Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

James Godsil: Agent of Change

Posted by Editor | Mar 15, 2016 |

From marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to working with ESHAC to save Riverwest in the 1970s, James Godsil has been a mentor to generations in Milwaukee. Trading the prospects of his brilliant academic career to live the change he wanted to see in the world, Godsil has spent four decades on the roofs of every neighborhood in the city. With his retirement has come reflection, and continued motivation to shape a future for Milwaukee based on cultural equality and nourished by urban agriculture. | Q&A with James Godsil Milwaukee Independent: Do you have any fond memories from your...

Map: St. Patrick’s Parade

Posted by Editor | Mar 14, 2016 |

The route began on Old World Third St. and Wisconsin Ave. and ended on Water St. and Highland Ave.

Juan Carlos Ruiz praised as beacon of hope for Latino community

Posted by Editor | Mar 11, 2016 |

“His dream was for a better America for all minorities,” said Roberto Ruiz of his father, who Milwaukee knew as an activist dedicated to social justice. “He spoke up for people who were not comfortable speaking for themselves, whether it was the language barrier or just because they were afraid to share their opinion. I feel like he was one of the first Latino leaders in Milwaukee who fought for our rights.” Juan Carlos Ruiz passed away in Milwaukee on March 3 at the age of 53. Family, friends, community leaders, and everyone who had their life touched by...

Photo Essay: Ruiz Remembered

Posted by Editor | Mar 11, 2016 |

Juan Carlos Ruiz was remembered by family, friends, civic leaders, and the Milwaukee community during a memorial celebration to his life and work, both of which were dedicated to serving the Latino community.

Photo Essay: Just Mercy

Posted by Editor | Mar 10, 2016 |

The recipient of numerous awards, including the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grant, bestselling author and civil justice attorney Bryan Stevenson was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for 2015.

Bestselling author Bryan Stevenson speaks about social justice at MATC event

Posted by Editor | Mar 10, 2016 |

“There is a different metric when you are trying to change the world. Your income is not a measure of your commitment to justice. You ability is not measured by how many people know your name, or how many people applaud you,” said author Bryan Stevenson to a capacity audience in the Cooley Auditorium of the Milwaukee Area Technical College’s downtown campus. Stevenson’s March 9 presentation, American Injustice: Mercy, Humanity and Making a Difference was based on his experiences as a social justice attorney, and themes covered in his book Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption. The...