Author: Milwaukee Stories

Zeynab Ali, a Somali refugee, author and local activist, talks about her experience growing up in Dadaab, Kenya, the largest refugee camp in the world.

Torre Johnson talks about growing up on Milwaukee’s North Side, his past life as a gang leader, and how the work he does now is a part of his repentance.

Torre Johnson talks about growing up on Milwaukee’s North Side, his past life as a gang leader, and how the work he does now is a part of his repentance..

Katherine Wilson, executive director of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, talks about her start in a small Wisconsin town, the dangers of polarization and the importance of humanizing others, or “starting off with stories and values.”

Sharlen Moore, director of Urban Underground, a youth development and mentorship organization on Milwaukee’s north side, talks about the importance of listening to our neighbors, challenging ourselves, investing in and supporting each other in order to improve our communities.

Jose Vasquez, a former gang member, talks about the emptiness he felt as a young person, his personal journey of change and why he has dedicated his life to working with youth who are experiencing many of the same challenges he did.