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“Makes me wanna holler” | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Roy Evans
September 17, 2018
(Photo by Camille Paul)
Roy Evans, a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, practicing attorney and advocate on issues related to the rights and responsibilities of African-Americans, decries the garbage-strewn streets and uncivil behavior that he sees in the black community.
I love my community but, sometimes it “makes me wanna holler.”
I was surprised by the positive feedback I got from a previous article I wrote for the Milwaukee Community Journal on Dec. 13, 2017, entitled “Milwaukee’s Black Community: Where Is The Civility?”
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I am always thankful that we are able to communicate with other people with whom we can share our thoughts and opinions. The Milwaukee Neighborhood News is a consistent forum and catalyst for community expression and dialogue and for that I think we should all be grateful.
“Makes Me Wanna Holler” is the title of a book (1996) written by Nathan McCall about his life’s journey of poverty, crime, imprisonment and redemption in measuring the value of life and purpose. He expressed frustration with trying to counsel young wannabe gangsters to establish values beyond themselves and to see themselves as part of a community of people that had pride and hope. But it’s hard to talk to someone who does not think beyond their own situation or value the importance of community. Sometimes I know exactly how he feels and it also “makes me wanna holler.”
My grandmother, a wise woman, once told me that “you should never hate another person, but it’s OK to hate what they do.” I find it a struggle sometimes to separate my hate for what people do from the fact of who they are. (To my grandmother, I apologize and ask forgiveness for this transgression.)
As I travel the streets of Milwaukee every day, now that the flowers and plants are in bloom, I look forward to getting out and enjoying the sights and sounds of my community. However, I am in total shock and filled with a profound sadness to witness streets full of trash and garbage laying on every corner and decorating every fence line. Yards with wind blown plastic bags and candy wrappers reminds me of the uncaring nature of our uncivility towards our community as well as towards each other. I see not only potato chip bags and blunt wrappers but discarded fast-food containers along with beer cans and soda bottles and other items that we should deem hazardous to our health.
Why has this phenomenon become so normal? Should it be acceptable as a community norm? This behavior demonstrates, to me, hatred towards one’s collective responsibility to have pride and take care of common community spaces. It makes me wanna holler when I see people, young and old, discard garbage and trash on the streets as if it were against the law to put it in the many available garbage containers that line our streets and alleys.
What is the mindset that causes people to do this? When traveling outside my community I curiously witness much less trash, if any at all, piled up along my route. So I ask, “Is there a correlation between a conscious effort to keep one’s streets clean and the deliberate unconscious effort to not care about what our streets and community should look like?” For example, some people say I should stop talking about the “old days,” or what I like to call “before the freeway,” but let me ask: In the old days before the freeway would the black community tolerate or accept garbage-strewn streets and the uncivil behaviors that accompany them?
As I can remember, before the freeway there was hardly any trash and certainly no garbage on the streets of Black Milwaukee. People who threw trash and garbage in the streets would be looked upon as “enemies of the community” who’s uncaring behaviors would be denounced as totally unacceptable and a threat to community civility. Back then we did not have as many fast food drive-throughs, corner store junk food disbursement centers and liquor store parking lots that cater to the “meals on wheels” and “party in the car” generation.
I can certainly understand and agree that these are different times, but proclaiming that these are new times and a different generation is no excuse. As youth we were taught to not litter by our parents, teachers and, by example, other adults, so what is the reason for the seemingly uncaring difference in our children and young adults today?
Even though, for many reasons, we live in a community that experiences some of the highest rates of poverty in the country there is NO excuse whatsoever for having a poverty mindset that negatively impacts everybody else in a community that are also struggling with the effects of poverty.
When picking up trash on a daily basis alongside my house and in my yard I am reminded that I should not hate people but that it’s OK to hate the things that they do, and I can assure you that I hate picking up other people’s garbage. Some time ago I gave up using the N-word but when picking up trash, even though I detest its connotation, it’s the only time I allow myself to utter it, under my breath, in order to relieve the stress of picking up other people’s mess.
We can’t go back before the freeway, but the black community will never gain or regain its glory as a vibrant, orderly, productive community until we go back to some of the basic fundamentals of what community is supposed to be like. Community starts with clean streets and a respect for common shared living spaces, which is critical in making our community a civil society and safe place to live. Nevertheless, the plague of trash and garbage strewn about our streets is hard to understand and it “makes me wanna holler.”

created: September 17, 2018

author: Roy Evans


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 16, 2018

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: September 16, 2018

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

author: Adam Carr


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New mural illustrates positive choices for teens | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Grace Connatser
September 17, 2018
The mural displays the teens’ good choices, including going to college and avoiding drug use. (Photo by Grace Connatser)
The New Beginnings are Possible after-school and summer care program in Thurston Woods brought arts and crafts time to a whole new level this summer.
Fourteen teenagers, ranging in age from 13-17, painted the mural throughout the summer. The mural represents the positive choices the teens want to make in their lives. Sections focus on going to college, avoiding drugs and being environmentally conscious.
Artist Jeanette Wright-Claus, who coordinated the project, has worked with New Beginnings are Possible, a faith-based youth center at 6100 N. 42nd St., in the past. After showing the summer program teens a video on making bad decisions, she asked what the young people wanted to do with their lives. That led to the mural project.
The glass lenses represent ending violence in Milwaukee and creating positive lifestyle changes. (Photo by Grace Connatser)
“I felt compelled to speak to the teens about those types of choices,” Wright-Claus said. “I brought up the fact that I have two young men that had gotten in trouble and were incarcerated, and I didn’t want to see (the teens) make those types of decisions.”
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Wright-Claus said the mural is especially relevant now because of the crime and violence in Milwaukee neighborhoods. She said she wanted the mural to start a dialogue among the youth. She also played music that had positive and negative lyrics to depict various choices, and the impact those would have on their lives. The teens then created sketches of positive choices, eventually turning them into images included in the mural.
“There weren’t enough hours in the day (to paint),” Wright-Claus said. “We continued to paint until we dropped.”
Jaiden Pickett, 13, said he wanted to “inspire other people” through his painting, which depicts going to college. “A lot of people don’t want to go to college,” he added. Jaiden, who is the starting quarterback at his school, said he wants to play football in college.
Hope Armstrong, 14, said she painted other murals at Highland Community School when she went there. “I wanted to be creative,” she said. “I wanted to leave my mark on the school.”
Hope painted a young girl who represents her in the New Beginnings mural. She also painted sections on good and bad decisions, such as saying no to drugs and saying yes to going to school. “The choices we make today impact our future,” she wrote.
One section she painted is intended to make people more environmentally conscious. “I’m an ecologist,” Hope said, so I just have to put that there to show what we’re doing in the world and that we’re leaving our carbon footprint on the world.”
Tracina Ragsdale, 13, painted a part of the mural focusing on world peace. “Peace cannot be kept by force, it can only be achieved by understanding” was one of the phrases she wrote. Tracina also painted the Japanese character for peace. She said she wants to help end violence in Milwaukee.
Tracina said she learned a lot from painting the mural during the summer. “When I started painting it, I kind of wanted to stop because I felt like it wasn’t good enough,” she said. “But I never gave up.”

author: Grace Connatser


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 14, 2018

created: September 14, 2018


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2018 Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk raises nearly $1 million for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
September 18, 2018
More than 12,000 people participated in the 41st annual Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk the morning of Saturday, September 15, raising nearly $1 million for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
In its 41-year history, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has raised more than $21 million through gifts and pledges. One hundred percent of money raised goes to support Children’s Hospital’s research, advocacy, care and education efforts throughout the state.
“I want to personally thank everyone who has helped make Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk such an incredible success over these past 41 years, including all of our participants and our sponsors, especially our title sponsor, Briggs & Stratton. We are incredibly grateful for their support, which has been critical to the services we provide to kids and families throughout the state,” said Peggy Troy, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “Events like Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk are the most powerful way to engage the community and generate support that makes a difference for kids and helps us achieve our vision of having Wisconsin’s children be the healthiest in the nation. The image of 12,000 people running and walking down Wisconsin Avenue in support of Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk will never cease to amaze me. There is no greater symbol of the community’s support for our kids.”
Since Marquette University men’s basketball coach Al McGuire began the event in 1978, Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk has brought thousands of people to downtown Milwaukee to run, walk and fundraise in support of the top-tier care for kids that Children’s Hospital provides locally, regionally and nationally.
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“Briggs & Stratton is extremely proud to be the title sponsor of Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk and we want to congratulate everyone involved in these 41 amazing years,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton. “Briggs & Stratton has always had a strong commitment to the health of our community and our support of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is a key part of that. We are continually amazed by the incredible support of all our employees who run, walk and donate to help keep Wisconsin’s kids healthy.”
Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk is a USA Track & Field-certified 8k course, attracting elite runners and wheelchair athletes from throughout the region. Participants can also choose to participate in a 3- and 5-mile walk route, instead of running.

created: September 18, 2018

author: Children's Hospital of Wisconsin


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ACTS Housing and Metcalfe Park Bridges partner for neighborhood success | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
ACTS Housing
September 18, 2018
(Photo courtesy of ACTS Housing)
Since the beginning of the year, ACTS Housing, a social enterprise that empowers renters to become homeowners, has reached out to schools, other nonprofits, and community groups to support its vision of vibrant Milwaukee neighborhoods through homeownership. ACTS is growing referral partnerships to create a pathway for partnership for neighborhood residents.
One of the referral partners is Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Program a neighborhood organization promoting civic and community engagement.
According to a 2016 study by Data You Can Use, 33 percent of Metcalfe Park’s residents owned their home and 18 percent paid at least $800 per month in rent.
Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Program Executive Director Danell Cross is optimistic about the partnership.
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“What we really hope for is to increase homeownership for Metcalfe Park residents. We’re not really trying to showcase our community to people outside the community, but showcase opportunity to people in community-it’s already there,” Cross said. “What I love about ACTS Housing is that they put faith in ordinary people to do extraordinary things.”
Four people have come to ACTS’ program from the Metcalfe Park neighborhood already.
“With ACTS you’re not doing it for them, but are giving them resources to bask in the pride of doing this for themselves,” Cross said.
If you know of an organization that would be interested in partnering, please contact Simone at simone@actshousing.org

author: ACTS Housing


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 18, 2018


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Arts@Large: Speed Teaching Master Class | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Arts@Large
September 18, 2018
Speed Teaching Master Class
September 25 & 27 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Arts @ Large is continuously hiring artist educators to fill residency needs throughout Milwaukee Public Schools. Attendees of this master class session will be considered for residency opportunities with Arts @ Large for the 2018-19 school year. Future professional development classes will also be available for artists looking to further develop their skills.
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This master class is for new artists who are interested in becoming Artist Educators with Arts @ Large. It will allow us to learn more about your work with students in the classroom.
***REGISTER***
Please come prepared to share your best five minutes of classroom instruction!
• We’ll take volunteers first and then choose remaining leaders at random.
• You’ll begin by giving us your full name, your area of expertise, and your target age group.
• You will teach as if we’re the target age group. So, if your specialty is kindergarteners, don’t be afraid to lead us in that manner.
• Your “students” will be sitting in chairs, with tables set up nearby. So, if you need an open space for movement or if you need tabletops, you’ll have it.
• We’re interested in how you handle transitions, so getting your students to find partners, sit on the floor, arrange chairs in a circle, etc. is a crucial part of what we’re eager to see.
• Be sure that your chosen activity requires meaningful interaction with your students. (i.e. discussion, hands-on practice, etc.)
• Assume we have NO previous knowledge of your art area, so we can see how you might introduce a new concept to students.
• Due to obvious time constraints, select an activity that doesn’t require too much set-up or clean up time.
• After five minutes, we will stop you and move on to the next class leader.
If you have any questions please reach out to Elodie at elodie@artsatlargeinc.org or 414-763-7379.


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‘Blueprint Bootcamp’ inspires black and Latino entrepreneurs | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
September 18, 2018
Sevetri Wilson explains the lessons she learned as the founder of two startups. (Photo courtesy of YES)
After attending a recent “Blueprint Bootcamp,” a business development program geared specifically toward entrepreneurs of color, founders of 12 companies were chosen to advance to the next stage in a process in which three will receive financial assistance. The event was sponsored by the Young Enterprising Society (YES), founded by brothers Khalif and Que El-Amin.
The companies are: Like Minds, Norwood Media Group, StyleQ, 16 Place, NewWay, Root Media Company, Dino Black Studios, Anita B Mogaka Consulting, POTTY Pearls, Beneath The Surface, Trovata Box and Sekhere.
POTTY Pearls, began two years ago when founder Tyeshia Coopwood went to use the restroom while at work. The toilets threw off such a horrible smell that Coopwood returned to her desk almost immediately to warn her co-workers. At the time, what started as idle office chitchat soon inspired Coopwood to create her own startup.
While she and her coworkers discussed how to solve the bathroom stench without embarrassing anyone, someone recalled that Coopwood had minored in chemistry. This reminder encouraged her to begin researching and developing a product that could be both discreet and functional when it came to masking bathroom odor.
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Khalif El-Amin, the co-founder of YES, says black and brown entrepreneurs have the ability to change Milwaukee and the world. (Photo by Ana Martinez-Ortiz)
Eventually, after several trials, she came up with POTTY Pearls, a small pearl that goes in the toilet before it is used.
To learn how to navigate the vast market and how to move forward with her product, Coopwood applied for YES’s Blueprint Bootcamp. She was one of 57 applicants looking to fill one of the 40 vacancies.
Khalif and Que came up with the Blueprint Bootcamp after speaking with Alderwoman Milele Coggs, who had recently attended a tech event. According to Khalif, there were 400 people at that event and only five of them were people of color. So YES, along with the Milwaukee Institute, Northwestern Mutual and the City of Milwaukee, decided to create the Blueprint.
“We [entrepreneurs of color] have a lot to offer not only for the city but for the world,” Khalif said.
The Bootcamp is the first part of the program, Khalif explained. Earlier this month, the 40 business owners gathered at Century City Tower to acquire entrepreneurial skills. The event concluded with a talk by Sevetri Wilson, the owner and founder of Solid Ground Innovations, a consulting firm, and ExemptMeNow, an online platform that helps nonprofits get started. Wilson is noted for being the first African-American woman in Louisiana to raise more than $1 million in venture capital investments.
“I knew that I had a very entrepreneurial spirit,” Wilson told the crowd.
As a young adult, Wilson didn’t just want to create a business, she said, but to pave the way for people who looked like her. During her talk, she encouraged the attendees not to be afraid to release their product, because they need feedback. She also said to get comfortable with talking about money and understanding one’s budget and finances.
“It is about the money,” she said. “Money gives you options.”
With her first business, it took Wilson five years to make $1 million. It took her seven months to make her second million. There’s a formula, she said, and once it’s understood it’s easy to replicate.
Participants also got the chance to tell the crowd their 30-second pitch. Aziz Abdullah of Root Media was met with thunderous applause after his talk.
Root Media is a “complimentary digital coupon platform,” Abdullah said. First, Abdullah connects with fellow business owners to show them the benefit of data-driven marketing. Then, the company performs an assessment to determine what it needs to survive.
Abdullah, who used to work as a door-to-door salesman for other African-American-owned media companies, said their techniques were outdated. He also found that people don’t like getting bombarded with questions.
“Many people are working in the business and not on the business,” he said. “They don’t have time to talk to you unless you’re giving them something.” Root Media can help potential clients make a website or a logo.
Abdullah said the most difficult part for entrepreneurs isn’t connecting with people; it’s attracting investors and having to “bootstrap.”
“Do I want to pay this bill, or do I need to put this back into the company because I believe in it that much?” he asked.
Coopwood said finding balance among her startup, personal life and other endeavors can be challenging. She’s hoping that the lessons she acquired, such as learning to sell the “why” instead of the product itself, will help her in the future.

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 17, 2018


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Brewers pitcher Chase Anderson and UnitedHealthcare host “Blessings in a Backpack” food program at Townsend Street School | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
UnitedHealthcare
September 18, 2018
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Chase Anderson and UnitedHealthcare teamed up today to ensure eligible students from Townsend Street School go home with nutritious food every weekend during the school year.
UnitedHealthcare donated $11,000 to Anderson’s Dreambuilders program to fund the initiative. Blessings in a Backpack, a national nonprofit that provides low-income elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry with healthy food and snacks for the weekend, will administer the program. Beginning with the new school year, more than 100 students will leave Townsend Street School every Friday with backpacks filled with food.
Employee volunteers from UnitedHealthcare helped beautify the school by mulching and pulling weeds, painting walls, and reorganizing and restocking bookshelves in the school library.
About Dreambuilders
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The Dreambuilders Foundation is a non-profit organization that works with pro athletes across the country to help financially, physically and mentally-challenged kids receive the items, opportunities and equipment they need to reach their dreams.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.2 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,500 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.
About Blessings in a Backpack
Hunger has both short- and long-term adverse effects on children’s health and ability to succeed in school. Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children who might otherwise go hungry. Last year, Blessings provided 3 million hunger-free weekends for 87,300 children in 45 states and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org.

author: UnitedHealthcare


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Milwaukee to host inaugural “Fall Experiment” Festival Saturday, Sept. 22 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Gabby Wisth
September 18, 2018
Organizers have announced the programming lineup for the first Fall Experiment, a new event designed to bring the region’s leading-edge change makers in the film, art, music and tech communities together to celebrate the innovation and creative collaboration taking place in Milwaukee. On Saturday, September 22, this free, action-packed, day-long event will offer hands-on tech workshops in virtual reality, artificial intelligence, gaming and digital animation, alongside live musical performances and interactive presentations on film, art and entrepreneurship.
The main programming will be housed in the UWM Peck School of Arts Kenilworth Building at 2155 N. Prospect Ave. and is open to everyone. Gener8tor, BLK SHP, Custom Reality Services, RokkinCat, Alpha HQ and Mooncat Arcade are among the groups set to deliver an epic collection of immersive learning experiences the day of the event. Speakers from Storyhunter, GitHub, SAP.io and more will join the party to share their experiences on the front lines of the convergence of art, film, music and technology. The Fall Experiment will also feature Black Cat Alley’s annual Mural Festival and music from the Pabst Theater Group at The Back Room @ Colectivo. All of this activity will take place against the backdrop of the ever-popular Doors Open Milwaukee.
“The beauty of the Fall Experiment is that it strikes a cord with the creator, artist or techie that lives within all of us and offers possibilities to explore an exciting new future of technology, art, music and film,” said BLK SHP experience designer Aaron Davis. “What a fantastic way to connect established leaders in the creative economy with the next generation of technologists, artists, designers and culture-makers.”
The Fall Experiment is the brainchild of an eclectic group of partners and sponsors, all of whom are committed to supporting and nurturing Milwaukee’s creative collective and making the city an environment that attracts the best and brightest talent. Corporate partners include Northwestern Mutual, Advocate Aurora Health, Alpha and Gufsky, while creative sponsors include 88Nine, Black Cat Alley, Pabst Theater Group, The Commons, Bright Cellars, MKE Misfits and Mungo Creative Group.
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“Northwestern Mutual and our fellow Tech Hub supporters are dedicated to transforming the Milwaukee region into a thriving, innovation-based economy where technology and entrepreneurship are core to our collective success,” said Karl Gouverneur, vice president of digital workplace, corporate solutions and head of digital innovation, Northwestern Mutual. “It is our desire that the Fall Experiment will grow into a signature event to showcase and celebrate the community’s exciting creative and technical achievements.”
Event Details
Event name:Fall Experiment
Location:UWM Peck School of Arts Kenilworth Building (2155 N. Prospect Ave) and surrounding East Side locations, including Black Cat Alley and The Back Room @ Colectivo.
Date/Time:Saturday, Sept 22 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Tickets:Free and open to the public, though registration is strongly encouraged
For more information and to register, visit http://www.fallexperiment.com/

author: Gabby Wisth


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On the Block: Still walking and talking | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Max Nawara
September 18, 2018
Beverly Mosley, an Air Force veteran who is battling cancer, said crime makes her feel unsafe at night in Clarke Square and she plans to move. She credits God for helping her push through the daily ups and downs of living with cancer.

author: Max Nawara


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Riverworks Week kicks off with full slate of events | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Riverworks Development Corporation
September 18, 2018
The Riverworks Development Corp. is celebrating Riverworks Week this week (September 17 – September 22) with a full schedule of events, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs said today.
Alderwoman Coggs said Riverworks is a vibrant business improvement district (BID) in Harambee that has helped to bring positive improvements to an area that features a diverse mix of commercial and small business entities. “Riverworks Week provides the BID an opportunity to engage with the community and I invite the community to attend the events this week,” she said.
The schedule of Riverworks Week events features:
For more info on the week visit http://www.riverworksmke.org/week/
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author: Riverworks Development Corporation


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How to register to vote | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Madison Marx
September 19, 2018
On Tuesday, Nov. 6, voters will make their final decisions for governor, the U.S. Senate and Congress, and for many other state and local offices. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)
National Voter Registration Day is recognized on the fourth Tuesday of every September to bring attention to the importance of registering to vote. This year, National Voter Registration Day will be on Sept. 25.
If you’re not already registered, there are several ways you can register to vote:
Online. Eligible voters in Wisconsin who have a valid Wisconsin drivers license or a Wisconsin DMV-issued ID can now register online at MyVote.WI.gov up to 20 days before the election in which they are planning to vote. For the Nov. 6 election, the last day to register online is Wednesday, Oct. 17.
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By Mail. You can start your voter registration form online at MyVote.WI.gov – then print, sign and mail it to your municipal clerk along with a Proof Of Residence (POR) document. Your form and POR must be postmarked no later than 20 days before the election in which you are planning to vote. Again, for the Nov. 6 election, that date is Wednesday, Oct. 17
In your Municipal Clerk’s Office. You can register in-person in your municipal clerk’s office up until the 5 p.m. (or close of business) on the Friday before the election in which you are planning to vote. For the Nov. 6 election, that date is Friday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m. You’ll need to bring a proof of residence document to complete your registration (this document can be shown electronically).
At the Polls on Election Day. If you’re unable to register by any of the methods above, you can still register at the polls on Election Day. You will need to present a proof of residence document when registering (again, this document can be shown electronically). If your drivers license or state ID card has your current address, that’s all you need.

created: September 19, 2018

author: Madison Marx


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 19, 2018


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Bells of Milwaukee aims to research, document and refurbish bells | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Sarah Lipo
September 20, 2018
The Bells of Milwaukee hopes to refurbish the bells that survived the blaze at Trinity Lutheran Church on May 15. (Photo by Sarah Lipo)
When a massive fire broke out at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1046 N. 9th St., on May 15, three bells in the steeple of the church remained.
Now, a nonprofit organization called The Bells of Milwaukee seeks to refurbish the bells, so future generations can hear them ring.
Trinity Lutheran dates back to the 1870s, according to Michael Horne, a longtime local writer and managing director of The Bells of Milwaukee. Horne said the church would be responsible for fixing the bells, but his organization would help with researching and raising money.
The Bells of Milwaukee grew out of a discussion in 2016 between Peter Mortensen, the concierge at the Pfister Hotel, and Russell Klisch, the owner of Lakefront Brewery, about the custom of bells in Milwaukee ringing together as a message of peace on New Year’s Eve. They decided to try to revive that tradition. Klisch is now the president and Mortensen is the secretary of the organization.
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In addition to the Trinity church project, Horne said the group seeks to document as many bells as possible in the city. Milwaukee is a “bell-crazy town,” according to Horne.
Along with the Trinity Lutheran’s bells, the organization has identified four other priority bells at these churches: St. Martin de Porres, 128 W. Burleigh; St. Frances of Assisi, 1927 Vel R. Phillips Ave.; St. Cyril & Methodius Catholic, 2427 S.15th St.; and Our Lady of Guadalupe, 613 S. 4th St.
“These are four churches that have contacted us with concerns about their bells. Now, I’m trying to organize things to try and help,” said Horne, who noted that agreements to help refurbish the bells would be made with the individual churches.
The bells at Convent Hill Gardens were rededicated on July 11. (Photo by Patrick A. Robinson, courtesy of The Bells of Milwaukee)
“We just hope to give them an additional source of revenue,” Horne said. Bells of Milwaukee takes 10 percent of donations to support the organization, according to Horne.
Donors include the Argosy Foundation, Milwaukee Arts Board, former Sen. Herb Kohl and others, he said.
The organization’s first project was refurbishing the St. Ignatius and St. Catherine bells at Convent Hill Gardens, 455 E. Ogden Ave. The bells are owned by the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, which contributed labor and materials for their removal and return, as well as for work on the belfry.
The St. Ignatius bell is one of the oldest in the city, built in 1863. For decades, the bells marked the hours, called people to worship and regulated life for thousands of nuns and students. However they were corroded, and in need of restoration. They were rededicated on July 11.
“It was for me and many others a moving experience to hear the voices of the School Sisters of Notre Dame singing along with the bells during the rededication ceremony,” said Klisch. Nuns last lived in the convent six decades ago.
Klisch said he is gratified by the success of The Bells of Milwaukee in the past two years. “Each year we hear more bells ringing at midnight on New Year’s Eve, thanks to volunteers throughout the city.”
The Bells of Milwaukee has retained Lee Manufacturing in South Milwaukee to refurbish the bells. Owner John Witkowiak said Horne contacted him in March 2016.
“I grew up with bells. It’s a family business. I used to go to work with my father as a boy. I fell in love with it at an early age,” Witkowiak said. He noted there aren’t too many people with his type of experience.
Witkowiak estimates there are 900-1,000 bells throughout Milwaukee, and even closed churches probably have bells. “I think there are a lot of bells in Milwaukee that should be rung.”
Milwaukee’s large European immigrant population came to Milwaukee in the late 19th century and early 20th century, and appreciated bells, according to Horne. “[The bells] were used to summon their ancestors to church,” he said.
Horne added that bells are usually associated with happy memories. “They sound pretty, they’re festive and they communicate with past generations. They help communities communicate with each other.”

created: September 20, 2018

author: Sarah Lipo


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Head of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee resigns | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
September 20, 2018
Vincent Lyles, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs, poses with Xzavier Ledesma (left) and Lamarr Hughlett (right). (Alexandria Bursiek)
Vincent Lyles, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, announced his resignation Thursday.
“There was a lot of contemplation about my decision,” said Lyles, citing a desire to spend more time with his wife and two daughters. You know, with work and life, there’s really never really a balance. I love the Boys & Girls Clubs and I love this city and am proud of a lot of the things we did here,” Lyles added.
Lyles, who led the organization for nearly seven years, cited the clubs’ success in increasing college access for its members, an award-winning dance troupe, increased membership and employee mobility as among the accomplishments he’s most proud of.
“We have lower-level employees who are now club managers and in executive positions,” Lyles said.
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The Boys & Girls Clubs serves 43,000 youth in Milwaukee at its 44 locations.
Susan Ela, former board chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee and also the former executive vice president and chief operating officer of Aurora Health Care, will serve as interim president. Ela said the organization plans to move quickly in seeking a new permanent leader. The search will be led by Board Vice-Chair Bob Mikulay, former vice president of marketing for Miller Brewing Company, and will entail significant community input, according to Ela.
Lyles will stay with the organization through October to assist with the transition.
“Vincent is obviously a highly respected community leader and our commitment is to do everything we can to have him continue to serve in the role of a community leader and strong voice for the community,” she said.
The announcement comes weeks after the arrest of a former Boys & Girls Clubs employee for allegedly stealing more than $28,000 in funds from the club. That employee, Miguel Green, was the director of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Milwaukee program and baseball/softball for the Boy & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.
Lyles said his resignation has nothing to do with the arrest.
“No, not at all,” he said. “That matter is still under investigation by ourselves, MPD (Milwaukee Police Department) and the DA’s [District Attorney’s] office.
Lyles said that he has no concrete plans for his next step.
“I’m 57 years old so I’ve obviously got to continue to work,” Lyles said. “The important thing for me is thinking about that balance part.”

author: Edgar Mendez


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 20, 2018


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Latino Arts named Stand for the Arts Award recipient | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ovation
September 20, 2018
Ovation, America’s only arts network, will join Spectrum to recognize and award Latino Arts, Inc. $10,000 as part of their Stand for the Arts joint initiative, which is dedicated to supporting local arts, cultural and educational organizations. Ovation and Spectrum will highlight this award at the organization’s Noche de Gala event, Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m., at Latino Arts, Inc., located at 1028 South 9th Street in Milwaukee.
The award will be used for outreach to raise awareness of available grants and scholarships that promote the arts throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.
“We partnered with Spectrum here in Milwaukee to recognize Latino Arts, Inc. outstanding work as a highly creative arts organization and a key contributor to the community and the local economy,” said Sol Doten, Vice President of Content Distribution and Marketing for Ovation. “Spectrum has been a great partner and supporter of Ovation and we are extremely pleased they joined us in Milwaukee and across the country for our Stand for the Arts Awards program.”
“We’re proud to stand with Ovation to salute Latino Arts, Inc. for its innovative programming in Milwaukee,” said Ralph Newcomb, Area Vice President of Field Operations in Wisconsin. “Latino Arts Inc., and all of this year’s Stand for the Arts Awards honorees, truly enrich the communities they serve.”
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“We are thrilled to have been selected as the 2018 Stand for the Arts Award winner.  Our program helps hundreds of students and community members learn about cultural diversity through art.  This award and financial support will help us expand our mission to share with even more individuals the importance of cultural arts in building community. We know this support will helps to continue to in-spire young people by instilling a broader sense of confidence and world view,” said Jacobo Lovo, Managing Artistic Director, Latino Arts, Inc.
In addition to the monetary donation, Spectrum will also run public service announcements to highlight its Stand for the Arts partnership with Ovation and reinforce the value local arts organizations bring to communities across the country.
Grant recipients were chosen based on three criteria: their level of community outreach and engagement; their ability to create inclusive access to artistic programming; and, their innovative approach to arts education and skills development.
For more information on the Ovation and Spectrum Stand for the Arts initiative visit: https://www.ovationtv.com/sfta/affiliate-awards/

author: Ovation


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WWBIC receives $1 million Federal CDFI Award | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corp
September 20, 2018
WWBIC (The Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation) received notification today that we have been awarded $1 million from the federal CDFI Fund.  The award will allow us to serve more people with our business and micro loan financial products and our business assistance services, achieving growth that will truly make an impact, especially in lower-income urban and rural areas, as envisioned in our 2018-2021 Strategic Plan.
A Financial Assistance award will provide equity that will help WWBIC leverage additional capital from investors to meet the capital need and demand of our target markets – women, people of color, and individuals of lower wealth and incomes (the “pre-rich!”).
Wisconsin CDFIs claimed seven awards totaling $3.725 million of the total $187 million awarded nationally.  WWBIC’s award at $1 million was Wisconsin’s largest.  WWBIC will use the funds over the three-year award period.
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The CDFI Fund has funded WWBIC continuously since 1998.  Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) share a common goal of expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities by providing access to financial products and services for residents and businesses.  The CDFI Fund, a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, serves mission-driven financial institutions that take a market-based approach to supporting economically disadvantaged communities. CDFIs can be banks, credit unions, loan funds, microloan funds, or venture capital providers.


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An Urban Food Forest in Milwaukee! | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Friends of Milwaukee’s Downtown Forest
September 22, 2018
Cities across the nation and around the world are embracing the Garden as Green Space as a way to increase community, resiliency and livability. Are you willing to help Milwaukee’s green spaces take a big step forward?
Since its formal inception in the spring of 2016 Friends of Milwaukee’s Downtown Forest (FMDF) has presented our Vision, Mission and Aims (VMA) to multiple stakeholders with deep interest in the future of Milwaukee. The VMA has found widespread acceptance as a concept and for Plan C sites, but has not found support for Plan A or Plan B sites.
Recently, we learned that the Plan A site, officially 320 E Ogden or Plot 22 of the Downtown Development Plan, has been withdrawn from the developer and a new RFP for the site will by offered by Milwaukee County. FMDF now seeks partners in developing this RFP. We will not have the details until late September 2018. We will have 30 days after that to prepare the final document for the RFP. We know we can’t do this alone so we are asking your support.
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In edited by Steve Ventura and Martin Baikley note that change in our food system can occur through “collective impact for change that occurs from many people and organizations working on many aspects of a multifaceted issue” (p.16).
Are you ready to add to the collective impact needed for a resilient food system in Milwaukee:
Are you willing to add your expertise and or/ the expertise of your organization to the development of this project. If so, please message Barbara on Friends of Milwaukee’s Downtown Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/538772856327700/

created: September 22, 2018

author: Friends of Milwaukee’s Downtown Forest


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
September 21, 2018

created: September 21, 2018

author: Name *


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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by addressing health disparities | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network
September 22, 2018
National Hispanic Heritage month kicked off this week. It’s a time to celebrate the many contributions and the important presence of Hispanic people in America. It’s also a time to embrace inclusion and work towards better understanding and addressing the health disparities in Wisconsin.
According to the CDC “Tobacco products are advertised and promoted disproportionately to racial/ethnic minority communities. Tobacco companies seek to appeal to the Hispanic population through branding, financial contributions, and targeted advertising.”
As a member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network (WHLTPN), I’ve been involved in recent efforts to address the targeting of primarily Latina/o communities on the South Side of Milwaukee through tobacco advertising. Through the Network’s participation in the Wisconsin Retail Assessment Program (WRAP), we have learned that there are differences in the ways tobacco products are marketed in our communities, including a higher rate of menthol promotions, tobacco placement near candy and promoted in outdoor ads.
Together, those practices result in higher smoking rates in our community. The WHLTPN is working to bring awareness to these practices and also to promote the enforcement of existing content neutral advertising ordinances which limit the amount of tobacco advertising content that can be displayed in a store’s windows.
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Efforts like this and many others will help bring awareness to the need to address health disparities for Hispanics in Wisconsin and also reduce health disparities. Collaboratively, we are working to create a better life for Latinos and welcome the community’s support of our efforts during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.
Sincerely,
Gina Allende
Member of the Wisconsin Hispanic Tobacco Prevention Network


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Hispanic.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
September 18, 2018


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Hip-hop voter registration initiative kicks off with “Our City, Your Vote” event | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ryeshia Farmer
September 22, 2018
Kennita Hickman, owner of Catera hip-hop branding company, is the creator and curator of Our City, Your Vote. (Photo by Ryeshia Farmer)
Only 375 18- or 19-year-olds were registered to vote in the city of Milwaukee in February 2018.
Kennita Hickman, owner of Catera hip-hop branding company, discovered this information while preparing to create a hip-hop empowered voter registration event to take place Tuesday at the Riverwest Public House Cooperative, 815 E. Locust St.
As a businesswoman and an alumna of the New Leaders Council Wisconsin, which prepares young people for civic engagement, Hickman wanted to use her experience to increase voting among African-Americans, millennials and hip-hop consumers.
“I’ve had success and have been given opportunities [in the music industry]. That comes with the responsibility to build a better community [for urban artists],” said Hickman, who created the Our City, Your Vote event to engage disenfranchised voters.
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Our City, Your Vote is the first music event in a series of Catera’s hip-hop voter registration efforts that will take place through November 2020. It coincides with National Voter Registration Day. Hip-hop, spoken-word and R&B artists will perform, and representatives of nonprofit organizations will register attendees to vote at the event. Catera recently hosted a similar event at Washington High School.
Aftin Warren will open “Our City, Your Vote” with one original selection and one cover song. (Photo by Ryeshia Farmer)
Performers include Lorde Fredd33 and Aftin Warren, and DJ DRiPSweat will provide a house music mix. League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County, a policy advocacy organization; 9to5 Wisconsin, which advocates for working women in the political sphere; and NLC are among the nonprofits that will register voters on site. The Tandem, 1848 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., Rise & Grind Cafe #2, 2737 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, and Delicious Bites, which operates online, will provide food and refreshments.
Through Our City, Your Vote, Hickman aims to “leverage the celebrity of urban artists to impact local elections.” The event is co-hosted by #IVoted, a nonprofit that works to increase voter turnout and celebrate voters during election seasons. The Bay, Reynold’s Pasty Shop, Odd Duck, Contexture, Breaking and Entering, and CopyWrite Magazine are other sponsors.
“It was important for me to engage black-owned businesses,” Hickman said, who added that the event would provide an opportunity for performers and business owners to network.
Aftin Warren, also an NLC board member, hopes the event will engage people in their early 20s who aren’t registered to vote.
“The best way to make change happen is to get involved, register to vote and get informed about candidates and their plans for office,” Warren said.
Hickman said that people are more likely to vote in general elections, but “it is really our aldermen and women, county supervisors and state representatives who have a very large impact in an immediate way.”
On Nov. 6, elections will be held for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, U.S. Senator, Congress, State Senator in odd-numbered districts and all State Assembly districts.
“When we’re talking about local elections, we are talking about local businesses, schools … and stop signs,” Hickman said.
Hickman noted that “a lot of voices are missing from the table on local elections.”
To engage those voices, Hickman recruited performers who were having online conversations about civic engagement in communities of color and low-income communities. Future hip-hop voter registration efforts, led by Catera, are expected to be held in community centers, homeless shelters and schools.
Hickman’s goal in hosting Our City, Your Vote and similar events is to get 2,500 African-Americans, millennials and hip-hop consumers to sign voter pledge cards between the Sept. 25 event and the November 2020 elections.
The nonprofit organizations will send information about upcoming elections, candidates and their positions, poll locations and travel arrangements to pledged voters for all upcoming elections.
“We just need you to get to the polls,” said Hickman. “We don’t care who you vote for — we just need you to vote and be informed while you do it.”

author: Ryeshia Farmer


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 22, 2018


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U.S. News & World Report ranks Alverno College highest in the state for strong commitment to teaching, innovation | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Alverno College
September 22, 2018
Alverno College is ranked among the Midwest’s top universities for its strong commitment to teaching and is Wisconsin’s most innovative school, according to the 2019 America’s Best Colleges guidebook released Monday by U.S. News & World Report.
College presidents, provosts and admissions deans were asked to “identify schools where the faculty have an unusually strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.” Ranked third in this category and appearing in the category for its entire nine-year year history, Alverno is the only Wisconsin university to be honored for its faculty’s commitment to undergraduate teaching.
Alverno is also the only Wisconsin college recognized in the “Most Innovative Schools” category, ranked third among Midwest regional universities, behind Butler University and Creighton University. Schools identified in this category are “making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology or facilities.” Alverno also made the list of “Best Value Schools” among regional universities.
“Our dedication to academic excellence and real-world applications are what enable us to prepare innovative, principled women to have an impact on the world around them,” Scott Zeman, Ph.D., the college’s vice president of Academic Affairs, said of Alverno’s 18th consecutive appearance in the annual rankings. “We are deeply committed to student success, and this recognition from U.S. News & World Report shines a light on that commitment.”
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Additionally, Alverno is recognized for ethnic diversity. Schools in this category are recognized as places where students are most likely to encounter undergraduates from a different ethnic group than their own. Of the undergraduate population for the 2017-18 academic year, 27% of Alverno students identified as Hispanic or Latina, 13% as African American, 6% as Asian, 4% as two or more races and 1% as American Indian or Alaska Native. This makes Alverno, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, one of the state’s most diverse colleges.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate colleges and universities on 16 measures of academic quality, including quantitative data that assess a college’s performance in areas such as graduation rates, first-year retention and faculty resources. Colleges and universities in each category are then ranked against their peers based on their composite weighted scores. The full listing can be found at usnews.com.
About Alverno College
Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology and business are open to women and men.
A leader in higher education innovation, Alverno has earned international accolades for its highly effective ability-based, assessment-as-learning approach to education, which emphasizes hands-on experience and develops in-demand skills. The college, Wisconsin’s first Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranks among the top schools in the Midwest for its commitment to undergraduate teaching and innovation by U.S. News & World Report. For the past two years, The Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education named Alverno the country’s most inspiring college.
Based in Milwaukee, Wis., Alverno College is a four-year independent, Catholic, liberal arts college.

author: Alverno College


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Eastberg with students.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
September 10, 2018

created: September 10, 2018


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A message from NPC Board of Directors | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee
September 24, 2018
Dear Friend of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee,
In an effort to be transparent to the community we are providing the following information on the status of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee:
During the past few years, our organization has faced numerous challenges not uncommon for mature organizations undergoing leadership changes and striving to stay relevant in these changing times. Unfortunately for us, those challenges continued to weaken our organization; there are financial constraints and uncertainties beyond our control that have greatly impacted NPC, including delays in grant funding payments which challenged our ability to timely meet operational expenses; and past debts incurred, and ongoing uncertainty for member-based organizations on the whole.
Despite significant steps taken over the last few months to reduce spending and drive efficiencies throughout the organization, we are still under a significant level of financial pressure, which has required us to make some very difficult decisions. At the time of this email, we are in the process of:
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* Downsizing a few staff and consultant positions at the organization
* Ceasing to use our building and terminating any remaining leases with tenants as we continue to seek a suitable buyer for the building
* Stopping the collection of membership dues effective September 1st, 2018, and freezing all current memberships, which we will re-examine at a future date
* Refraining from planning any NPC events and trainings
We are in the process of exploring a multitude of options to address these challenges and identify a sustainable path forward. During the next few months, we intend to:
* Continue to offer our Jobs That Serve website
* Continue our work with the Technical Assistance for the Community Development Block Grant
* Explore partnership opportunities for Volunteer Milwaukee
* Continue to offer our Executive Leader Circles
* Find a home for the Giving Tree
* Find a buyer for the NPC Offices on Highland Blvd.
Addressing the ongoing issues facing NPC and the nonprofit sector in Milwaukee is a top priority for the Board of Directors. We will continue to keep you informed as we work to make decisions about the future of the organization. We are firm in our commitment to do right by our members and the community and will remain transparent and keep you informed with updates as they are available.
Thank you for your past and continuing support.
Sincerely,
Raejean Kanter
Chair, NPC Board of Directors

created: September 24, 2018

author: the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee


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Forgive: ‘Give/Receive as Before’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Charles Robinson Sr
September 24, 2018
Charles Robinson Sr., a mediator, college professor, former administrative law judge and member of Pastors United, writes about an approach that can repair relationships and forestall violence.
Many of the homicides we are experiencing in Milwaukee are unresolved conflicts turned to rage. It is said that most problems in life are based on misunderstanding and misperception. The unresolved dispute or “beef” with someone many times turns deadly resulting in a senseless loss of life. Instead of holding grudges, we can change the context for what happened from being a victim into an opportunity for repairing harm and transforming relations.
When something goes wrong in our relationships, we can take responsibility to repair them. Any problem in life can be resolved within the context of a conversation. Being willing to listen to the other side gives us access to restoring the integrity necessary for good working relationships.
During the Rwanda genocide in 1994, 800,000 to one million human beings were killed. My friend Dr. Lorraine Warren, a researcher and conflict manager, found that survivors and killers are living together and healing because they have learned to listen deeply and forgive.
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The true meaning of the concept of “forgive” is to give as you did before. So, the word “forgive” is linguistically inverted. Forgive implies that all human beings are naturally related. Whenever we give to one another, we also receive. However, when something is said or done which breaks those natural lines of relating, we cannot give and receive as we did before. To quote The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King:
In my 32 years of mediation practice, I have found that when there is a relationship breakdown, what is missing for one party is often missing for the other. This is especially true in family matters and domestic disputes. My position as mediator places me in the middle of the storm, which allows me to see this very clearly. When meeting with parties separately, they actually say that what’s missing for each one, in the relationship, is the same.
When one is willing to give up the “beef,” peace is possible for all. However, if the perceived context is “victim,” one may justifiably and self-righteously transform to perpetrator. Managing the context is critical and empowering, which provides the strength to forgive.
Once the breach is repaired, individuals involved in the dispute will be able to “give” and receive… as they did “before.” When angry, think GRAB (Give/Receive As Before) the opportunity to repair the harm for workability and peace. It might even save a life.

author: Charles Robinson Sr


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 23, 2018

created: September 23, 2018

author: Adam Carr


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MPD chief backs community policing while skirting details on curbing excessive force | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ryeshia Farmer
September 24, 2018
Mike Gousha and Alfonso Morales share a laugh. (Photo by Ryeshia Farmer)
Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said at a recent forum that he plans to implement policing strategies that rely on trust between police and residents, but did not address concerns about excessive use of force that threaten that trust.
Speaking to about 100 people at Marquette University, Morales took questions for an hour from “On the Issues” host Mike Gousha and audience members. The program was sponsored by the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education.
Morales said that MPD’s current style of policing, in which the department puts “our officers in dense areas to conduct random stops” is not successful.
“We need to find other ways to police [those areas]. If we are going to police the Center Street corridor because it is a hub of crime, we can’t do it ourselves. We need [help from] community organizations who are invested in the area,” said Morales.
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Morales said community-oriented policing means having officers in a neighborhood who know residents by name. “We talk about beats, but do the officers in those beats know the people in the neighborhood?” he asked.
During the question-and-answer session, audience member Frank Daley, a retired trial attorney, asked Morales what MPD could do to prevent police from shooting civilians and whether the department would take a public stand against these kinds of shootings.
Jamaal Smith asks MPD Chief Alfonso Morales about consequences for Milwaukee police officers found guilty of brutality. (Photo by Ryeshia Farmer)
Morales said that MPD is developing a plan to institute community briefings to publicly share video footage and other information within 45 days of every critical incident involving an officer.
In an interview after the event, Daley said that sharing information plays a role in preventing police shootings, but added that he had hoped to hear details about how MPD trains officers to avoid using their guns.
“What do you do to prevent getting in a situation where you have to present a videotape of someone getting shot by the police?” Daley asked.
“He’s also got to support his men and can’t just say, ‘I’m going to be there to punish all these cops.’ He’s got a delicate balance in trying to discipline the bad guys but also keep cheerleading for the good ones,” Daley added.
Audience member Jamaal Smith, racial justice community manager of the YWCA of Southeast Wisconsin, asked Morales about MPD’s strategies for addressing police brutality. “Will there be some financial penalties on police officers who may be found guilty?” Smith asked.
Morales said that what Smith called “police brutality” is officially referred to as “excessive use of force” in MPD policies. He added that body cameras can aid investigations into use of force. During these investigations, an independent board assesses whether the officer was acting within MPD’s policies and training; if he or she had adequate supervision; and if there were issues with equipment during the incident, Morales said.
“I didn’t really get an answer as far as what would be some of the disciplinary policies [implemented] once an officer is found guilty of excessive use of force,” Smith said after the presentation. He added that he would have liked to hear more about financial consequences for offending police officers.
“The city of Milwaukee’s taxpayers are always put on the hook with paying settlements. Is there going to be a change where [the officer] becomes responsible for having to pay out — maybe through a liability insurance policy?” Smith asked.
Morales told the audience that police officer Erik Andrade had been terminated after an incident in which Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown was harassed, arrested and tased by six officers for illegally parking in a Walgreens parking lot in January. Brown has filed a civil lawsuit against Morales, MPD and the city of Milwaukee. Andrade, who was one of two officers at the scene who were not directly involved, was fired for racist images and mocking statements that he posted on social media.
Morales said he was concerned that Andrade’s comments on social media would tarnish his credibility if he were to testify in court. Morales suspended three of the six officers involved in the arrest.
Gousha also asked Morales about police response times. An analysis of police data by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service found that response times for violent crimes including armed robbery and reckless use of a weapon average from 26 to 74 minutes. Response times for nonviolent crimes average more than 40 minutes, though in some cases are much longer. The average response time for a stolen vehicle is 68 minutes.
Morales said that more officers on every beat would help reduce response times and lessen tensions between police and civilians.


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Juvenile justice advocates garner community input in effort to improve outcomes for youth offenders | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
September 25, 2018
Lunch tables at North Division High School were filled as about 60 people gathered on Tuesday to discuss opportunities for juvenile justice reform in light of state legislation that will close Wisconsin’s youth prisons.
“It’s almost as if kids in the [juvenile justice] system are treated like they’re a lost cause, like there is no point in helping them,” said 17-year-old Adea Dunn, a senior at Riverside University High School. “I want to figure out how we can make [the juvenile justice system] a better environment to where it can be actually a learned lesson instead of just a punishment.”
In March, lawmakers passed Act 185, which requires Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls to close by January 2021. Over the last several years, the youth prisons have undergone criminal investigations and been subject to numerous lawsuits for allegations of abuse, neglect and excessive use of force. Key aspects of the way the new law will be implemented have not been decided and will greatly affect Wisconsin’s juvenile justice system.
Youth Justice Milwaukee (YJM), a community-based juvenile justice advocacy group, planned and hosted the meeting for Milwaukee residents to learn about and provide input on Act 185 following similar meetings that the State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections hosted in Green Bay, Waukesha and Eau Claire throughout August.
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“We wanted to make sure that the communities, families and young people most impacted by the juvenile justice system have a voice and a seat at the decision-making table,” said Jeff Roman, co-founder of YJM. Youth from Milwaukee County comprise more than 60 percent of those currently placed in Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake. According to Department of Juvenile Corrections data, black youth made up more than 70 percent of youth committed to Wisconsin correctional facilities, while they are only 10 percent of Wisconsin’s total youth population.
“I know at least five friends personally who went to Lincoln Hills and who came out with mental issues, more trauma and things like that,” said 17-year-old Isaiah Lavender, a junior at North Division High School, explaining why he wanted to learn more about the system and the changes being made to it.
Representatives from the state DOC and the Milwaukee County Division of Youth and Family Services updated attendees on the implementation plan for Act 185 and sought feedback. State Sen. Lena Taylor and State Rep.-Elect Kalan Haywood II also attended the meeting.
From left, Savannha Pyatt, Mikee’la Jones and Mark Mertens discuss services that should be available to youth in corrections. (Photo by Allison Dikanovic)
Act 185 will not necessarily change how youth are referred to services, but it will change what happens after a young person receives a correctional order and is placed in correctional facility. This occurs when a court adjudicates a young person for an act that would be punishable by six months or more for an adult — a felony offense or a Class A misdemeanor.
Today, the young person comes under DOC supervision, and the state provides services. After Act 185, this supervision will be split between the county and the state, according to Shelby McCulley, assistant administrator of DOC’s Division of Juvenile Corrections.
“We’re looking at this as an opportunity not only to comply with Act 185 and bring our youth closer to home, but also to remake what juvenile justice means in Wisconsin,” said Mark Mertens, director of the Milwaukee County Division of Youth and Families. “We want a system that’s going to be more prone to providing better outcomes for youth.”
To replace Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake, the state will establish a new Type 1 facility — a facility with security mechanisms and surveillance — that will be run by DOC. The facility will hold youth the state deems Serious Juvenile Offenders and youth who were tried as adults in court.
In addition to the Type 1 facility, several counties will operate smaller Secure Residential Care Centers for young people who receive correctional orders but are not part of the Serious Juvenile Offenders program. These facilities will give counties more autonomy in how they serve youth with correctional orders, while still being regulated by the state.
Act 185 also provides funding to expand the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center, which will remain under the state Department of Health Services.
The size and location of the Type 1 facility has not been decided yet. The regulations for the secure centers are also yet to be determined.
Act 185 created two committees to plan how to make the changes. On Sept. 1, the Juvenile Corrections Study Committee recommended programming for young people in corrections, before gathering input in Milwaukee. It will make recommendations about the Type 1 facility on Nov. 1. Seven of the 25 committee members are from Milwaukee, including Rep. Evan Goyke and Sen. Lena Taylor. The second committee is responsible for overseeing grant proposals from counties to fund the various secure centers.
The location, size and design of the Milwaukee County secure facility is still unknown, and Mertens said the county is considering different options, including renovating the Vel Phillips Juvenile Justice Center, building a new site or partnering with a local provider that is already providing residential care.
“We want it to be a more homelike setting, with a secure perimeter,” he said.
Mertens also wants state-of-the-art programming for young people, including a “robust education program,” with an emphasis on hiring and training high-quality staff.
“We will be very focused on finding people who know our youth, who can connect with our youth, engage with our youth and … work with us to be a part of treatment,” Mertens said.
According to Mertens, the Milwaukee County secure center will not use pepper spray, chemical agents or punitive isolation to control or discipline youth. The environment will aim to be “respectful, safe and relevant” to young people.
He said the county is exploring a form of care called the “integrated treatment model” that addresses the emotional and social needs and skills of young people, prioritizing family engagement as well as the impact of trauma.
In order to meet the March 2019 grant deadline, the county has formed working groups around facilities, budget, programming, community and the grant. It is also working with consultants from Seattle and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Following the presentation, representatives from Youth Justice Milwaukee facilitated small group discussions about a set of questions created by the DOC. Both state and county officials encouraged community members to continue providing input after the meeting.
“There is no deadline for feedback to be meaningful to us,” said McCulley.
Attendees offered ideas for reforms including more re-entry support, better job training, increased transparency about processes, adequate and accessible mental healthcare, accountability surveys for staff, arts programs, partnerships with schools and increased empathy among staff.
“I’m happy that we’re also discussing options outside of youth prisons, whether that be secure residential facilities or improved programs in our community, I want there to be more options,” said Claudine O’Leary, who leads a group of girls in juvenile detention every Friday night and knows most of the young women placed at Copper Lake.
Dunn suggested that every young person should have access to a therapist and adults they can confide in, depend on and look up to.
Other attendees mentioned wanting the facility to be accessible by at least three bus lines so family members can visit, and a more representative racial and ethnic makeup of staff members.
Simone Lewis-Turner, a 16-year-old junior at Milwaukee High School of the Arts, said she wants youth voices to be heard in the decision-making. She’d also like the facility to have green space and the uniforms to be more “dignifying.”
Dian Racks, who has worked in child welfare services for more than 27 years, said the new facilities should not be like Lincoln Hills. “I want to see a focused, concentrated effort to create something more healing.”

created: September 25, 2018

author: Allison Dikanovic


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 24, 2018


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On The Block: Mobile jail cell | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
September 25, 2018
Johnson Smith, a volunteer with the Phenomenal Men’s Support Group, a nonprofit dedicated to helping youth make good decisions that lead to positive futures, talked with young people attending a book bag giveaway on Garfield Avenue near 6 Street recently.
Smith said most of the group’s members are men in their 50s. Like him, most are military veterans who suffered negative consequences, including incarceration, because of substance abuse or drug dealing.
After serving in Viet Nam, Smith struggled with PTSD and substance abuse, which led to a three-year jail sentence.
The group members encourage central city youth to take their educations seriously and become contributing members of society.
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author: Andrea Waxman


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America’s Black Holocaust Museum provides sneak peek during Doors Open Milwaukee | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Grace Connatser
September 26, 2018
The new space for America’s Black Holocaust Museum, located at North and Vel R. Phillips avenues, opened its doors to the public Saturday as part of the annual Doors Open Milwaukee event. Although the museum is not set to open until October, visitors were invited inside to view the space.
There are no exhibits on the walls yet, but the building is finished.
The original museum closed in 2008. Since 2012, it has been operating as a virtual museum on its website. Nancy Ketchman, fund development consultant for ABHM, said the fundraising goal is very large, but the museum has made great progress.
“There’s been tremendous in-kind support,” Ketchman said. “While we have a large campaign in place, we’ve had so much support from the community that it’s really helped us a lot and moved us along very quickly.”
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The museum first opened in 1988 in the home of Dr. James Cameron, who died in 2006. Since then, it has had several locations, including the most recent at 2233 N. 4 St. (now Vel R. Phillips Ave.), on the same block as the new museum. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, many recall taking school trips to ABHM.
“I’d heard about America’s Black Holocaust Museum years and years ago when they had their original space,” said Karen Tredwell, who attended the Doors Open event. “I was really disappointed when they weren’t able to keep it open. When I heard they were going to be located in a new space … I was excited.”
Cameron’s son, Virgil Cameron, is spearheading the museum’s rebirth, along with Reggie Jackson, head griot, Brad Pruitt, interim executive director, and others. Cameron said his father would be happy about the museum’s new look and direction. “Every day since he passed, and we had to close up the museum, it’s always been on our minds to really try and get this thing open. I could feel him breathing down my neck, ‘Come on, son, you can do it.’”
Ketchman said the museum will offer more than educational tours. She said the community room will provide space for business meetings, celebrations and other events, open to the public by reservation. “There’s not many spaces like this on the North Side for community events,” Ketchman added.
The original museum on 4 Street cost Dr. James Cameron one dollar. Cameron said his father “begged and begged” the city for the building, which eventually turned it over to him. Cameron said the new museum was much costlier — about $1 million. “We’re talking about operating capital, building the exhibits, and all that,” Cameron said.
“As you can see by the demand and by the people coming in, there’s still that interest,” Cameron said. “I think we’ll be here forever.”

created: September 26, 2018

author: Grace Connatser


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 25, 2018


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How to volunteer in October | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Martha Cannon, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee
September 26, 2018
Milwaukee Public Library outreach ambassadors promote the summer reading program.
As the temperatures begin to fall, you can lend a hand in the community. Volunteer Milwaukee, a service of the Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee, features a calendar of events for volunteers, both one-time and ongoing. Here are a few of the opportunities in October and beyond.
Sexual Assault Hotline
Answer the crisis line and provide information and intervention to victims of sexual trauma weekends or overnight for Aurora Healing and Advocacy Services. Intensive two-week training (October-November); register by Oct. 9.
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Contact Nicky Glaser at HealingVolunteer@aurora.org or 414-219-5228.
Homework Center
Tutor students grades 1-12 at Glenbrook Apartments for CommonBond Communities. Help youth with homework, develop study skills and build positive relationships. Monday-Wednesday, 3-5 p.m.; 1-2 hours/week.
Contact Sara Gilbert at sara.gilbert@commonbond.org or 414-375-1402.
Community-based Mentor
Be a friend and help guide a Milwaukee child, age 6-18, for two years as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program.
Contact Casey Parr at StartSomething@bbbsmilwaukee.org or 414-831-4563.
Outreach Ambassador
Promote Milwaukee Public Library programs, resources and services at community events including school open houses, health fairs and block parties. Complete an Online Volunteer Application.
Contact Danielle Wrobleski at dmwrobl@milwaukee.gov or 414-286-3077.
Domestic Violence Awareness Walk/Run
Set up, register walkers and runners, assist with checkpoints along 5k route, hand out water and cheer at finish line Saturday, Oct. 6 for Sojourner Family Peace Center. Hours are 7 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.
Contact Lily Grant at lilyg@familypeacecenter.org or 414-810-1826.
Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon
Register participants, assist with parking, staff start and finish lines, monitor course and hand out beverages and food at Milwaukee Marathon Sunday, Oct. 7; various shifts 5 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sign up here
Contact Scott Stauske at milwaukeelakefrontmarathon@gmail.com or 414-418-8395.
Kohl’s Fall Rec Soccer Tournament
Assist with parking, help on field, and sell food and beverages for Milwaukee Kickers Soccer Club at Uihlein Soccer Park October 12-14; shifts are 4:30-8 p.m., 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. or 1:30-6:30 p.m.
Contact Angie Opsahl at angieo@mksc.org or 414-358-2678.
Milwaukee Film Festival
Take tickets, distribute and count ballots, assist at will-call and direct people in line for movies at Milwaukee Film Festival Oct. 18 – Nov. 1; various shifts. Register here.
Contact Amelia Bursi at volunteer@mkefilm.org or 414-755-1965.
Fall WeedOuts
Help the Park People Of Milwaukee County remove invasive weeds and shrubs in various Milwaukee County Parks; Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon in October and November. Learn more about it.
Contact Park People here.


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Mayor Barrett presents 2019 City budget to Common Council | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mayor Tom Barrett
September 26, 2018
Today, Mayor Tom Barrett presented his 2019 proposed executive budget to Common Council members. Despite severe budget constraints created by the state, the budget proposal includes significant additional resources to address shared priorities among City officials, community leaders and residents. Among the highlights of this year’s budget is a significant investment in the City’s lead poisoning reduction programs and lead service line replacements. A continued focus on improving housing opportunities, public safety, libraries and other City services were also emphasized throughout the proposal.
“The budget squeeze we face – compounded by pensions, public safety costs, and disregard from Madison – seems daunting,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Yet, great things are taking place across all Milwaukee.  Enterprising people, community-minded neighbors, and organizations that work to make our city better, are all defining the future of our Milwaukee. This budget supports their vision – and our vision – for a city that is inclusive, safe, and economically vibrant. ”
Mayor Barrett emphasized a resounding commitment to the health and safety of residents by adding staffing resources to the Health Department’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. This budget also includes an investment of $20 million for efforts to reduce lead risks and abate lead problems. In 2019, Milwaukee Water Works will support the work of the Health Department by continuing to scale up its lead service line replacement program with plans to remove 1,000 more lead connections. Positions in the Department of Neighborhood services (DNS) were also created to conduct more lead abatement inspections in homes.
“Children in Milwaukee are safer, and the hardworking front-line workers at the Health Department deserve credit for that,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “We all know there have been problems in the Health Department, but we are refocusing our efforts to make sure the department continues to move in a positive direction.”
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The Strong Neighborhoods Plan remains a priority and will support the Mayor’s 10,000 affordable households commitment announced earlier this year. $9.6 million is included in this budget to continue the initiative’s efforts toward improving the accessibility, affordability, and quality of housing options for Milwaukee residents.  An additional $500,000 is included for strategic site acquisition to maintain affordable housing in areas facing potential displacement.
In regards to public safety, Mayor Barrett touted the work of both the Milwaukee Fire Department and the Milwaukee Police Department. In the Fire Department, two positions were added to the community paramedic program to continue efforts to connect individuals with the appropriate medical resources and reduce call frequency to 911. In order to support diversity recruitment efforts in the police department, Mayor Barrett proposed adding one position to the Fire and Police Commission recruitment team.
This year Milwaukee Public libraries saw the construction of the Mitchell Street Library and the ground breaking of the Good Hope Library. The 2019 budget will continue the successful strategy of mixed-use library developments for Capitol Drive and Martin Luther King libraries. “Libraries are not a luxury.  They’re valuable resources that improve lives, create economic opportunity and bring neighborhoods together. Libraries are a fundamental part of the fabric of our community,” said Mayor Tom Barrett.
The anticipated start of operations for the streetcar later this year was also mentioned in the Mayor’s remarks. The project is on time, and on budget with no direct impact on the city’s operating budget or tax levy.
In the coming weeks, aldermen will review the Mayor’s budget and consider amendments.  Next year’s financial plan will be finalized in November.

author: Mayor Tom Barrett


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Mayor Barrett to Host 13th Annual Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mayor Tom Barrett
September 26, 2018
Mayor Tom Barrett announced today that Grammy award-winning music producer, recording artist, philanthropist, activist and actor, David Banner, will be the keynote speaker for the 2018 Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative (MFI) Summit. David Banner’s personal story and accomplishments make him a suitable speaker to talk to young fathers about the importance of staying in their children’s lives.
“I am proud of the work that is going on in our community to improve the life outcomes of boys and men of color,” said Mayor Barrett. “Boys and men of color deserve safe and supportive communities where they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunities. Events like the Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit and BMOC Week move us closer to achieving a Milwaukee where every boy and man of color can live life with a sense of dignity, purpose and limitless potential.”
The theme of this year’s 13th Annual Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit is: We Are Rising – Uplifting Our Community through Our Fathers.
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The event will take place at Greater New Birth Church located on 8237 W. Silver Spring Drive on Friday, October 5, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 6 from 7:30 a.m. to Noon.
At this year’s summit, the MFI and its collaborative partners will connect an estimated 1,000 men to education, job training, employment, health, child support, driver’s license recovery, expungement and other resources. A Health and Job Fair is also being planned.
The Brewers Community Foundation is the presenting sponsor of this year’s Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit. “We continue to be proud supporters of the Fatherhood Initiative,” said Cecelia Gore, Executive Director. “The impact of this effort resonates with our fans, players and other supporters as we focus on health, education, recreation and basic needs.”
Other major event sponsors include: the City of Milwaukee, County of Milwaukee, Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee, Social Development Commission, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County, Employ Milwaukee and Ross Innovative Employment Solutions.
The summit is being held in conjunction with Milwaukee Boys & Men of Color (BMOC) Week, a powerful series of events rooted in the belief that when given the opportunity to succeed, young men of color will thrive and elevate our community. BMOC Week will kick-off on Monday, October 1 at 8:00 a.m. at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), Room M605. Various activities are being planned including workshops on diversity in the workplace, the creative arts and more.
Conference admission is free and includes all workshops, resource materials, parking, and a light breakfast and lunch. Participants are encouraged to pre-register for the summit either onsite the day of the event or online at cr-sdc.org/2018-milwaukee-fatherhood-summit.


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Milwaukee gears up for Renew Wisconsin bicycle tour | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
RENEW Wisconsin
September 26, 2018
On Saturday, September 29th, RENEW Wisconsin will host its 6th annual “Ride with RENEW” bicycle tour of renewable energy projects, with this year’s ride taking place in Milwaukee, WI. All event proceeds support RENEW Wisconsin’s ongoing work to advance renewable energy in Wisconsin.
Riders will travel approximately 25 miles on paved roads and bike paths to visit innovative wind, solar, geothermal, and biogas energy generation facilities in Milwaukee. The total tour time will be approximately 6 hours (including stops at renewable energy sites) and actual riding time will be 2 to 3 hours.
Participants will get an inside look at some of the area’s leading renewable energy projects and will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and beverages along the way. They will visit with installers and workers who are advancing renewable energy every day, and hear from customers about why clean energy works for their pocketbooks and their businesses.
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The day’s tour will include:
• Gather at Ingeteam parking lot a 9:00 a.m. departure. – Ingeteam has a LEED Gold, 138,000 square foot industrial facility and is a leading manufacturer of wind and solar energy products.
• Milwaukee Public Museum – MPM features 234 solar panels on its south-facing tower wall. The panels are linked to a kiosk located on the ground floor that provides near-real-time data on the energy generated by the panels.
•Discovery World Science and Technology Center – This is a youth-oriented science and technology museum and aquarium in downtown Milwaukee featuring geothermal heating and cooling.
•Port of Milwaukee Wind Turbine – The City of Milwaukee’s Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) and the Port of Milwaukee partnered to install a 100 kilowatt wind turbine at the Port. Installed by Kettle View Renewable Energy, the turbine provides more than 100 percent of the electricity needed by the Port administration building.
•Escuela Verde – This public charter school designed to support students interested in sustainability, student-led learning, and restorative justice, was a recipient of a 2017 Solar for Good grant. In 2018, 60 solar panels were installed by SunVest and Current Electric on the roof of the school.
•School Sisters of Saint Francis – The Milwaukee branch of the School Sisters of Saint Francis partnered with Arch Electric to install 1,086 solar panels on the rooftop of the St. Francis Sacred Heart building in 2017. Producing 375 kilowatts of solar, the solar array is able to help offset more than 12 percent of the electricity consumed at the Sacred Heart facility.
•Potawatomi Biodigester – This waste-to-energy project converts waste materials generated by the food and beverage industries to electricity. The electricity produced is sold to WE Energies as renewable energy.
•The ride will conclude at City Lights Brewery for refreshments at around 4:00 p.m.
Registration for the ride is open through September 28th. The cost is $40 for members of RENEW Wisconsin, $50 for non-members, and $70 to both register for the ride and become a member of the organization for one year. All donations to RENEW Wisconsin for this charity bike ride are matched up to $15,000 by generous donors John & Mary Frantz of Madison!
Individuals and businesses can donate to RENEW Wisconsin or in support of a rider, sign on as an event sponsor, or volunteer on ride day.
“We are very excited to tour some of Milwaukee’s best renewable energy projects on Saturday, September 29th,” said Tyler Huebner, Executive Director of RENEW Wisconsin. “This tour allows us to showcase a variety of ways to produce homegrown, clean energy right here in Wisconsin including wind, solar, and even food waste. This is a really fun event where you can meet great people, help a good cause, and learn together about clean energy in Wisconsin.”
Sponsors of the Event include Arch Electric, HGA, SunVest , Bounce Milwaukee, Discovery World, Milwaukee County, Summit Credit Union, SunPeak, UW Engineering Professional Development, Current Electric, H&H, Milwaukee Shines, Wegner CPAs, and Open Circle Unitarian Church – Fond du Lac.
There is still time to sponsor if your business or organization wishes to do so.
About RENEW Wisconsin
RENEW Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization promoting renewable energy in Wisconsin. We work on policies and programs that support solar power, wind power, biogas, local hydropower, and geothermal energy systems. More information on RENEW’s website: www.renewwisconsin.org.

author: RENEW Wisconsin


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 26, 2018


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Screen Shot 2018-09-26 at 4.35.24 PM | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
September 26, 2018


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Royal Capital Group and Maures Development Group break ground on new library and apartment development | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Athena Communications LLC
September 26, 2018
Good Hope Library ground breaking ceremony held at 77th and Good Hope in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wednesday September 18, 2018. (Photo courtesy of Athena Communications)
Local business and community members joined Milwaukee-based developers Royal Capital Group and Maures Development Group as they broke ground on a new library and apartment development in partnership with the Milwaukee Library Board. The groundbreaking was held on Tues., Sept. 19, 2018 to announce the newest addition to Milwaukee’s northwest side at 7717 W. Good Hope Rd.
Royal Capital and Maures Development’s newest $15 million five-story mixed use development includes a new 17,000 square foot Milwaukee Public Library branch and 65 apartment units. The development will provide the community with access to technology, trainings and a community room within the library.
Tenants of the development will have access to several property amenities, in addition to the resources available through the library including energy star appliances, in-unit washer and dryer, central air-conditioning and free wi-fi. In addition, tenants will have access to common area amenities including a community room, fitness center, media center, outdoor reading garden and on-site management and leasing office.
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The groundbreaking featured remarks from Royal Capital President Kevin Newell, Maures Development President Melissa Goins, Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Milwaukee Public Library Director Paula Kiely, Milwaukee Public Library Board President Michele Bria, and Town Bank Assistant Vice President of Business Banking Ranell Washington.
About Royal Capital Group and Maures Development Group
Royal Capital Group LLC (Royal Capital) is a Real Estate Development and Venture firm focused primarily on the development of multifamily housing, mixed-use developments, and healthcare strategies. Since 2010, Royal Capital has performed as the primary developer and owner on over $140 million in total investment, while maintaining a healthy and industry leading performing portfolio.
Maures Development Group, LLC is a woman and minority-owned business
based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm specializes in urban real estate development
with the goal of restoring ownership, wealth, health, safety and pride to urban neighborhoods through holistic development.

author: Athena Communications LLC