summer.
We can all agree that for a few months, there is much to do, yet not enough time to experience it all. With this in mind, we asked residents to answer this question: What do you love to do during a Milwaukee summer?
Here’s what they said:
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Name: Zaynab Baalbaki
Pick: Ciclovia
In their own words: One event I look forward to in the summer is Ciclovia. I enjoy riding my bike and this event is a really neat way to celebrate community and biking. It’s really cool to ride your bike in the middle of the street not having to worry about cars! There are also a good number of food options and lots of community tables to keep you informed of what’s happening around Milwaukee.
Name: Kristina Gomez
Pick: Botanica Galactica
In their own words: Milwaukee is magical in the summer and Botanica Galactica is proof. Local makers, a healing space for WOC and a new night market make Botanica Galactica one of my favorite new weekend spots. Their weekly Mercado Magic features music, art, food and uniquely Milwaukee creations.
Name: Devin Hudson
Pick: Atwater Beach and Estabrook Beer Garden
In their own words: I like Atwater because while it feels like a private beach, it’s open to everyone. It’s not overcrowded and is an overall great place to chill. The stairs are also great exercise. The Estabrook Beer Garden always has interesting and friendly people, plus the view of the Milwaukee River just down the stairs is nice. It’s a nice place for the family.
Name: Camille Mays
Pick: Kickball
In their own words: In the summer I look most forward to kickball. It’s a fun way to gather each week and I have a lot of lifetime friends that participate. All day games, music, food, fun and good people. A nice finishing touch is they promote community.
There are a few kickball leagues but I guarantee none are like my friends! Milwaukee Community Kickball League and Urban Kickball League both play every Sunday this summer and have fall leagues. They have coed and women’s kickball as well.
Name: Tiffany Miller
Pick: Lakefront by Bublr
In their own words: My favorite summertime activity is riding Bublr bikes at the lakefront. I usually rent the bikes at Discovery World and ride the unbeaten path behind the Summerfest grounds. There are always cool graffiti tags at the red lighthouse too.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019


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Kristina Gomez | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019


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Tiffany Miller | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019


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Zaynab Baalbaki | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: More summer camps for Milwaukee youths | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 27, 2019
Youth ages 8-17 can register for COA’s summer camp sessions at Camp Helen Brachman. (Photo courtesy of COA)
Editor’s Note: Welcome to NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will give you the resources you need to have a successful summer. Did we miss anything? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
If you’re looking for affordable or free options to keep your children entertained, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our second batch of summer camp recommendations. (For a list of full summer camps, click here.)
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The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee offers day camp and overnight camp options at Camp Whitcomb/Mason. A one-week session for day camp costs $220, overnight costs $499, a single day costs $65 and a half-day costs $135 a week. Activities include hiking, swimming, field games and arts and crafts. Financial aid is available. Call (262) 538-1190 for more information on scholarships.
2. Urban Ecology Center
The Urban Ecology Center offers camps at all three of its locations, Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place; Washington Park, 1859 N. 40 St.; and Menomonee Valley, 3700 W. Pierce St. Those interested can register here for any of the locations and camp dates. Need-based scholarships are available, for more information call Lynn Anders, (414) 964-8505, ext. 125.
Children participate in the Wacky Olympics tug-of-war during a summer camp offered by the Milwaukee Recreation department. (File photo courtesy of Milwaukee Recreation department)
Youth ages 8-17 can register for COA’s summer camp sessions at Camp Helen Brachman. Activities range from boating and biking to art and cookouts. Sessions go for six days or 12 days at a time. Click here to register.
4. The Peak Initiative
The Peak Initiative offers weekly summer programs for youth ages 7-17. Through various activities, children can pursue their passions, develop skills and more. To register, click here or call (414) 431-4508.
In addition to weekly camps, the Peak Initiative offers overnight camp at Lake Valley Camp in Boscobel. Ages 9-18 are welcome to attend Resident Camp for 12-day sessions. Click here to register or call (414) 431-4508.
6. Danceworks
Danceworks, 1661 N. Water St., offers summer camps and dance sessions for children ages 3 and older throughout the summer. Prices range, but scholarships are available. For more information, contact tdrews@dancworksmke.org.
7. Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee
Enrollment is still open for multiple locations of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee. Summer hours go from  9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a majority of the locations.
8. Lighthouse Youth Center
The Lighthouse Youth Center offers drop-in camps all summer long at Havenwoods, 5641 N. 68 St., and Garden Homes, 2475 W. Roosevelt Drive. Each week, campers will explore different themes such as black history, the environment, careers and healthy choices. To participate, youth can register for free at either location and come as often as they want. Drop-ins are welcome. The centers hours are from  noon to 5 p.m. Programming will include lunch, scheduled activities and free time.
Did we miss a camp or program? Send us an email at info@milwaukeenns.org or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.


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SUMMERCAMP2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 26, 2019


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Supervisor Nicholson expresses support for Chief Judge Maxine White | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson
June 27, 2019
County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson released the following statement regarding reports of efforts to block Chief Judge Maxine White’s reappointment as Chief Judge of Wisconsin’s First Judicial District.
“As the first African American chief judge in Wisconsin, Maxine White is a trailblazer and a role model.
“Judge White is known for her confident, assertive, and friendly demeanor, so news that a group of circuit court judges attempted to block her re-appointment probably came as a surprise to many.
“To those of us who are working to resolve the racial inequality that is pervasive in Milwaukee County, the efforts to undermine Chief Judge White were no surprise at all.
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“When the people we entrust to deliver impartial justice in our courts reveal their own racial biases, it underscores how just how deeply embedded racism is in our culture today.
“Many people agree that we have a lot of work to do in Milwaukee County to address the problem of racism, which is why I worked with our county executive to pass a resolution that declared racism a public health crisis, and stated unequivocally that Milwaukee County will work to establish racial equity as a core element of county government.
“Only when Milwaukee County is truly inclusive of all people – including Black women in leadership positions – will we be able to heal the trauma caused by centuries of systemic racism, and transform our community into one where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive, succeed, and be respected for their success.”
Supervisor Nicholson is the Vice Chair of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

author: County Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson


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5 things to do this weekend: June 28 to June 30 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
June 28, 2019
Diversify your weekend with a fashion show, a bike ride and more. (Photo provided by Ohemma Evolve)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. 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. For the culture fashion show: Friday, June 28
Ohemma Evolve, a Milwaukee designer, is debuting her collection of authentic African wear during a  at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28. Tickets are free, and the show is at The Lord’s Way International, 6132 W. Fond du Lac Ave.
Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers is hosting a  on Saturday, June 29. Sixteenth Street will have a bike and helmet give-away for children and adults among other activities. Joining in on the bike ride will be four Milwaukee Brewers Players and their wives. The event starts at Kosciuszko Park, 2201 S. 7 St., at 11 a.m.
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3. Mindfulness & Meditation in Alice’s Garden: Saturday, June 29
Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21 St., is hosting a , which will focus on mindfulness. The goal is to bring awareness to the mind, body and feelings. Those interested should bring a yoga mat or blanket. The session on Saturday, June 29 starts at 10 a.m.
4. Hike and canoe in Washington Park: Saturday, June 29
The Milwaukee Public Library and the Urban Ecology Center are inviting you on a , 1859 N. 40 St., on Saturday, June 29. The day starts at 11 a.m. with a hike followed by a lunch and paddle safety and canoeing. To register, click here.
It’s a family affair community block party: Saturday, June 29
New Hope Youth and Family Services, 2004 N. 33 St., is hosting a  on Saturday, June 29, and all are welcome. There will be community resources, face painting, free food, a bounce house and more. The party starts at noon.


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48138848087_5e6a9d737a_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 27, 2019


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: July 1 to July 6 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
July 1, 2019
Youths ages 13-18 can learn how to develop their own video games Tuesday. (Photo provided by the Milwaukee Public Library)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put 5 things in the subject line by
1. Game Jam Day at the Milwaukee Public Library:Milwaukee Public Library is hosting a  as a part of its Teen Summer Challenge on Tuesday, July 2. Youths ages 13-18 can learn how to develop their own video game, talk with professionals and make some friends. Game Jam Day will take place at the Tippecanoe Branch, 3912 S. Howell Ave. and go from noon to 7 p.m.
2. Grand opening at Owens Community Garden: Tuesday, July 2
Friends of Valley Park & Garden recently planted a garden honoring Jesse Owens. Tuesday, July 2, the group will host a  for the garden at 3901 W. St. Paul Ave. The celebration starts at 4 p.m. For questions contact John Gardner at (414) 405-2288.
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3. EXPO’s “Unlock the Vote” campaign: Tuesday, July 2
EXPO, Ex-incarcerated People Organizing, is hosting its  on Tuesday, July 2 at 2821 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., Room 108. EXPO organizer, Alan Schultz will be discussing the  campaign, which aims to restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated people. The meeting starts at 6 p.m.
4. Adopt-a-river clean up in Washington ParkJoin the Urban Ecology Center and Milwaukee Riverkeeper on Friday, July 5 to , 1859 N. 40 St. In the spirit of the Fourth of July, the Urban Ecology Center and Milwaukee Riverkeeper want to help keep America beautiful. All supplies will be provided and the clean up starts at 9 a.m.
5. Fourth of July fun in Enderis Park: Thursday, July 4
Enderis Park Neighborhood Association will host a  beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the Enderis Park playground, 2956 N. 72 St.  Activities include a children’s parade, a water balloon toss, a demonstration from the Milwaukee Fire Department and an opportunity to meet officials from the Milwaukee Police Department.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
June 30, 2019


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: Food pantries are a click away | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
July 2, 2019
Riverwest Home photo: Milwaukee residents can visit food pantries for groceries and fresh produce. (Photo provided by Riverwest Food Pantry)
Editor’s Note: Welcome to NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will give you the resources you need to have a successful summer. Did we miss anything? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!

author: Bridget Fogarty


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48146697127_3f6aeded34_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
July 1, 2019

author: Dwayne Burtin


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Catching up on Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake: Three things you need to know about Wisconsin’s troubled youth prisons | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
July 3, 2019
A new report this week says there have been major improvements at Lincoln Hills. (Photo courtesy of the state Department of Corrections)
A lot has happened in the last few days affecting the future of Milwaukee’s youths in the justice system.
As local and state leaders get closer to figuring out what will replace the state’s troubled youth prisons, Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, these are the three things you need to know right now:
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On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers signed a follow-up bill to Act 185, the law that would close the youth prisons and replace them with smaller regional facilities run by individual counties and the state. If you want more background information on Act 185, check out this explainer piece.
Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee), a co-sponsor on the new bill, said the point is to clarify parts of the original act. It does not make substantial changes to the plan itself, other than the timeline.
The new law gives the state Juvenile Corrections Grant Committee until Oct. 1, 2019, to make recommendations on what county projects should be funded.
In addition to the delayed timeline, the budget has changed with the new Evers administration. The grant committee now has $80 million to work with to fund counties’ proposals for regional facilities, which doubled from the original $40 million in Act 185.
The budget also allocates $43.9 million to the Department of Health Services to significantly expand Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center, a mental health institution that is also a high security correctional placement for youths.
The Joint Committee on Finance did not approve funding for new state-run facilities for youths with the most serious offenses. It is yet to be decided what these facilities will be and how they will be funded.
The report said there was significant improvement in youth and staff wellness, as well as in the conditions of the facility itself, but it still found that rooms were not “suicide resistant.”
The report is the third to come from a monitor required by the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin and the Juvenile Law Center on behalf of youths who experienced abuse at the prison.
The July report stated there has been “significant progress made in improving the quality of life for youth and staff” since the last report in April, noting positive staff and youth relationships and increased recreation.
It found that pepper spray and mechanical restraints were still being used in the facility, and youths were being punitively confined in their rooms, but at a much lower rate.
This overall positive review stands in contrast to past reports. It comes in light of the state recently reaching an almost $5 million settlement with three former youths who alleged they had been abused at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake.
On Monday, Milwaukee County submitted a new $41.8 million proposal to the state for its local piece of the plans to replace the youth prisons.
It submitted an earlier version in March, but this plan is significantly different. Namely, it doesn’t include building any new facilities but rather suggests renovations and new programs.
County leaders and local advocates have consistently been critical of the state’s plans to replace Lincoln Hills. They say the suggested smaller regional facilities are too similar to the youth prison model that has proven to be ineffective, yielding high recidivism rates of more than 70% and costing more than $144,000 a year to incarcerate one young person in Wisconsin.
“It wouldn’t be a wise use of our resources or taxes or an effective means of getting good outcomes by sticking with just building a building,” said Mary Jo Meyers, director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services.
The new proposal includes a renovation to the Vel R. Phillips Youth Detention Center and a collaboration with and renovation of existing residential facilities in the county through partnerships with “community partners” that haven’t been identified yet.
The rest of the requested funding would be dedicated to investing in personnel and staff training, as well as creating more programs to serve as alternatives to incarceration, such as mentoring programs.
Meyers said the reason for changing the proposal from building a new facility is to give greater flexibility to tailor the programming to changing needs, especially as the youth arrest rate continues to decline.
Milwaukee’s requests fall out of the original parameters of Act 185, so it’s still unknown if it will receive state funding.

author: Allison Dikanovic


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: May the Fourth be with you! Here’s what’s happening in our neighborhoods. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
July 3, 2019
Editor’s Note: Welcome to NNS Summer Survival Guide, which will give you the resources you need to have a successful summer. Did we miss anything? Email us at info@milwaukeenns.org and put “NNS Survival Guide” in the subject line or catch us on Facebook, where you can leave comments.
The city and the Milwaukee County Parks team up each year to provide families and neighbors a safe and friendly Fourth of July celebration.
Here are some of the happenings in the neighborhoods we cover.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service wishes you and your family a fun and safe Fourth of July!
See the City of Milwaukee’s Fourth of July Commission website for more parks and details for each celebration.


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fourth of july | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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OPINION: Community members weigh in on Summerfest. Is it comfortable for people of color? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
July 3, 2019
The singer Lizzo recently called out Summerfest for what she alleges is racist behavior.  Does she have a point, or do you think she was out of line in her remarks?
NNS asked community members about their experiences at Summerfest near the federal courthouse on Tuesday, July 2, and this is what they said:
lives in Greendale, which she said is racially mixed — blacks, whites and Hispanics. “I don’t go to Summerfest because I don’t want to be in the middle in case it is something that goes wrong — any racial thing. I don’t want to get mad. I don’t want to go to jail just in case something happens.
“I just stay on my side of town. I’m safer where I’m at.”
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Simmons said she’s lived in the Milwaukee area for about five years and people have told her not to go to Summerfest. “I tell my kids to stay away from it.”
said he hasn‘t been to Summerfest this year. “It’s not really a comfortable environment for a lot of black folks at Summerfest.”
The crowd is not welcoming, he said, unless he’s going to hear an artist that draws a significant black audience.
“In general, there’s a lot of people drunk and kind of belligerent,” he said about his own experience and the experiences of other black people that he’s heard about.
Almarie Acosta attended the Lizzo concert on Thursday. “I didn’t see anything, but I do sympathize. I didn’t experience any type of racism that day, but I support Lizzo.” If her staff was subjected to racist hostility, “we should do something about it.”
, who is Mexican American, was born and raised in Milwaukee. She had not heard about the Lizzo controversy.
“It’s been a little bit since I’ve been to Summerfest but it’s one of the biggest celebrations that Milwaukee has and the whole city gets excited about it.”
It saddens her to hear of this alleged incident, she said, and she’s sorry that it will affect people’s views about Milwaukee.
Soto hasn’t heard about racist encounters from family or friends, she said. “Not inside Summerfest. Outside of Summerfest — yes.”
“I would go to Summerfest if I wanted to see a particular artist,” she said. “I went last year to see Diana Ross.”


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Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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summerfest | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
July 2, 2019


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5 things to do this weekend: July 5 to July 7 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
July 5, 2019
SistaStrings is releasing and celebrating “Lift,” its debut album, during a concert Sunday July 7. (Photo provided by SistaStrings)
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. 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.
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48191593882_7da1dffba1_o | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
July 5, 2019


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sistastrings | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
July 5, 2019


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: July 8 to July 13 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
July 8, 2019
The CLOSEmsdf campaign launched last year, and its members are continuing their fight to shut down the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility. (Photo provided by CLOSEmsdf)
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. 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. LULAC National Convention & Exposition: Wednesday, July 10-July 13
The League of United Latin American Citizens, or LULAC, will be hosting its national convention this week in Milwaukee. LULAC is celebrating 90 years of service. The convention starts on Wednesday, July 10 and goes through Saturday, July 13. For a schedule of events click here. To learn more about LULAC and the convention click here.
2. Public screening of Milwaukee 53206 documentary: Wednesday, July 10
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Several healthcare groups in Milwaukee are hosting a screening of the documentary on the ZIP code 53206, “Milwaukee 53206: A Community Serves Time.” On Wednesday, July 10, there will be two screenings at the Hillside Terrace Resources Center, 1452 N. 7 St. The first is at 10 a.m. and includes a panel discussion and the second is at 5:30 p.m.
3. Volunteers needed to fix up Harambee parks: Thursday, July 11
Riverworks Center is looking for volunteers to help repair and spruce up pocket parks in the Harambee neighborhood, 137 W. Keefe St. Volunteers will be building picnic tables, repainting benches and working on landscaping projects. The group plans to meet on Thursday, July 11 at 10 a.m.
4. Rhythm & Blooms concert series: Thursday, July 11
This week marks the start of the Havenwoods Summer Concert Series at the Green Tree Community Garden, 6767 N. 60 St. On Thursday, July 11, residents are invited to enjoy the music of King Solomon. The concert starts at 6 p.m.
5. Second anniversary of CLOSEmsdf: Saturday, July 13
Last year, local groups and leaders launched the CLOSEmsdf campaign to close the Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility. This year, the group is continuing the fight with an anniversary event on Saturday, July 13 at St. Benedict the Moor, 1015 N. 9 St. There will be testimonies, food and a march. The event starts at 3 p.m.


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
July 7, 2019


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‘Leveling the playing field’: What’s happened since a 2013 report revealed the deplorable state of outdoor recreational and athletic facilities for our kids? It turns out a lot. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
July 8, 2019
Denaja Shackelford, 5, lets loose on the slide at the Clarke Square playground, which was renovated by the county in 2013. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Six years ago, Milwaukee Public Schools’ play and sports areas were called out for being among the worst in the county.
Since then, MPS has invested $12 million in rebuilding, renovating and making improvements to its outdoor athletic and play facilities.
“These investments are about leveling the playing field. In the suburbs, a state-of-the-art stadium is a given, but in Milwaukee it’s not,” said Andy Nelson, media manager for MPS.
MPS is in the middle of “a massive investment” in playgrounds, Nelson said.
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MPS is partnering with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, the city Department of Public Works and Reflo, a nonprofit, to create more green spaces, he said.
MPS, along with community partners and funders, will announce a multimillion-dollar investment in schools and neighborhoods on Tuesday, July 9 that focuses on increasing green spaces at four schools, tree plantings, adding outdoor classrooms and updating curriculum to include ecology, sustainability and freshwater sciences.
Wendell Willis, who served as MPS chief operating officer for two years beginning in 2015 and now heads the MPS Foundation, said that since January, MPS has received $217,000 in private donations to help with above-the-ground work in four schools that are part of  Reflo’s Green Schools Consortium.
The project will cost about $1.5 million. The rest of the money comes from the Department of Public Works, MMSD, Fund for Lake Michigan and the city, state and federal governments, Willis said.
The renewed interest in MPS playgrounds and green spaces stands in contrast to a 2013 Common Ground survey that found the majority of outdoor athletic and recreational facilities at public schools throughout the county to be sub-par.
Common Ground is a nonpartisan advocacy group made up of faith communities, small businesses and individuals.
The playground in Phillips Park on North 17th Street was the second to be renovated by MKE Plays. It was completed in 2016. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
Officials say, however, that the investment in playgrounds and other facilities has nothing to do with Common Ground’s study.
Willis said the improvements are important for the community.
“It’s a significant amount of money that‘s been spent in the last several years on the infrastructure needs and providing students with what typically the suburbs” have,  said Willis, who noted there is still more work that needs to be done.
Since 2013, the school district has rebuilt four high school stadiums on the North and South sides.
Among the highlights:
In 2014, Milwaukee Recreation created a $25 million, 10-year plan to address its playfields, which, unlike MPS playgrounds, are open to all community residents.
Until recently, the playfields had only received small-scale repairs over the 30 years Senior Director Lynn Greb has been with the department. There were problems everywhere, including cracked asphalt, broken swings, overgrown trees and basketball courts with no hoops, she said.
Milwaukee Rec, which provides programming at schools as well as city and county recreation sites, manages 52 playfields. Its staff talked with residents and students about their needs and preferences before designing and constructing the upgrades, a process that has taken three years for the first three playfields, which are being completed this summer.
Those are Columbia Playfield, 1345 W. Columbia St.; Custer Playfield, 4001 W. Custer Ave.; and Southgate, formerly called Southlawn, 3350 S. 25th St.
Greb said Milwaukee Rec has raised money from government and private sources to supplement public funds to pay for the improvements.
Beginning in 2014, the city has rebuilt 12 of its playgrounds and will complete three more by the end of 2019, said Joe Kaltenberg, MKE Plays program coordinator.
Ald. Michael Murphy spearheaded MKE Plays, an initiative to improve city playgrounds, in 2015 when he was Common Council president.
Neighborhood kids try out the new playground at Arlington Heights Park, 3429 W. Pierce St., in September 2015. It was the first playground MKE Plays rebuilt. (Photo provided by the Zilber Family foundation)
Because his immigrant parents could not afford to travel, the playgrounds became his vacation spot and a highlight of growing up on the West Side, Murphy said.
Starting with a $300,000 grant from the Zilber Family Foundation, MKE Plays has raised $1.8 million in state, federal and foundation grants and combined it with the same amount in city funds to renovate and rebuild city playgrounds, Kaltenberg said.
MKE Plays initially targeted for renovation the 12 most dilapidated of the city’s 52 playgrounds in its 62 parks, as assessed by the Milwaukee Department of Public Works. It began with the Arlington Heights playground in Silver City.
Katie Taylor lives three blocks from Phillips Park playground at North 17th Street., which MKE Plays renovated in 2016. She was watching her three grandkids play there on a recent Friday afternoon.
“It’s a whole lot different here,” since the renovation, Taylor said. Pointing to a boarded-up house, she said, “It looked like that — raggedy, tore down. They did a good job on this park — 1000 percent.”
Because it can cost $300,000 to $400,000 for a typical playground renovation, Milwaukee County has only been able to renovate one or two each year since 2013, said Ian Everett, communication manager for the Parks Department. Eleven county playgrounds have been renovated or improved since that time.
At some locations, such as Garden Homes Square, improvements were limited to replacing harder playground surfaces with kid-friendly poured-in-place rubber, said Sarah Toomsen, manager of planning and development for the Parks Department. There are 113 playgrounds in county-owned parks.
Most recently, the county reconstructed Holler Park, 5151 S. 6th St., and renovated the playground in Cathedral Square, 520 E. Wells St., adding new climbing structures on top of a rubber surface. Currently Pulaski Park, 2677 S. 16th St., is undergoing reconstruction as part of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District’s KK River renovation.
Shatell Shackelford brought her seven children, ages 3 months to 13 years, to the playground in Clarke Square Park, 2330 W. Vieau Place, on a recent Friday afternoon.
She drove them from their home near Moody Park in the Amani neighborhood because she feels that it’s safer on the South Side, she said. The Clarke Square playground, located in a county park, was rebuilt in 2013.
Shackelford likes what the county did with the Clarke Square playground, including installing softer rubber surfaces.
“There’s more for the kids to do now because a while ago it was broken swings, but now they’ve got monkey bars and the slide.”


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Milwaukee’s Latinos prepare to make history. Again. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sergio M. González
July 9, 2019
Sergio M. González is an assistant professor of Latinx Studies at Marquette University. A historian of 20th century U.S. immigration, labor and religion, his scholarship focuses on the development of Latina/o/x communities in the U.S. Midwest.
On Wednesday, the League of United Latin American Citizens, the nation’s oldest Latino civil rights organization, will hold its 90th annual national convention in Milwaukee.
While this year’s LULAC convention will be the largest national Latino meeting organized in Milwaukee’s history, it certainly won’t be the first of its kind. That honor belongs to the 1971 Milwaukee Latin American Convention, an event organized to harness an upsurge in social movement activism among the city’s growing Mexican American and Puerto Rican communities.
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In 1970, more than 20,000 Latinos called Milwaukee home. They were bound together not just by a common language and related cultural heritages, but also by shared concerns over employment, housing, and educational opportunities.
On the near South Side, where the majority of the city’s Latinos lived, 20 percent of residents suffered from unemployment, a marked disparity from the city’s overall unemployment rate of 6 percent. Latinos faced disproportionately higher rates of overcrowding and lower median property values than other Milwaukeeans. The city’s K-12 and higher education systems, meanwhile, failed to offer curriculum or programs that spoke to young Latinos’ linguistic diversity or cultural heritage, much less their lived experiences.
In response to these persistent inequalities, several Latino organizations emerged as vocal and integral members of the city’s larger civil rights movement. Like their African American contemporaries, Latino activists demanded full access to and participation in American political, economic and social life. Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans formed organizations like the Latin American Union for Civil Rights, or LAUCR, as well as chapters of the farmworker union boycott movement and the Young Lords Organization. These groups produced energy and enthusiasm for change but at times lacked cohesion in their organizing efforts.
To coordinate the work of these organizations, the LAUCR proposed a statewide meeting for Wisconsin’s Latino communities in January  1971. The Milwaukee Journal referred to the conference as the “most ambitious organizing project” yet attempted among state Latinos. The LAUCR sought to create a “federation” of organizations that could address problems cooperatively while reducing the duplication of services among a growing assortment of nonprofits across the state. Most important, attendees hoped this collaboration would empower Wisconsin Latinos of all backgrounds to confront current and future needs within their own communities.
More than 800 attendees from Milwaukee, Racine, Waukesha, Delevan and Sheboygan assembled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and St. Hyacinth Catholic Church for the convention. With delegates from block clubs, social service agencies, churches, social groups and businesses, the meeting brought together a wide range of political perspectives, ranging from those calling for militant and radical change to more conservative voices. Regardless of their political orientation, most attendees agreed on the need for a more robust and organized movement to build a strong base for social and political change.
Participants attended workshops addressing community problems, including employment, housing, education, social services and political engagement. They also heard from representatives from national organizations. Carlos Guerra, national chairman of the San Antonio-based Mexican American Youth Organization, described the recent political success of La Raza Unida Party, which had shaken Democratic Party politics in 26 Texas counties. A representative from the Chicago Young Lords Organization, meanwhile, detailed the establishment of a free breakfast program and medical clinic for children.
The conference’s most thrilling development, however, were the actions taken by a committed group of Milwaukee Latina activists. Calling their initiative “Power of Women (POW)-Fuerza Femenina,” the 60-member caucus seized the conference stage and presented a list of their demands.
They argued that women for too long had been relegated to “cooking tortillas” instead of being equal partners in building community institutions. The activists consequently urged that Latinas hold leadership positions on all boards of directors for agencies and organizations serving Latino communities in Wisconsin.
POW’s efforts to empower all members of the state’s Latino community, women included, spoke to the conference’s central message of solidarity. Participants of different nationalities and citizenship statuses spoke of “una raza unida,” a united community with the shared goal of Latino empowerment. Local media described the multiday convening as “more than a convention” and instead a “coming of age” for the city’s rising Mexican American and Puerto Rican populations.
Since the 1971 convening, Milwaukee’s Latino community has continued to grow, both demographically and politically. The upcoming LULAC convention, which runs through July 13, represents another chapter in this community’s long history of activism and political engagement, one that places it now on the national stage.

author: Sergio M. González


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
July 8, 2019

author: Adam Carr


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20190123_mar_084_Web_Headshot | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
July 8, 2019


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sergio-gonzalez | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
July 8, 2019