Editor, Author at Milwaukee Independent

Governor Walker allocates $4.5M in funding for jobs and distressed neighborhoods

Posted by Editor | Aug 29, 2016 |

Governor Scott Walker, joined by state Cabinet officials, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Council President Ashanti Hamilton, and Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, announced a joint economic and workforce development effort for the City of Milwaukee which includes an additional $4.5 million state investment on August 26. The effort will center on raising awareness of existing programs and providing additional resources for employment and blight-elimination programs. “Today’s announcement sends a message to the people of Milwaukee that we are here to help anyone who wants a job, find a job,” Governor Walker said. “At the state, we are going...

Darryl Morin: Every voice makes a difference

Posted by Editor | Aug 26, 2016 |

The son of a migrant farmer who began working at age 11 by shoveling blacktop, Darryl Morin learned to overcome the limitations others placed on him to build a successful communications business, and help manage the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the country. His numerous social justice efforts have also connected local Hispanic groups with Jewish communities and beyond, so that every person in Milwaukee can have a voice and make a difference. | Q&A with Darryl Morin Milwaukee Independent: What is the fondest memory of your father, and how did his background as a migrant farm worker shape...

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...