Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Photo Essay: Westown events allow community to show courage over fear

Posted by Editor | Aug 18, 2016 |

Milwaukee neighborhoods have historically built invisible walls or fled the city in the search for safety and security. These actions have been a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, creating the conditions that were originally feared. In an effort to make all communities more healthy and integrated, the Westown Association has spent years producing events to help develop social and economic ties for the heart of the city. If there is a melting pot in Milwaukee, it can be found within the downtown neighborhood that hosts a diversity of residential, retail, commercial, and entertainment areas. Milwaukee needs more events and venues...

Photo Essay: Protestors greet Trump at Milwaukee town hall

Posted by Editor | Aug 17, 2016 |

Sean Hannity of Fox News and Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump, were in Milwaukee for a television program held at the Pabst Theater on August 16.

Leaders speak about night of turmoil in Sherman Park

Posted by Editor | Aug 14, 2016 |

At a midnight press conference on August 14, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett told the public that an incident of unrest on the north side had begun to calm down. In the wake of a police involved shooting earlier in the day, a crowd estimated at more than hundred gathered in the aftermath. The violence led to the extensive destruction of public and private property, with local businesses set on fire and stores looted. Mayor Barrett and city leaders repeatedly implored parents to get their children home if they were not accounted for, and to help defuse the situation. Milwaukee...

Churches to serve as community resource hubs in Council’s initiative

Posted by Editor | Aug 11, 2016 |

“We should be acting in a state of emergency for our city.” – Ashanti Hamilton Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, and several Milwaukee pastors made a joint announcement about a new initiative called “All Things in Common” on August 10 at City Hall. The joint partnership will utilize 25 area churches scattered throughout the city as community resource hubs that provide assistance to local residents. “These churches have relationships in the communities they are serving right now,” said President Hamilton. “So instead of trying to create an organization and build these connections, we want to use...

Racine’s Tiny Home Village a model for Milwaukee Homeless Vets

Posted by Editor | Aug 10, 2016 |

Nobody should be homeless in America, especially someone who put on a uniform. “When I got out of the Marine Corps, I lost all sense of who I was. Being a Marine was all I knew,” explained combat veteran David Smith. “This organization has helped me get back on my feet, given me a sense of purpose with a job and a duty. And that’s helped me turn my life around.” Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin will be constructing a Tiny Home Village within the city of Racine. But the program is much more than just a shelter for homeless...