Virtual Candidates’ forum to focus on key Milwaukee issues
Milwaukee, WI – On Wednesday, September 23, 2020 (6:30-8 p.m.), candidates for the 6th Senate District and 16th Assembly District will participate in a joint candidates’ forum. The virtual forum, which is being co-hosted by Amani United, Safe & Sound, the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network and Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Poverty Network, will focus on several issues of paramount importance in Milwaukee, including public safety, public health and economic development. The forum will be moderated by NAACP Milwaukee President Fred Royal.
These issues are crucial in Milwaukee, which has experienced a sharp rise in domestic violence incidents and homicides in 2020. The homicide rate has more than doubled compared to this time last year. Much of the increase in violence has been linked to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately impacted African Americans and other communities of color.
Economic development has also been a major area of concern in the city, and although progress has occurred, the local poverty and unemployment rates remain stubbornly high. In addition, tobacco related disparities for African American and low-income communities continue to create wide health disparities. The smoking rate for African American adults in Wisconsin is 26 percent, compared to 16 percent for the general population.
Participating in the forum will be 6th Senate District candidate Alciro Deacon (R) and incumbent Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D), and 16th Assembly District candidates Dennis Walton (I) and incumbent Rep. Kalan Haywood (D).
Amani United is a resident-led coalition of neighborhood residents, organizations, businesses, funders, and officials who have been working together to realize positive outcomes and a higher quality of life in the Amani Neighborhood. Safe & Sound is a Milwaukee-based non-profit that focuses on uniting residents, law enforcement and community partners to support community projects and build stronger and safer neighborhoods.
The Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network and Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention & Poverty Network are state-funded programs that work to educate Milwaukee residents on the impact of tobacco, primarily menthol, and lead other initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities related to smoking and secondhand smoke.
Link to Virtual Forum: Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
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