Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

George Banda: The Humble Hero

Posted by Editor | Feb 24, 2017 |

“What does a hero feel like? I was just doing my job, it was what I was trained to do. That’s what I did, and I was lucky enough to survive. So I feel uncomfortable and a little embarrassed to be called a hero.” – George Banda Celebrated as an American hero for his service in Vietnam, Milwaukee native George Banda has always been uncomfortable with any titles of honor. In a reflection of his humility for being awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star as an Army Medic, he says he was just doing the job our country...

Trump’s deportation directive targets vulnerable Milwaukee families

Posted by Editor | Feb 23, 2017 |

The Department of Homeland Security released a series of memos outlining administrative changes to make possible the mass deportation program outlined by President Trump in his January 25th executive order on immigration. Representatives from the Milwaukee city government, along with community leaders and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), gathered at City Hall on February 22 to address the issues of concern about latest executive order about immigration issued by President Donald Trump. “We are organizing throughout Wisconsin so that local law enforcement leaders will reject efforts to have them act as Immigration agents through the 287g...

Mobile app breaks down barriers for Milwaukee advocates

Posted by Editor | Feb 20, 2017 |

National civic engagement platform gives the local Milwaukee public an ability to message Congressional Representatives. The Countable mobile app makes it easy to stay informed about what our government is up to. It allows users to learn more about important issues, influence Congress with one tap voting, and rally friends around specific legislation. “Countable is doing something that no one else does. Under one roof and right at your fingertips, Countable makes news and issues easily understandable and digestible, then provides a way to make it easily actionable. It helps open the closed doors of Washington politics, and makes...

Peggy Troy offers leaders insight to scale up business

Posted by Editor | Feb 15, 2017 |

Scale Up Milwaukee presented a public conversation with nonprofit leader Peggy Troy in late January, as part of its “Meet the Masters” series. As the CEO and President of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Troy has been a strong community advocate for Milwaukee. She also volunteers her time to organizations that improve the overall health and quality of life in the city. Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the only health system in Wisconsin that is 100% dedicated to kids, and Troy was the first woman to hold its highest leadership positions. The intimate conversation was hosted by Elmer Moore Jr.,...

30,000 march against Sheriff Clarke’s immigration crackdown

Posted by Editor | Feb 14, 2017 |

On February 13 more than 150 businesses closed and thousands went on strike to stop Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke from turning sheriff deputies into Immigration agents. An estimated 30,000 people gathered at the steps of the Milwaukee County Courthouse in protest of President Trump’s executive orders on immigration, and the resulting wave of immigration raids that swept across. The demonstration also aimed to stop Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke from enrolling his department in the federal 287g program, which would deputize his force to act as ICE agents. The events, known as a “Day Without Latinos, Immigrants, and...

Audio: Plans for Fondy’s Stormwater Park unveiled

Posted by Editor | Feb 13, 2017 |

Mayor Barrett unveiled a new green space project for the Fondy Farmers Market, giving a blighted and vacant location a green makeover to expand the City’s revitalization efforts. The current list of partners for the Fondy Green Space include the City of Milwaukee’s HOME GR/OWN initiative from its Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO), Strong Neighborhoods Plan, Department of City Development and Department of Public Works. It also includes the Fondy Food Center, Reflo, Business Improvement District #32, ReciproCITY, Halquist Stone, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Community Design Solutions and the Energy Exchange. Funding partners to date include the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District...