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NNS Spotlight: ‘Being comfortable with being uncomfortable’: How one internship program launches tech careers | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Amanda Parrish
August 8, 2019
Sarah Dollhausen, general manager, said i.c.stars focuses on equal access and opportunity. “It’s important that for companies to compete at a global level, part of your business strategy should be having a diverse workforce because it brings in different perspectives. It helps with problem-solving,” she says. (Photo by Amanda Parrish)
Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series that highlights groups and people worth knowing in Milwaukee. To nominate a person or a group, email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “Spotlight” in the subject line.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Carlos Vasquez found his passion for coding while working in a factory.
He listened to audiobooks about software development and heard from those who work in technology. Soon his interest was piqued, and Vasquez eventually came across an internship opportunity at i.c.stars.
Created in 1998 in Chicago, i.c.stars is a four-month internship program focused on improving the community by providing those who come from a low-income background with training to prepare them for a job in technology. Such jobs include data analysis, product management or web development.
Employment in computer and information technology jobs is projected to increase nationally 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, creating 557,100 new jobs, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Vasquez became a part of i.c.stars Milwaukee in the first cycle of interns, and now, at 23, is developing his own web application, Habla Code, to help Spanish-speaking coders.
Carlos Vasquez, 23, is ready to make his mark on the coding world. “I learned a lot of social skills, networking skills, presentations skills, just being comfortable with being uncomfortable, which is one of the coolest things I did,” Vasquez says of his internship. (Photo provided by i.c.stars)
“I searched coding tutorials in Spanish, and they were all outdated, and there were no companies in the United States doing work to put the word out there that technology is not just English,” he said.
The web application began as a prototype he created for his capstone project. Vasquez translates samples, descriptions and explanations of coding languages, including HTML and JavaScript, into Spanish for users to utilize. He also hopes  to create instructional videos. The official website is not yet complete, but his prototype is accessible online.
Intense training
Every four months, 20 interns like Vasquez participate in an intense program at the i.c.stars office on the second floor of 200 N. Jefferson St. Interns, who receive a weekly stipend of $150, attend the project-based program from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. They develop skills in technology, leadership and business.
Interns must be 18 or older, have a high school diploma or GED, have six months of prior full-time work experience and qualify as low-income. They must also commit to an “On Time, No Absence” policy.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The next cycle runs from Aug. 12 through Dec. 5.
In addition to technology training, i.c.stars holds workshops focused on business and leadership that teach intern skills such as how to deliver effective presentations, how to network, the importance of financial responsibility and the need for emotional intelligence.
Ben Juarez, technology training manager, teaches the interns coding languages such as HTML, JavaScript and C-sharp.
“These skills, it sounds cliché, but they are the future,” he said. “As long as you have that tinkering mindset you are going to be just fine.”
Once the internship is complete, the trainees are provided with an additional 20 months of support in which they get assistance with networking and career services.
Participants work with Leia Ferrari, talent placement manager, to find employment. Interns have been placed at such companies as Northwestern Mutual, Footlocker and The Dohmen Co., which helps fund the Milwaukee branch.
Ferrari said there is an 80% placement success for interns.
“We would like to see the Milwaukee professional workforce look more like the population of Milwaukee,” she said. “The reason i.c.stars opened its doors in Milwaukee was to bring positive change to the Milwaukee business community.”
Bringing diversity to tech world
Sarah Dollhausen, general manager, said i.c.stars focuses on equal access and opportunity, which helps introduce diversity into the workforce.
“It’s important that for companies to compete at a global level, part of your business strategy should be having a diverse workforce because it brings in different perspectives. It helps with problem-solving,” she said.
Rosa Fowlkes, recruitment manager, said she often sees a transformation in each intern.
She said Vasquez is a good example of this. Before the internship, Fowlkes said, Vasquez was very skeptical and introverted.
Not anymore.
“I learned a lot of social skills, networking skills, presentations skills, just being comfortable with being uncomfortable, which is one of the coolest things I did,” Vasquez said.
Before the program, many interns work jobs that pay at or near minimum wage. With the skills they learn through i.c.stars, they now qualify for higher-paying jobs.
Ferrari said this has allowed interns to live on their own, purchase a second car, expand side businesses and have more overall stability.
“It’s really about making that next step and transforming your life and transforming your professional career,” Dollhausen said.
Internship application deadline is coming up
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The next cycle runs from Aug. 12 through Dec. 5. Those interested are encouraged to apply ASAP.
About Amanda Parrish
Amanda, a student in the Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University, is a reporting intern for NNS. She is especially interested in covering environmental issues. You can reach her through email or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Amanda Parrish


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 7, 2019

source: news-milwaukeenns

created: August 7, 2019

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

author: Adam Carr


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NNS Summer Survival Guide: Readers share their top things to do | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ariana Salas
August 8, 2019
Neighborhood youth play a morning pickup soccer game at Clarke Square Park. (Photo by Adam Carr)
We hate to admit it, but summer is almost over.
But we refuse to let it go.
With this in mind, we checked in with our friends from the Sports Media Institute,  a Milwaukee-based nonprofit mentoring and sports media training program, to ask them some of their favorite things to do in Milwaukee in the summer.
Be sure to check out our entire NNS Summer Survival Guide.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Matthew Johnson
Black Arts Fest MKE
It is a festival where people come together to celebrate African art.
Alexis Johnson
Brady Street Festival
One of the events  that I enjoy to go to in the summer is Brady Street Festival. I really like the food and I enjoy seeing the Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Team perform. It’s also a chance for me to experience things I’ve never done before.
: Trinity Bratchett
Mexican Fiesta
: In the summer I enjoy going to Mexican Fiesta. I really like the jewelry that people sell there. The food that they have is really good especially, the corn on the cob. Last year, I got a poncho that is really warm, I wear it in the winter a lot because it keeps me warm from the cold Milwaukee weather.
: Zion-Elon Green
: Summerfest
: In the summer I go to Summerfest. The crowd and entertainment are hype. All the people were dancing and I enjoyed the singers.
: Demetrius Hartfield
: Swimming and riding bikes
My favorite summer activity is going swimming and riding my bike with my friends. I like to stay active and go outside. I enjoy seeing my friends in the summer too.
Ryon Davis
Playing soccer and sleepovers
My favorite activity is playing soccer I like to be outside and enjoy the summer air. I also like to be with and friends and having sleepovers with them because I don’t get to see them as much.
Ariana, who will be a senior at Messmer High School in the fall, was a summer intern for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.
Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
news published
As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

created: August 8, 2019

author: Ariana Salas


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OPINION: Congress must be relentless in taking on the gun industry | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ray Dall’Osto
August 8, 2019
Editor’s note: Got something on your mind? “Community Voices” is the place to let Milwaukee hear what you have to say. To be considered, we need your name, email address and phone number for verification. Please email your submissions to info@milwaukeenns.org.
Ray Dall’Osto and Chris Strohbehn, partners at the Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown law firm, argue action is needed after the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
The shocking mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton this past weekend, on top of the numerous premeditated attacks (many by white supremacist-inspired individuals) so far in 2019, make one want to shout, “Enough!  Do something about it!” Telling the public it was just the acts of one deranged individual, so go back home, say some prayers, and hope for the best simply doesn’t cut it. This attitude and “we can’t do anything about it” public pronouncements are a lie and an outrageous abdication of government’s responsibility to protect the health and safety of all Americans.
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While no one gun control regulation or public health initiative is a panacea, our country needs to try many and implement them now, and at all levels of government – federal, state and local, to try and stop the brutal carnage that target and kills mothers, babies, and families with military-style assault weaponry that are readily available. As President Franklin Roosevelt responded to Republican critics of his administration’s attempts to develop and implement new programs to address the Great Depression poverty, unemployment, and economic dislocation, “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”
Congress needs to repeal the Toomey Amendment and related legislation, which almost completely immunizes the gun industry from any liability whatsoever, and also prevents data collection, analysis, and dissemination about the serious public health problem of firearm injuries and deaths by our national health monitors. Nearly every American product and industry is regulated and is subject to state tort law, where a product causes injury due to the manner in which it is advertised, distributed, and used. Civil liability can be an important check on irresponsible manufacturers and sellers, particularly when government regulation is minimal or ineffective.
The gun industry, in conjunction with its political arm, the National Rifle Association, has lobbied for and obtained immunity from civil liability. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which was passed by Congress in 2005, provided immunity for the gun industry from nearly all lawsuits. Because of this, the families of victims who have fallen to gun violence have been left without an avenue for seeking justice.
Civil liability can help prevent injuries in a wide variety of cases. When legislators have not taken steps to put regulations in place to improve public safety, the possibility of civil litigation can be used to address careless industry practices and dangerous products, and people who are injured may be able to recover monetary damages. However, civil liability against product manufacturers is not an option available in cases involving gun violence, because the gun industry has obtained unprecedented immunity from Congress. Would this country, Congress and our state legislators have condoned such a “get out of jail (liability) free” immunity law for pharmaceutical companies, or airplane manufacturers, or any other industry? Absolutely not!
Big Pharma is facing hundreds of lawsuits now in nearly every state over its role in fueling overdose deaths, now that it is clear that many companies were aware of the harm of the opioids they were manufacturing and marketing and distributing without adequate controls or restraints. What is the difference between marketing and selling military assault rifles and large magazines without any prudent controls or restraint? There is no difference, so recognize that and do something.
The opioid distribution lawsuits apply the same legal theory that resulted in a $246 billion settlement from Big Tobacco in the 1990s for deceiving the public and hiding the full extent of the health risks associated with smoking cigarettes. Hundreds to thousands are dying, families are adversely impacted, and our government at all levels are paying lots of taxpayer money to treat an epidemic of addiction that was sparked, in part, by the widespread use and promotion of prescription opioids. The companies that raked in billions of dollars on opioid sales should foot some of this bill. Manufacturers and marketers of assault weapons, large magazines, and similar mass human killers should be similarly held responsible.
In a first of its kind ruling earlier this year, a majority of the Connecticut Supreme Court recognized that a cause of action may exist against manufacturers and marketers of military-style assault weapons for parents of the elementary school children who were slaughtered in Newtown (Soto v. Bushmaster Firearms Int’l, LLC, 331 Conn. 53, 202 A.3d 262 [2019]). The Court held that the plaintiff parents have offered a legal theory that is recognized under established Connecticut law, i.e., “they allege that the defendants’ knowingly marketed, advertised, and promoted the XM15-E2S for civilians to use to carry out offensive, military style combat missions against their perceived enemies. Such use of the XM15-E2S, or any weapon for that matter, would be illegal, and Connecticut law does not permit advertisements that promote or encourage violent, criminal behavior.”  Id., 202 A.2d at 272.
Many states have dram shop laws that impose liability on alcohol sellers to more effectively regulate and promote the responsible distribution of alcohol to persons so they will not inflict harm or endanger the public after consumption. Why not the same for military assault weapons, large magazines, and other favored implements of mass killers? The government needs to do something now, and to continue to try, and try, and try again different methods to address the mass shooting epidemic we face.
If you have questions about civil liability or the legal options available to victims of gun violence. Contact our Milwaukee, WI personal injury lawyers at 414-271-1440.
https://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/other-laws-policies/gun-industry-immunity/
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/07/opioid-crisis-lawsuit-big-pharma-big-tobacco-settlement.html
https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/03/18/lawsuit-mass-shootings-225812
Tinio, “Civil Damage Act and liability of one who furnishes liquor to another for consumption by third parties”, 64 A.L.R. 3d 922; and the Illinois Dramshop Act, 235 ILCS 5/6-21 (2000)

author: Ray Dall’Osto


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We are looking for your stories about the unrest in Sherman Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
August 8, 2019
A diverse group of Milwaukee residents gather near Sherman Park to pray for healing. (File photo by Jabril Faraj)
It’s been almost three years since Sherman Park was thrust in the national spotlight after a weekend of unrest.
We want to hear from you about that event for inclusion in stories we are working on for the week of Aug. 12.
What do you remember about the weekend? How has Sherman Park changed? What do you feel the media missed when reporting about the neighborhood?  What is the legacy of the unrest?
Do you have photographs from the unrest you want to share? Would you like to talk with an NNS reporter for a story?
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Feel free to email us or leave a comment on Facebook.
Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
news published
As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 5, 2019

created: August 5, 2019


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Weigh in on Milwaukee County’s 2020 Budget | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Rae Johnson, Milwaukee County
August 8, 2019
Budgets are about tough decisions, and we are asking for your input on how best to close the projected $28 million gap in Milwaukee County’s 2020 budget. Use the Balancing Act tool to analyze the County’s $1.2 billion operating budget, and make tough choices necessary to close the gap.
We did not get into this financial situation overnight, and it will not be solved overnight. In fact over the past decade, Milwaukee County has steadily increased the amount of revenue we send to the state, while the state aids we receive in return have remained flat or declined. During this time, we have worked hard to reduce our footprint, streamline our operations and save millions of taxpayer dollars, while continuing to better serve our residents.
“We are the economic engine of the state, and we are running on empty,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “For years, we slashed spending and did more with less in order to build the foundation we need to succeed. Now, we are asking residents to get involved and help us make the hard decisions necessary to put our fiscal house and priorities in order and continue building an even greater Milwaukee County.”
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
While we continue working with the state to find a sustainable funding solution, we are relying on community input through Balancing Act and during the entire budget process to ensure we pass a responsible, balanced budget for 2020.
“The Balancing Act tool can help the public better understand the choices we face and our need for a Fair Deal from the State of Wisconsin,” said Theodore Lipscomb, Chairman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. “Until state leaders enhance Milwaukee County’s ability to generate revenue and increase funding for state mandates, we will continue to face difficult budget choices. The public’s input through Balancing Act and during the entire budget process, including numerous public hearings throughout October, will help the County Board craft a responsible and balanced budget for 2020.”
Balancing Act is expected to take less than 30 minutes to complete. In addition to providing input on the tough choices that must be made in the upcoming budget, users will be asked for written feedback on how elected officials can better solve the county’s constraints. This tool is also about building a more sustainable future, so all revenue options – both currently available and those that would require a change in state law – are on the table this year.
Let us know what you think, and show us how you would balance the budget!

author: Rae Johnson, Milwaukee County


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Balancing Act Social Media 600×400.png | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Name *
August 7, 2019

author: Name *


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5 things to do this weekend: Aug. 9 to Aug. 11 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 9, 2019
Rahyma, a Nigerian designer, is stopping in Milwaukee with her pop-up shop. (Photo provided by Rahyma)
1. Film Screening: “Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA”: Friday, Aug. 9
The Big Picture and Brave New Films will be screening “Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA” at Bethel-Bethany United Church of Christ, 2878 N. 54th St., on Friday, Aug. 9. The film is being viewed in light of the recent mass shootings. It tells the story of the gun manufacturing industry. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film will start at 6:30 p.m. There will be a discussion after the film.
2. Women in the trades information session: Saturday, Aug. 10
WRTP/BIG Step, 3841 W. Wisconsin Ave., along with groups such as empowHER, is hosting an informational session titled “Women in the Trades” on Saturday, Aug. 10. The event includes networking opportunities, hands-on experience, industry presentations and more. The event goes from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. To register call (414) 342-9787 or click here.
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3. Community visioning session: Saturday, Aug. 10
The Greater Milwaukee Foundation and the Medical College of Wisconsin are inviting community members from Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewers Hill to join them on a visioning session at the Sojourner Family Peace Center, 619 W. Walnut St., on Saturday, Aug. 10. The group will be discussing the restoration and redevelopment of a historic building on North Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. The sessions will start at 9 a.m. and go to noon. Residents can RSVP to attend.
4. West Vliet Street sidewalk sale: Saturday, Aug. 10
Businesses on West Vliet Street are clearing out their inventory during the West Vliet Street sidewalk sale on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to the local businesses, there will also be pop-up shops, food trucks and more.
5. Rahyma’s pop-up shop: Saturday, Aug. 10
Rahyma, a Nigerian designer who creates authentic African clothing, will be opening a pop-up shop at the Hyatt Regency, 333 W. Kilbourn Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 10. There will be dresses, skirts, jumpsuits and more available for purchase. Tickets are free. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
Bonus: Cory Booker at the Sherman Phoenix: Sunday, Aug. 11
Cory Booker is making a stop in Milwaukee while on the road during his presidential campaign. Booker will be at the Sherman Phoenix, 3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave., on Sunday, Aug. 11. Click here for tickets. Doors open at 2 p.m.
Bonus: Send us your Sherman Park stories
Next week marks the third anniversary of the unrest in Sherman Park. NNS is working on a series of stories about Sherman Park and needs your help. If you have a story about what happened that weekend and in the days that followed consider sharing it with us here. We appreciate it.
About Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Ana serves as NNS’ newly created community engagement reporter and is responsible for writing stories that help our readers navigate their lives as well as making sure they know the fun things that are happening in their neighborhoods. You can email her here or call (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

created: August 9, 2019

author: Ana Martinez-Ortiz


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 8, 2019


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Ruling the runway, making the grade | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Mark Doremus
August 9, 2019
The choice was easy.
Take a traditional final exam. Or walk the runway.
And students in the cosmetology program at Milwaukee Area Technical College were more than glad to earn their grades, one strut at a time.
“I thought it would be a good idea instead of having a final exam, they would put together this fashion show,” said instructor Megan Jackson. “I know at the end with finals and everything, it can be a little stressful. So my goal is to make it fun, and every year make it a little bit better.”
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Styles ranged from traditional to wildly imaginative at the MATC summer fashion show for cosmetology students. (Photo by Mark Doremus)
It took hours to prepare models for the show, which was the final project last month for students in the Advanced Style class.
The show was moved from the classroom to the Cooley Auditorium so the students could invite family and friends to see their final projects.
Graduates are eligible to become state-licensed cosmetologists.
Mark is the video content strategist for NNS. He holds a Ph.D. in journalism and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked as an administrator for the University of Wisconsin System for 20 years before he retired in 2015. You can email him or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
news published
As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Mark Doremus


text:
We are looking for your stories about the unrest in Sherman Park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
August 9, 2019
Brian Sylvas talks with a Milwaukee police officer shortly after a young man was taken into custody. (Photo by Jabril Faraj)
It’s been almost three years since Sherman Park was thrust in the national spotlight after a weekend of unrest.
We want to hear from you about that event for inclusion in stories we are working on for the week of Aug. 12.
What do you remember about the weekend? How has Sherman Park changed? What do you feel the media missed when reporting about the neighborhood?  What is the legacy of the unrest?
Do you have photographs from the unrest you want to share? Would you like to talk with an NNS reporter for a story?
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Feel free to email us or leave a comment on Facebook.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 6, 2019

created: August 6, 2019


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Black Arts MKE gives youth a reason to sing…dance, design, AND act at Youth Performing Arts Summer Camp 2019 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Douglas Henry
August 11, 2019
Black Arts MKE, a non-profit dedicated to increasing the availability and quality of African American arts, wrapped up its inaugural Youth Performing Arts Summer Camp at the beginning of August. The 27 campers came together from different schools in Milwaukee, representing Pius High School, Roosevelt Middle School for the Arts, Central City Cyber School, Washington High School, and many more.
Campers chose a West African Anansi story to adapt into a 45 minute musical, wrote the script, and participated in theater activities, music, and dance auditions. Following auditions, the campers began to rehearse the play and songs, design the costumes, and even helped build the set!
Campers expressed new found confidence because of summer camp activities. Danielle, a ninth-grade student from Washington High School, described how her “math skills have gotten better” through helping design the set. She went on to detail “I learned how to transfer (scale) regular paper drawings to large scale set size drawings and that requires math.” Who knew math could be fun?
Other campers came with little to no experience on stage and described the impact participating in the theater summer camp had on them. Adria, a student at Milwaukee College Prep, cites the summer camp experience as helping her become more confident on and off stage. She stated Youth Performing Arts Summer camp “helped me to step out of my shell through all the movement and practice. I [was] pushed to try new things!”
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Nyla, a student from Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts, became so inspired to by designing costumes for the production that she asked for a sewing machine for her birthday. She will continue to practice her stitching skills after the summer camp ends thanks in part to Teaching Artist, Ms. Beverly.
The camp experience culminated with six live performances of “Ananse Ntontan: The Spider’s Web” at the Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall in The Marcus Performing Arts Center. The production followed the mischievous Anansi the Spider as he steals food from different animals in the African savanna. The production included music and dance particular to different African countries, including Sierra Leone and Ghana. The set incorporated Andinkra symbols, used to symbolize different words of wisdom from Ghana.
The live performances of the campers’ production “Ananse Ntontan: The Spider’s Web” were attended by almost 200 people from the Milwaukee community and even included a special performance at Black Arts Fest! Black Arts MKE is already looking forward to Youth Performing Arts Summer Camp 2020 from July 6 – 31 next year – mark your calendars!

author: Douglas Henry


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CastPhoto.jpg | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
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August 9, 2019


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DanielleSetDesign | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 14, 2019


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NylaCostumeDesign | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 14, 2019


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TechRehearsal6 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 14, 2019


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5 things to know this week in Milwaukee: Aug. 12 to Aug. 17 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 12, 2019
It’s Monday in Milwaukee, and here are some events we think you shouldn’t miss. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put “5 things” in the subject line by noon Thursday.
1. Back to School Block Party: Tuesday, Aug. 13
The Big Serve is hosting its second annual Back to School Block Party, at Johnson Park, 1919 W. Fond du Lac Ave., on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The party includes a complimentary book bag for kids, food, games and more. The block party starts at noon.
2. Venice Williams celebrates 30 years in Milwaukee: Wednesday, Aug. 14
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For the past 30 years, Venice Williams has been a vibrant part of the Milwaukee community. Celebrate Williams in Alice’s Garden, 2136 N. 21st St., on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Guests are invited to bring a dish they associate with their ancestors to the potluck. The celebration starts at 6 p.m.
3. Milwaukee County 2020 budget open house: Thursday, Aug. 15
County Executive Chris Abele is inviting Milwaukee residents to join an open discussion on the 2020 budget on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the McGovern Park Senior Center, 4500 W. Custer Ave. The event includes a presentation on the budget followed by an opportunity for the public to comment. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the presentation to begin at 7 p.m.
4. Grand reopening of Columbia Playfield: Saturday, Aug. 17
Milwaukee Recreation is reopening Columbia Playfield, 1345 W. Columbia Ave., on Saturday, Aug. 17. The playground, which was recently upgraded, has a new walking path, splash pad, play structure, basketball courts and more. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5. Sherman Perk Coffee Shop 18th anniversary: Saturday, Aug. 17
Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, 4824 W. Roosevelt Drive, is celebrating its 18th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 11:30 to 2:30. All are welcome to join.
Bonus: Watch NNS on Facebook Live: Tuesday, Aug. 13
On the third anniversary of Sylville Smith’s death and ensuing unrest, we are hosting three conversations in Sherman Park that feature activists and advocates connected to the Sherman Park community.  These will be broadcast on Facebook Live through our page on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Here’s the tentative lineup:
11 a.m.:  Activists Vaun Mays, Gab Taylor and youths from Sherman Park
Noon: Sedan Smith (Sylville Smith’s brother), activist Markasa Tucker, members of UBLAC
1 p.m.: ACLU’s Jarrett English, community advocate Camille Mays and City of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention’s Reggie Moore
(All groups are subject to change.)
Click here to find us on Facebook and here to submit your own story on Sherman Park.
About Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Ana serves as NNS’ newly created community engagement reporter and is responsible for writing stories that help our readers navigate their lives as well as making sure they know the fun things that are happening in their neighborhoods. You can  email her here or call (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


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Adam Carr
August 11, 2019


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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: 5 things to know | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
August 12, 2019
1. Community response
In the days and weeks following the weekend of unrest, community members gathered in and around the park to continue to protest, clean up, pray, read poetry and hold other events such as barbecues and drum circles. Many neighbors discussed their frustration and sadness, as well as the inequality in the city that many said was the root cause of the tension that led to the unrest.
Local leaders worked to provide recreational opportunities and support for youth in the park. Neighbors and youth workers expressed anger about the park’s restricted hours, saying it gave young people in the area “nowhere to go.”
2. Investments promised in Sherman Park
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Over the course of a few months—as conversations of root causes of the unrest surfaced and concerns were raised about unemployment, over-policing, discrimination and lack of opportunity—an influx of investments came into the Sherman Park area, and government officials and philanthropists alike made promises to the residents of the Sherman Park neighborhood to improve housing stock, quality of life and job availability.
3. Officer faces charges, acquitted in Smith’s death
In October 2016, Milwaukee Police Department officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown was charged with numerous sex-related crimes and fired from the department. In December 2016, he was charged with first-degree reckless homicide for the shooting of Sylville Smith, and community members demanded to see body camera footage. Heaggan-Brown was acquitted for the shooting in the summer of 2017.
4.  Community marks one-year anniversary
Throughout the summer of 2017, artist Tia Richardson unveiled the “Sherman Park Rising” mural that she created in collaboration with community members. The Boys and Girls Club in Sherman Park opened up a teen center, and Sylville Smith’s family hosted a Back to School Bash event in the park.
Residents reflected on the anniversary of the unrest through an event organized by local media and in other ways.
5. Sherman Phoenix opens
In December 2018, the Sherman Phoenix opened, transforming the old BMO Harris Bank that burned down during the unrest into a community space, food hall and business hub. The development houses 29 small businesses focused on wellness, all run by entrepreneurs of color, most of whom are women. Co-developers JoAnne Johnson-Sabir and Juli Kaufmann collaborated with community members, officials and local business leaders to bring the project to life, utilizing innovative financing models.
Recommended Readings
Other relevant links organized by theme:
Policing:
Housing:
Youth:
Voices/reflections:
About Allison Dikanovic
Allison specializes in coverage concerning youths and the youth justice system. You can email her or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBEto our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Allison Dikanovic


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Adam Carr
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Adam Carr
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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: The weekend | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Allison Dikanovic
August 12, 2019
Three years ago this week, unrest in Sherman Park put the neighborhood-and our city-in the national spotlight.  But what’s happened to the community since then?  That’s the question we seek to answer this week – and our focus for the remainder of the year.
Milwaukee County Sheriff’s vehicles patrol Sherman Park as park-goers enjoy the early evening on Milwaukee’s northwest side. (File photo by Jabril Faraj)
On the evening of June 29, 2016, several dozen youths threw rocks and bottles, damaging property near Sherman Park, including the window of a gas station, a county transit bus and a fence.  City and county leaders publicly disagreed about how to best maintain safety and order in county parks between the police and sheriff’s departments.
Neighbors and community leaders began monitoring Sherman Park independently of law enforcement, helping to break up fights and planning activities for the groups of kids hanging out in the park, such as kickball games and pizza parties.
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On July 20, 2016, the operator of the vandalized gas station allegedly fired a gun into the air to scare off a group of youths that had entered and disrupted the store.
Milwaukee police officers pulled over a car with two men in it near Sherman Park, near the intersection of North 44th Street and West Auer Avenue.  According to police, Sylville Smith and the other man ran from the vehicle. Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown chased Smith, who was allegedly armed. After Smith failed to follow orders, Heaggan-Brown fatally shot him twice, in the chest and arm.
Community members arrived at the scene of the shooting and began to protest Smith’s death. Police lined the street in helmets and face shields.
Protestors clashed with lines of officers in riot gear. Around 10:15 p.m., the BP gas station at North Sherman Boulevard and West Burleigh Street was set on fire and gunshots were fired.
Fires were set at three other businesses throughout the night—the BMO Harris Bank branch, Jet Beauty and O’Reilly Auto Parts stores—near North 35th and West Burleigh streets. By 2:20 a.m., police announced that order was restored and began reducing the number of officers in the area.
Brian Sylvas talks with a Milwaukee police officer shortly after a young man was taken into custody. (File photo by Jabril Faraj)
On Sunday morning, community members gathered near the park and the damaged businesses to clean up the area and distribute food and water. Faith leaders led prayers. Later in the evening, protests turned violent again. Three squad cars were damaged, windows were broken and a car and several Dumpsters were set on fire. Seven police officers and four sheriff’s deputies were injured, and an 18-year-old man was hit by random gunfire.
Following the weekend’s unrest, Mayor Tom Barrett announced a citywide 10 p.m. curfew for youths under age 17. Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr., ordered Sherman Park be closed at night, and sheriff’s deputies raised an orange fence around the park’s perimeter. Clarke also requested a presence from the National Guard.
A teen sits at a picnic table as sheriff’s deputies block an entrance to Sherman Park. (File photo by Jabril Faraj)


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Dwayne Burtin
August 11, 2019

author: Dwayne Burtin


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Dwayne Burtin
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Dwayne Burtin
August 11, 2019


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Voices of Sherman Park: Three years later: ‘It made me both proud and sad’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
John Sieger
August 12, 2019
On the evening of Aug. 13, 2016, my wife, Linsey, and I stopped to visit my sister Barbara. She was in hospice care at the Jewish Home on Prospect Avenue. Barb had a long medical history: Born with spina bifida, a life-threatening birth defect, she contracted polio soon after. These two would have been enough to deal with, but there was more. With a lack of mobility she had to face various health problems her whole life, which she did bravely and with a sense of humor. The last one she battled was cardio-pulmonary disease. She was on oxygen and struggling to breathe that night.
She was her usual sweet self that night, but we had to cut itshort — I was on my way to Company Brewing to participate in an event organizedby the talented saxophonist and entrepreneur, Jay Anderson. It was aminifestival meant to heighten awareness of police violence against young blackmen. Though it hardly describes me, a white guy no one would call young, I washonored to be a part of it. I had written a song called “Don’t Throw Shade” andwas going to perform it with Sistah Strings and Mrs. Fun. If youknow either of these two duos, you understand why I was excited.
Monique LaDora Ross and her sister Chauntee Ross are two youngclassically trained string players. They have the added advantage of growing upsinging and playing Gospel music. The combination of cello, viola and two ofthe finer voices in town is a beautiful thing. Mrs. Fun are veterans likemyself. Keyboardist/vocalist Connie Grauer and drummer Kim Zick areconservatory trained jazz musicians and have been entertaining Milwaukeeans fora long time.
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As you might expect, the number went well. When I walked back infrom the courtyard where the stage was, I was met by Jay who let me knowSherman Park was in flames. A peaceful protest had escalated and turnedviolent. The senseless shooting of Sylville Smith had raised the temperature inthat community and when it reached the boiling point, it erupted.
As Jay filled me in, I thought about the sad state of affairs inour city. Here was a young, gifted and socially committed black artist puttinghis heart and soul into an event he hoped would improve the world. We bothknew, though nothing was said, what the story would be the next day — it wouldnot be his festival.
The next morning I received a call from my older brother Bill. Barbara had passed in her sleep. She was very religious and it had helped her make a peaceful exit. That was a comfort as was being able to see her once more  the evening before, but it didn’t make it any less sad.
I still haven’t processed what I felt on that complicated weekend,but an hour or so after receiving that call, we heard people were gatheringpeacefully in Sherman Park. It felt like the place to be. Linsey and I grabbedsome bottled water to hand out and headed over. If you were there you may haveseen what we did. An emotional speech by Sylville’s brother, people circlingaround to comfort him and a community that gathered around them in support. Itmade me both proud and sad.
This would be a nice spot to say something wise, but I havenothing. I care about this town and appreciate the gift of having a vibrant anddiverse population. When I travel to places that don’t have it, they don’t lookor feel right. There are many people who are trying to make it better here,they give me hope. Let’s get behind them and make that night mean something.
What are your memories?
It’s been almost three years since Sherman Park was thrust inthe national spotlight after a weekend of
unrest.
We’veasked for you to share your memories and will feature your voices all week.
What do you remember about the weekend? How has Sherman Parkchanged? What do you feel the media missed when reporting about theneighborhood?  What is the legacy of the unrest?
Do you have photographs from the unrest you want to share? Wouldyou like to talk with an NNS reporter for a story?
Feel free to email us or leave a comment on Facebook.
Your
neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news
published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroomdedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and yourfriends SUBSCRIBE toour daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: John Sieger


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VOICESOFSHERMANPARK | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 11, 2019


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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: Crucial conversations | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 13, 2019
Listen and watch the Facebook Live conversations here.
The Sherman Park unrest was a moment of reckoning in our city.
For some, it was a wake-up call, while for others, it seemed inevitable. From all sides, there were countless calls for dialogue, healing and action.
On the third anniversary of Sylville Smith’s death and ensuing unrest, we are hosting three conversations in Sherman Park that feature activists and advocates connected to the Sherman Park community.
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These will be broadcast on Facebook Live through our page on Tuesday, Aug. 13.
11 a.m.:  Program the Park’s Vaun Mayes, Gab Taylor and youths from Sherman Park
12 p.m.: Mildred Haynes (Sylville Smith’s mother), Sedan Smith (Sylville Smith’s brother), Wisconsin Voice’s Markasa Tucker and members of UBLAC
1 p.m.: ACLU’s Jarrett English and community advocate Camille Mays
(All groups are subject to change.)
Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions you would like us to ask.
About Adam Carr
Adam is the deputy editor for community engagement at NNS. A proud product of Milwaukee Public Schools and lifelong Milwaukeean, he authored the children’s book, “Explore MKE: Your Neighborhood, Our City,” working with five third grade classrooms throughout Milwaukee and SHARP Literacy. You can email him or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


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Adam Carr
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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: Have police-community relations improved? | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Edgar Mendez
August 13, 2019
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Sylville Smith.
It’s a muggy 87 degrees, and police presence is thick in Sherman Park.
As a squad and patrol wagon wait at a red light on Sherman Boulevard, two officers from the Milwaukee Police Department’s District 7 sit at a bench in the children’s play area.
“The cops, kids and teens all hang out at the park; they’re all here,” said Trenayce Jordan, as she takes turns pushing her 2-year-old grandson, Logan, and 4-year-old son, Kyle, on side-by-side swings.
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Jordan described the scene last week as the new normal at Sherman Park: two groups that don’t fully trust each other but have become more comfortable with sharing the same space.
It’s a sharp contrast from the night of August 13, 2016, when footage from the Sherman Park neighborhood filled television screens in Milwaukee and across the world. That night, stores burned, and angry young men denounced the killing of one of their own—23-year-old Sylville Smith—by a Milwaukee police officer.
That officer, Dominique Heaggan-Brown, was found not-guilty of first-degree reckless homicide in Smith’s murder, even though body camera footage showed him firing the fatal shot into his chest after he’d tossed his gun. He was eventually convicted and sentenced to three years in prison on an unrelated sexual assault charge.
Since that night, resources and promises have poured into the neighborhood, although several community projects were already occurring. The goal was to improve economic conditions that many said fueled the powder keg of frustration and also to strengthen relations between residents and the police, which lit the fuse.
‘Sometimes they say hi’
Images of those flames still are vivid for Jeff Henderson, 25, who watched them on TV from his living room couch. He walks down a different Sherman Boulevard than the one that was portrayed that night. This one, he said, is more serene. He’s not sure if police and residents get along better now than they did back then, but he does notice more cops in the area. Once in a while they interact.
“Sometimes they say hi to me,” he said.
Two teenage cousins who stood nearby and asked not to be identified agreed.
“Yeah, we see police here all the time, but they don’t really bother us,” said one as the other nodded in agreement.
Some see the surveillance at the park and surrounding neighborhood as a continuing example of racial profiling and harassment, which led to tension three years ago. Others point to it as an example of community policing, which Chief Alfonso Morales made a priority once he became chief in 2018.
The Milwaukee Police Department declined a request to be interviewed for the story
But in a late 2018 interview with NNS, Willie Murphy, District 7 police captain, said, “I plan to go into the community with my officers to get to know the residents.”
“I want to keep officers in their assigned areas, so the residents and officers can become familiar with each other and the problems that go on in the community,” he added.
Seventeen-year-old Tyrane Graham, however, doesn’t equate increased police presence with improved relations.
“Not at all,” she said, when asked if things had gotten better between police and residents since 2016. More police presence isn’t always good, she said.
Interactions such as the ones described by Jordan, Henderson and Graham serve the goal of having police interact with the community, especially young people, in a non-crisis or negative situation, said Katie Sanders, executive director of Safe & Sound.
“There’s some shared norms in the park now. The officers are not simply responding to a call for service,” Sanders said.
Safe & Sound, an organization that works to unite residents, youths and law enforcement, identified the Sherman Park neighborhood as a focus area in 2015. At the time, Sanders recalled, there were high levels of drug trafficking and crime in the area. Another problem was widespread discontent and frustration as well as a lack of communication between young people and the police, she said.
Still, what happened in 2016 caught Sanders off-guard.
“I don’t think anybody knew how intense things would get,” Sanders said.
Engaging a community
Safe & Sound partners with other community organizations to engage residents and has become even more active in the area since 2016, Sanders said.
On the front lines of that work is Danielle Johnson, community organizer for District 7. She’s been working to engage youths in outdoor programming at the park rather than forcing them inside.
“We had to find out what keeps them coming to the park every day and find cohesive ways for them to have fun,” said Johnson, who credits the Boys and Girls Club and other groups for working to create programming for the teens.
Another strategy that Safe & Sound has employed, with the support of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, is using Police and Resident Listening Circles.
The listening circles are facilitated face-to-face conversations that include law enforcement personnel and residents, said Katherine Wilson, executive director at Zeidler, a nonprofit that deploys professional facilitators to foster civil dialogue.
“What commonly happens when you pull two groups together, especially with law enforcement present, is that people start yelling, and that is what we hate to see,” she said. “Without structure you exacerbate the tension.”
That theory was put to the test during one listening session, when the Freedom Fighters showed up to a circle between residents and police.
“We never had so many people armed at a meeting, but the two groups were willing to sit down and share with one another,” Wilson said. Polling done before and after listening circles has shown that resident trust in police is up slightly in the neighborhood.
No easy solutions
Wilson said the conditions that led to the unrest in Sherman Park did not occur overnight, and that there is no quick fix. Unless policy and relationship work continues, things could bubble up again, not just at Sherman Park but anywhere in the city, she cautions.
It’s a point well understood by Mabel Lamb, executive director of the Sherman Park Community Association. She’s lived in the Sherman Park neighborhood  for 19 years.
“Not much economic viability, no real job creation, the same old lip service and pockets of crime and poverty,” Lamb said.
“A young black man doesn’t always get shot and killed by police in Sherman Park, but there are systemic problems that haven’t been addressed,” she said. “People don’t really feel like there’s been a resolution to what happened three years ago.”
A short distance from Lamb’s office on West Fond Du Lac Avenue, three police officers pound at the door of a home, while a few blocks away, a pair of officers sits in their car at the foot of the park.
It’s the new normal in Sherman Park. Although it is not clear whether it’s that much different than before.
About Edgar Mendez
Edgar is a senior staff
writer for NNS, where he anchors coverage of the South
Side, public safety, health and politics. You can email him or call (414)
604-6397.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reachedat info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414)604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news
published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated totelling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE
to our daily newsletter.And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Edgar Mendez


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Adam Carr
August 12, 2019


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Adam Carr
August 12, 2019


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Voices of Sherman Park: Three Years Later: ‘She was just glad we got home safe’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Van Johnson
August 13, 2019
I am a Sherman Park resident who was present for the events of that weekend. I live on 45th and Keefe, and I remember that night vividly.
My brother and I were on our way to a house party on 51st Street. We had heard sirens and some smoke rising a few blocks up from our house, but we thought little of it.
The real action came when we were taking a Lyft home. We saw the gas station on fire and SWAT team members with riot gear massing against the rioters. It wasn’t just the gas station either; we had to detour on Fond du Lac because we couldn’t get home via Burleigh. It was so hot from the flames I almost couldn’t see, and the smoke made me choke. It took about 45 minutes to get us six blocks to get home. Thankfully, our Lyft driver didn’t charge us for the ride. She was just glad we got home safe. We watched the rest of the unrest unfold at home on the news. I hope this story will help shed more light on those events. I surely won’t forget them.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
What are your memories?
It’s been three years since Sherman Park was thrust in the national spotlight after a weekend of unrest.
We’ve asked for you to share your memories and will feature your voices all week.
What do you remember about the weekend? How has Sherman Park changed? What do you feel the media missed when reporting about the neighborhood?  What is the legacy of the unrest?
Do you have photographs from the unrest you want to share? Would you like to talk with an NNS reporter for a story?
Feel free to email us or leave a comment on Facebook.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And  DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Van Johnson


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Alverno College launches new hybrid Doctorate in Education degree, Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing degree | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Kelly Cole
August 14, 2019
Alverno College has partnered with Arizona-based premiere service provider Synergis Education to launch a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) degree and a Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing (DEMSN) degree. Both programs will begin enrolling students in January 2020.
Designed for working professionals who hold a master’s degree relevant to their area of interest, the Doctorate in Education program offers concentration options in Higher Education Leadership and K-12 Leadership. Doctoral candidates in the Ed.D. K-12 Leadership concentration have the option to complete courses focused on the superintendent role. This innovative program combines online coursework and dissertation support with two in-person residencies. From the start of the program, students are offered direction, support and advising for the completion of their dissertations.
“Alums of the Ed.D. program will be the educational agents of change for the schools and colleges where they will serve, something we know is so greatly needed,” said Patricia Luebke, Ph.D., dean of Alverno’s School of Professional Students, which includes the division of Education. “This program will further advance Alverno’s legacy of preparing leaders to provide high-quality education and develop the abilities of all learners.”
The Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for graduates who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field and gives them the opportunity to begin their career in nursing with a master’s degree. DEMSN students earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in as few as 18 months of full-time study. DEMSN graduates will be prepared to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and are positioned to pursue post-master’s certification in fields such as family nurse practitioner (FNP); psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP); adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (AGCNS); acute care nurse practitioner (AGACNP); and primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP).
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“The demand for nurses is outpacing the supply, and the DEMSN will graduate highly trained nurses more quickly so that they can provide immediate impact to those most in need,” said Patricia Varga, Ph.D., dean of Alverno’s JoAnn McGrath School of Nursing and Health Professions. “We know what will result are Alverno nurses who are compassionate caregivers and competently support innovation and adaptation in today’s evolving health care systems.”
“Synergis Education has been so impressed with the leadership at Alverno College. At every level, they are dedicated to innovation and understand that need to expand access to education in high-demands fields for prospective students,” said Norm Allgood, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Synergis. “From our early conversations, to the launch of these two degree programs, we saw an opportunity to partner with an institution that has always been committed to innovation.”
Students interested in pursuing their Ed.D. online with Alverno should hold a master’s degree related to their intended area of concentration and have at least three years of experience as a teacher, administrator or other educational professional. More information about the Ed.D. program is available at edd.alverno.edu.
Students interested in enrolling in the DEMSN program must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or an international equivalent. More information about the DEMSN program is available at msn.alverno.edu.
About Alverno College
Founded in 1887 by the School Sisters of St. Francis, Alverno College promotes the academic, personal and professional development of its students in a collaborative and inclusive environment. Undergraduate programs for women are offered in more than 60 areas of study, and graduate programs in education, nursing, community psychology, school psychology, music therapy 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.
About Synergis Education, Inc.
Established in 2011, Synergis undergirds a university’s operation with critical assets: smart capital, industry expertise and robust technology. Synergis partners with colleges and universities to co-design and launch market demand, face-to-face, online and blended programs. Synergis helps institutions extend their reach by creating rich and unique learning environments that complement faculty-developed courses and by providing expert recruitment, retention and student services support.

author: Kelly Cole


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Donate at City Hall for the Bronzeville Sleepover for Education school supply drive | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ald. Milele A. Coggs
August 14, 2019
The Bronzeville Sleepover for Education school supply drive is continuing to accept donated items through the close of business on Thursday, August 15. Donations of school supplies can be dropped off in bins located in the first floor rotunda at City Hall (200 E. Wells St.),  All supplies will be distributed to Milwaukee Public Schools students in need.
“The Sleepover for Education ensures that students have the supplies necessary to be fully prepared for school,” said Ald. Coggs. “We greatly appreciate any donations that are offered – every item will be used.”
Sponsors for the Sleepover initiative are: City of Milwaukee; Milwaukee Police Department, Pete’s Fruit Market; Alderwoman Coggs; Bronzeville Week; Collars on the Corner; Stark Foods; Future Entrepreneurs Moving Ahead (FEMA); Peace for Change Alliance; Save Our Souls (SOS); and the League of Martin.
What:        Bronzeville Sleepover for Education supply drive
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When:       Until 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, August 15
Where:      City Hall rotunda, 200 E. Wells St.

author: Ald. Milele A. Coggs


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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: Crucial conversations in the park | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
August 14, 2019
Tuesday marked the third anniversary of the unrest in Sherman Park—a day that captivated the attention of the city (and the world). To chronicle the occasion, the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service assembled neighbors and community leaders who are on the front lines in the Sherman Park community for a series of Facebook Lives.
Our guests talked about changes in the community since 2016.And they talked about things that have notchanged.
Most important, they talked.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
We invite you to watch. And listen.
•Conversationwith Sedan Smith, brother of Sylville Smith, who wasfatally shot by a Milwaukee Police Department officer
•Conversationwith Vaun L Mayes and Gab Taylor from Program The Parks MKE and Community Task Force MKE
•Conversationwith Mildred Haynes, Sylville Smith’s mother
•Conversationwith Markasa Tucker and representatives of UBLAC Milwaukee Annia Leonard, Sierra Nicole, and Lisa Jones
•Conversationwith Camille
Mays, Jarrett English and David Muhammad
About Mark Doremus
Mark is the video
content strategist for NNS. He holds a Ph.D. in journalism and a law degree
from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked as an administrator for the
University of Wisconsin System for 20 years before he retired in 2015.
You can
email him or call the
newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
About Adam Carr
Adam is the deputy editor for community engagement at
NNS. A proud product of Milwaukee Public Schools and lifelong Milwaukeean, he
authored the children’s book, “Explore MKE: Your Neighborhood, Our City,”
working with five third grade classrooms throughout Milwaukee and SHARP
Literacy. You can email him or call the newsroom
at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood.
Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highlyeffective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news
published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, weneed your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


text:
| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 13, 2019


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Voices of Sherman Park: Three years later: ‘The power of anger’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Phyllis Wax
August 14, 2019
Social issues are a major focus of poet  Phyllis Wax.  Although she was born in Washington, D.C., she has spent most of her adult life in Milwaukee.  She served on the board of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council in its early days, and her late husband grew up in Sherman Park.
If you play by the rules
you won’t attract attention
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
If you obey the Man
the Man won’t bother you
All men are created equal
Liberty and justice for all
America, land of opportunity
But the Man did
bother them and
justice turned out to be
not for all
Tension in the air
despair
a lazy afternoon
another black man
shot
People were tired
of waiting
for change
If some hadn’t thrown rocks
or burned a police car
it might have been only a small item
in  the local paper
If people hadn’t gathered
—angry— about 200
if shots  hadn’t been fired
bricks thrown
If that gas station hadn’t been set ablaze
and a major bank
other businesses it might have been
just another police shooting
of a black man
But
even though pastors tried
to calm people and
neighbors formed clean-up crews
in the week that followed
the possibility of riots
seemed to focus the minds
of city and state leaders
who finally started talking about
jobs
for an area where for decades
half the people couldn’t find any
A few angry people
A few businesses burned
The threat of violence
What are your memories?
It’s been three years since Sherman Park was thrust in the national spotlight after a  weekend of unrest.
We’ve asked for you to share your memories and will feature your voices all week.
What do you remember about the weekend? How has Sherman Park changed? What do you feel the media missed when reporting about the neighborhood?  What is the legacy of the unrest?
Do you have photographs from the unrest you want to share? Would you like to talk with an NNS reporter for a story?
Feel free to  email us  or leave a comment on Facebook.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Phyllis Wax


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GAS STATION | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 13, 2019

author: Adam Carr


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Phyllis headshot | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 13, 2019


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NNS Video: Voices of Sherman Park: Three years later: ‘It’s still a warm and welcoming place’ | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Andrea Waxman
August 15, 2019
The Sherman Park neighborhood has long been considered the neighborhood that worked.
For Milwaukee, the population is relatively diverse — racially and economically — and many residents say they chose to live there because it’s a community where neighbors look after each other.
The weekend of violence in Sherman Park, sparked by the fatal shooting of Sylville Smith in mid-August 2016, came as a surprise to some homeowners. Others said they had been watching tensions build. Frustration with the shortage of activities for youths and jobs, and a lack of parental involvement in some homes, set the stage for violence, they say.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
NNS spoke with three long-time homeowners and one who had recently purchased a house in the neighborhood about why they chose to invest and live in Sherman Park, how they remember the events of three years ago and how their neighborhood feels to them now.
Greg Adams, a 25-year Sherman Park homeowner who lives half a block from the park, is a retired teacher, active musician and student of television and video production. He most recently taught at Clarke Street School. Adams is in touch with the community’s parents and young people and is knowledgeable about the conditions that affect them.
Ashlee Crowder, a young mother raising two children, bought a house two blocks from the park in March and moved into the neighborhood in September 2016, just after the shooting. She is a psychiatric technician at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex.
Alan Borsuk, who lives near the Sherman Perk Coffee Shop, where the interviews were conducted, has been a Sherman Park homeowner for 36 years. Three of his adult children, all homeowners, and 12 of his grandchildren live nearby. Borsuk reported for the Milwaukee Journal and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for many years. He is now the senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School.
Sheena Carey came to Milwaukee from Washington D.C., to attend Marquette University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism and communication. Carey bought a house in Sherman Park 36 years ago. She teaches in Marquette’s Diederich College of Communication, where she serves as director of student internships.
About Andrea Waxman
Andrea is a senior staff writer for NNS, where she writes about people who do great things as well as education, policy issues and economic development that affect our neighborhoods. You can reach her through email or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
About Mark Doremus
Mark is the video content strategist for NNS. He holds a Ph.D. in journalism and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He worked as an administrator for the University of Wisconsin System for 20 years before he retired in 2015. You can email him or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Andrea Waxman


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| Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Adam Carr
August 14, 2019


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Unrest in Sherman Park: Three years later: NNS talks about Sherman Park coverage on WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
August 15, 2019
Adam Carr, deputy editor for community engagement at NNS, appeared on news partner WTMJ-TV (Channel 4) this week to discuss our coverage of Sherman Park, three years after unrest made headlines across the nation and world.
You can watch the clip here.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


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5 things to do this weekend: Aug. 16 to Aug. 18 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Ana Martinez-Ortiz
August 16, 2019
It’s Friday in Milwaukee, and here are some events that can enrich your weekend. If you would like your event to be considered for this column, please email info@milwaukeenns.org and put 5 things in the subject line by noon Thursday.
About Ana Martinez-Ortiz
Ana serves as NNS’ newly created community engagement reporter and is responsible for writing stories that help our readers navigate their lives as well as making sure they know the fun things that are happening in their neighborhoods. You can email her here or call (414) 604-6397.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.


text:
48546387531_e2edc15180_b | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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NNS Audio: Voices of Sherman Park: Three years later: Community members at the Sherman Phoenix remember unrest, recognize progress | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Bridget Fogarty
August 16, 2019
The Sherman Phoenix opened its doors in late 2018, “rising from the ashes” of the BMO Harris Bank that burned down during the vioent protests on August 13, 2016.
Three years later, we asked customers to reflect on the unrest, the state of police-community relations and how community projects like the Sherman Phoenix contribute to the community’s healing process.
When Benjamin Watson’s family moved to Sherman Park 40 years ago, they were the first African American family to live on his block. He grew up using the neighborhood’s namesake park as his backyard, visiting every day to play basketball or just hang out.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
The neighborhood is still Watson’s home, and he is a community organizer involved in the Sherman Park Neighborhood Association and other groups. He remembers in vivid detail how the events unfolded in August of 2016.
Watson believes some beauty came from the chaos, like the opening of Sherman Phoenix. Still, there is work to be done, particularly on police-community relations.
Marcia Taylor owns Lush, a gourmet popcorn business that found its home at the Sherman Phoenix. Originally from Detroit, she moved to Milwaukee 10 years ago. Taylor describes her reaction when she heard about the shooting of Sylville Smith and subsequent events.
Taylor says the positivity that came from the tragic events in Sherman Park is an example for the rest of the nation. She wishes the media would show that side of Milwaukee and her neighborhood so others can understand there is more to the city than the crime that most news outlets display.
Sisters Jyniah and Jymiea Williams remember driving home from the State Fair in 2016 when they saw the buildings on fire in Sherman Park. They recently started work at Shindig Coffee.
Jymiea, a criminology student at MATC, speaks about her experience as a police department ambassador, a youth program that bridges community members and police officers, and how her personal path has evolved.
Betty Reid-Ward has been working at the resale boutique Grateful Girls since May. In that time, she’s felt a real sense of camaraderie develop between businesses and customers in the Phoenix. She’s also found the community-minded spirit of the building reflected in the businesses contained within it, including her own place of employment.
About Bridget Fogarty
Bridget is a community engagement intern at NNS and a senior in the Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University. You can email her or call the newsroom at (414) 604-6397.
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Bridget Fogarty


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1 BenjaminWatson1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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2 BenjaminWatson2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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3 MarciaTaylor1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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4 MarciaTaylor2 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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48516583627_f8fb07a34e_k | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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5 JymieaWilliams1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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6 BettyReidWard1 | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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ben-watson | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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betty | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 16, 2019


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Betty | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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marcia | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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sisters | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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Voices of Sherman Park: Three years later: Faith leaders reflect | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Caroline White
August 16, 2019
We checked in with four faith leaders in the city and asked them their thoughts about the unrest in Sherman Park three years ago.
Name: Bishop Walter Harvey
Ministry: Parklawn Assembly of God
Did the unrest change your church community’s relationship with the neighborhood? If so, how?
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
“Yes, the uprising changed our church both personally and corporately. Both myself and our faith community feel blessed by the unfortunate tragedy in that we developed new friendships with people affected by the uprising. I was humbled to help provide bereavement and funeral care for the family of Sylville Smith.”
What were the effects of the unrest on your church community? How have you addressed them?
“Our church community was already an externally focused church but the uprising called us to a deeper focus on being the best church for our community.  We redesigned our youth and adult services, staffing, budget and vision to accomplish this.”
What do you want folks to know about Sherman Park that they may not know? What issues still need to be addressed?
“The neighborhood is experiencing economic flourishing.  Our church’s PRISM Economic Development Corporation is launching Milwaukee’s first ever incubation kitchen for Sherman Park food entrepreneurs. Sherman Park is a place where God is working. We want to join Him in His great work in a great neighborhood.”
Do you think police-community relations have improved since 2016 in Sherman Park?
“Yes, our church partners each week with the 7th District police captain in providing spiritual covering through prayer and community outreach in identified areas where violent crimes have recently occurred.  We have seen a reduction of negative activity in these ‘hot spots.’”
Name: Rev. David Totsky
Ministry: Sherman Park Lutheran Church
Did the unrest change your community’s relationship with the neighborhood? If so, how?
“It really didn’t change our relationship with the neighborhood. It helped bring us closer. I remember the day after the day of the uprising, they had shut down the Burleigh and Sherman intersection that night to avoid any problems, but things just shifted a block south. So when I came in on Monday, we had all kinds of trash and some signs that were not appropriate for display on a church property. I was cleaning up, and some of the neighbors came over and started helping. So as a community, as a neighborhood, we’ve actually in some ways gotten closer. There were some benefits, but there were a lot of negative impacts as well.”
What were the effects of the unrest to your church community? How have you addressed them?
“It really did not directly impact the church community because it wasn’t a religious or theological type thing. As we reached out to the community, it did bring the neighbors closer. Many of the members of the congregation do not live in the neighborhood. The congregation itself is 95-years-old. So I’ve got members who are still coming in from the suburbs: the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids of the founding members. There’s been some impact but not a whole lot.”
“We’ve kept things going. When others suggested we stop our evening services, we kept them going. Because if there’s a time for the church to be here, that was it. That was very important for us– we didn’t limit or curtail any of our activities. The uprising itself was a Saturday night, and I had phone calls that Sunday morning asking if we would still have a service. I said ‘Of course we are.’”
What do you want folks to know about Sherman Park that they may not know? What issues still need to be addressed?
“That as we said right from the beginning, much of the uprising, much of the disturbance, was not the Sherman Park community. It was people from outside of the area. The people who actually live here were not real pleased with the way it was being portrayed; that the Sherman Park community was up in arms when it wasn’t. It was people from outside and that was very evident. The second night of the disturbance, when we started having the yard signs that had been printed out–that had been professionally done–that was not the Sherman Park community. By and large, the Sherman Park community is a very strong, very good group of people. It was just your typical summer. It was hot. Tensions had been brewing, and that incident served as a spark that got things going. People from all over came. People in the community said they’d never seen so many Illinois license plates and out-of-state plates in the area. It wasn’t the Sherman Park community, and we were very dismayed by what was happening. That’s not what this community is like, it’s not what we’re about. It’s still the old, traditional Milwaukee neighborhood where you know the people. After the incident, I was in the community, I was talking to people in the neighborhood and on the street, and by and large many of them were not happy with what was going on. They were very upset when it was portrayed that the Sherman Park community had done this. No, it happened in our community, in our area, but it wasn’t this community.”
Do you think police-community relations have improved since 2016 in Sherman Park?
“Maybe they’ve improved a little bit. I didn’t see them, and people in the area did not see them, as something that was bad. If anything, there’s been more visibility with the police. We’ve got more of them on foot, on bicycle. They’re around. They’re getting to know people. Things have gotten better, but by and large I don’t believe they were bad. Like I said, much of it was from other communities within the area.”
Name: Pastor Jay English
Ministry: Parklawn Assembly of God
Did the unrest change your community’s relationship with the neighborhood? If so, how?
“Yes, it has changed everything.  After the uprising, one of the main things we kept hearing from people outside of the church was “Where have you been?” and “You’ll be gone once the cameras leave.”  It forced us to look at everything we were doing as a church and to start being intentional about spending more time serving the community as compared to just praying for it.”
What were the effects of the unrest to your church community? How have you addressed them?
“One of the primary effects was our realizing that our church had not been addressing many of the main issues that led to the uprising in the first place.  Things like economic development, personal and career education and police-community relations.  We have begun addressing these things through our Upstart Kitchen Initiative for food entrepreneurs, our YTH Evolution Community Outreach for youths 12-18 years of age and partnering with Milwaukee police to provide listening circles and panel discussions between community residents and local police officers.”
What do you want folks to know about Sherman Park that they may not know? What issues still need to be addressed?
“I would want them to know that the people of Sherman Park are absolutely amazing.  An overwhelming majority of them are amazing, hard-working people who are doing what they need to do on a day-to-day basis to bring their dreams into reality.  People here are incredibly friendly, willing to help others and are absolutely open to building authentic relationships.  So don’t believe everything the television tells you about the Sherman Park area.”
Do you think police-community relations have improved since 2016 in Sherman Park?
“In my honest opinion, it hasn’t improved enough.  There are simply not enough opportunities for people (specifically youth and young adults) to interact with officers in an organic environment that would allow both sides to see each other as real people with families and dreams of their own.  The truth is that today’s generation doesn’t necessarily respect seniority, titles, badges and uniforms the way these things have been respected in the past.  Today, this generation’s level of respect rises in direct correlation with the quality of the personal relationship that has been built.  Until we address that issue, we’ll never get things to where they need to be on both sides of the equation.”
Name: Venice Williams
Ministry:  Alice’s Garden (Williams calls herself a cultural and spiritual midwife. She’s celebrating 30 years serving Milwaukee.)
Did the events and aftermath change your relationship or feelings about the neighborhood? If so, how? (
“The answer is ‘no.’ As I stated right after this happened, the very next day within the first 12 hours, anyone who did not see this coming was not paying attention and did not know the community and was not truly vested in the community. Maybe the answer isn’t no. I think, if anything, after the events of that particular weekend happened, it just made me want to continue to do the work I had been doing in the city for 27 years, even more so: In particular, to reach out to young adults more. My history in this city is one of youth and family ministry, and that has been good, impactful work. So I take my original answer back, it didn’t change how I saw the community, but it made me focus more on creating pathways for young adults.”
What were the effects of the unrest on the community? Have you played a role in the healing process?
“I think some eyes that had been closed were opened. I think how folks’ eyes were opened is that there had been a perception that our young people were complacent, that our young people were OK with accepting things as they were. I think there was a misconception that our young people did not see a bigger picture and did not want more equity and opportunity within their communities, within their schools and in how they were treated. That was an eye-opening moment in time for some older adults who just were not paying close enough attention. For my work, for me and what followed, it just became even more important for me to continue to listen to the voices within the community. To continue to listen to young folks in particular, who were feeling dismissed or left out or devalued, whose presence and opinions and views of what a healthier, more liberated Milwaukee weren’t being heard fully. For me, it became even more important to not just provide job opportunity and garden space and conversations to address these things but to really sit with young adults and create a couple of different things that would amplify their voices and amplify their journeys. One of those things being the cry for life-giving work-work that we can be engaged in and proud of.”
What do you want folks to know about Sherman Park that they may not know? What issues still need to be addressed?
“One of the things that continues to be important is that there is no one image of who a Sherman Park resident is. Sherman Park represents a continued diverse Milwaukee over multiple generations. The reason I say that is there is a time when Sherman Park was held up as one of the most integrated neighborhoods in Milwaukee. That was a badge of honor that was really being worn in Milwaukee. Integration does not mean that you’ve addressed the issue of the people. Integration does not mean you’ve addressed racism. There’s not a monolithic community. We need to be careful. There are some things we can learn, not just from the events three years ago, but in how the Sherman Park area was birthed in its whole. That’s that simply bringing people of different ethnic or racial backgrounds together doesn’t mean that you’ve addressed the deep issues that a community needs to address.”
Do you think police-community relations have improved since 2016 in Sherman Park?
“I don’t know. My honest answer is I don’t know. I do know that when I go into the Sherman Phoenix, it’s rare that a police officer is not there. Buying ice cream, a spring roll or something. I know that that venue has created a place for the opportunity for communication and interaction. That’s where I’ve seen the more interaction. I live on the edge of Sherman Park, so I’m not sure what bridges were created, built crossed as far as the community right after that. I do know that the Sherman Phoenix has become a bridge. You can enter and see police officers and community members. They can see each other in all of our humanity and maybe reach some common ground, which is that we need to eat or we like ice cream. Also, I see police officers having conversations with families and small kids, so that is where I’ve seen bridges crossed the most.”
Your neighborhood. Your news. Our community.
How to reach us: Email is highly effective. We can be reached at info@milwaukeenns.org. Our newsroom phone number is (414) 604-6397.
Here’s how to get your news published on our site.
HELP US HELP YOU: As a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to telling your stories, we need your help. Make sure you and your friends SUBSCRIBE to our daily newsletter. And DONATE. Every little bit helps.

author: Caroline White


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BISHIP WALTER HARVEY | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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DAVID TOTSKY | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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featured-pastors | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 16, 2019


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JAY ENGLISH | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019


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Venice | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Dwayne Burtin
August 15, 2019