Milwaukee Community Journal

Wisconsin's Largest African American Newspaper

You are here: Home / Archives for Local News

Local News

Just One More Ministry Plans “Food Giveaway” from Back of Van, through City of Milwaukee on Saturday, September 21

By Leave a Comment

WHAT:  Just One More Ministry (JOMM) – who accepts donated food that would be otherwise thrown away from restaurants, caterers, fairs & festivals, and grocery stores – will be giving away free meals and groceries across Milwaukee’s north side.

 

JOMM is doing this in celebration of moving from their rented warehouse in downtown Wauwatosa to their newly acquired 24,000 square foot building in Glendale. The move includes a large expansion of freezer and cooler space. JOMM is also hoping to raise awareness about the importance of rescuing food and redistributing it to those less fortunate through this event.

 

JOMM has been growing annually at 40-50% each of the past 3 years, and expects to distribute over 1.8 million pounds of rescued food to the those less fortunate in Greater Milwaukee in 2019. JOMM was most recently recognized as a 2019 finalist / award winner of the Impact 100 Milwaukee grant, where they received a $100,000 grant which helped them to relocate to their new Glendale warehouse.

 

WHEN: 9 am to 12 noon on Saturday, September 21, 2019

 

WHERE:  Planned stops:

35th & Wisconsin – 9:00 a.m.

35th & Wright – 9:30 a.m.

27th & Center – 10:15 a.m.

17th & Locust – 10:45 a.m.

 

ONSITE CONTACT:  D. J. Rodrian, Fundraising Chairman, 414-322-1301, [email protected] / Chris Capper, Executive Director, 414-292-5112

 

According to Chris Capper, executive director, “We are looking forward to giving out high quality donated, ‘rescued food’, directly to families in neighborhoods where the need is greatest. This is a natural expansion of our current programs that provide thousands of meals per month distributed through local charities.”

It is estimated that 40% of all the food in the US is wasted. Just One More Ministry currently accepts donated food from dozens of Greater Milwaukee restaurants, caterers, fairs & festivals, and grocery stores – including Saz’s, Johnsonville, State Fair, and Walmart. This food that would otherwise be thrown away is then packaged into family meals by JOMM staff and volunteers. The meals are then picked up weekly by over 70 Milwaukee non-profits who serve families, homeless, veterans, and the elderly.

 

Just One More Ministry, Inc. (JOMM) was founded in 2010 It is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide regular, nutritious meals for Milwaukee’s poor, using “rescued food”.  For more information about Just One More Ministry, visit www.jomministry.org.

Sheriff Earnell Lucas recognizes Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt (Ret.) with the prestigious David Demos Award

By Leave a Comment

Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell R. Lucas presented Acting Milwaukee County Sheriff Richard Schmidt (Ret.) with the prestigious David Demos Award and welcomed K9 Tarzan into the MCSO family this morning at the Milwaukee County Criminal Justice Facility.

Acting Sheriff Richard R. Schmidt culminated his distinguished career of over 33 years in public service as the Acting Sheriff of Milwaukee County, serving from September 1, 2017 to January 7, 2019.

During his tenure as Acting Sheriff, he oversaw significant progress within the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office. Under Acting Sheriff Schmidt’s leadership, the Sheriff’s Office implemented 18 new initiatives and experienced a renewal of strong external partnerships.

Prior to assuming office as Acting Sheriff, he was a respected member of the agency’s command staff.

A career deputy sheriff, Richard Schmidt rose to the ranks of Sergeant, Captain, Deputy Inspector and Inspector. Whether as a patrol deputy or as the jail administrator,

Acting Sheriff Schmidt earned the trust of his colleagues and subordinates through his hard work in the field and his capable management in the front office.

Reflecting his strong record of law enforcement leadership, his final assignment before serving as our county’s chief law enforcement officer was as the Senior Commander and Undersheriff, responsible for all day-to-day operations.

Since his retirement from public service, Acting Sheriff Schmidt has continued to contribute to the betterment of society as a leader in the faith community.

Acting Sheriff Schmidt has long served local, regional and even international congregations as a minister and religious scholar. Today, he continues these efforts through his organization Prophecy Focus Ministries.

The David Demos Award was established as a career recognition award named after a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputy killed in the line of duty in 1997.

It is the highest and most prestigious award given in appreciation of continued dedication and commitment to the law enforcement profession.  Acting Sheriff Schmidt served over 32 years with the MCSO and the citizens of Milwaukee County, and led the organization for 16 months.

K 9Tarzan, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever and Deputy Alex Colon completed 10 weeks of training together at Lackland Air Force Base Canine Training Center, A center operated by the Department of Homeland Securities Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in San Antonio, Texas.

Each year more than 200 canine teams from across the country train at Lackland to learn how to detect potentially explosive materials that could be a threat to our nation’s transportation system.  During the intense 10 weeks of training Deputy Colon and Tarzan build a trusting bond.

Deputy Colon shares about his next career chapter, “I love working with Tarzan and serving the citizens of Milwaukee County, hopefully for many years to come!”

K9 Tarzan was bestowed his badge in a ceremony along with his partner, Deputy Alex Colon.  They will join the MCSO’s K9 Unit at Mitchell International Airport.

Please direct inquiries to MCSO Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement Faithe Colas at (414) 639-5506 or [email protected]

Mayor Barrett wants residents to take ownership of Democratic National Convention

By Leave a Comment

Also wants to show Milwaukee as a

“gritty city” solving urban problems that reflects country’s challenges

By Thomas E. Mitchell, Jr

 

A “Milwaukee-centric convention!”

That’s what Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett wants the 2020 Democratic National Convention to be: a convention the residents, entrepreneurs, and businesses who live and work in Milwaukee have ownership of that will have the attention of the nation and the world from July 13 to 16.

It will be the job of Lafayette Crump and Nikki Purvis to make sure Milwaukeeans are part of making the convention a success. Crump and Purvis joined the mayor for an interview on what it means to have the political convention in Milwaukee image-wise and economically—especially for African Americans and other people of color.

Aside from the pride citizens of the city and state should feel in making history hosting the convention, Barrett stressed some of that history will be made beyond the Fiserv Forum convention site and into the city’s diverse communities. That’s where Crump and Purvis come in.

Crump is the Milwaukee DNC organizing committee’s vice president of diversity, vendor accountability and growth.

Crump, who is chief operating officer of Prism Technical Management & Marketing, said the committee is focused on making sure the entire process—from planning to the actual event—is diversified.

Purvis is the director of small business development for the city. She will make sure disadvantaged (minority) businesses and entrepreneurs have an opportunity to participate and get at least $50 million of the expected $200 million the convention would generate.

“Including people from all over the city of various demographics is crucial to what we’re doing,” said Crump, who encourages small minority businesses to reach out to the committee and Purvis and share whatever concerns they may have about being a vendor, especially as it relates to handling the large number of conventioneers, and help them work through their concerns.

Echoing Crump’s promise to make sure disadvantaged businesses have an opportunity to participate, Purvis said small businesses are—and always have been—important to a city’s economic success.

Purvis said her office will be reaching out to small businesses and community-based programs. She hopes their involvement in the convention will have long-term positive effects on their businesses and community efforts.

Approximately 15,000 volunteers will be needed to work the convention. Both Crump and Purvis stressed the importance of making sure those volunteers represent the city’s diversity.

Aside from the goings on at the convention, media will also focus on the challenges—like other U.S. cities—Milwaukee faces, such as crime and poverty.

Barrett said Milwaukee and the DNC won’t shy away from questions about the city’s challenges, adding he welcomes the opportunity to show visitors that Milwaukee is a “gritty city” working diligently—and with some success—in overcoming economic, poverty, and racial challenges.

The mayor pointed to the recent announcement by meat processor Strauss Brands to build its headquarters and processing facility at the Century City business park, located in the heart of the Black community.

He also noted the Kamatsu Company is moving its headquarters to the south side of the city. “We’re working to get more jobs into neighborhoods where people live,” Barrett said, adding the city is “fighting back” against approximately three decades worth of industrial decline which had a particularly devastating impact on people of color leading to increases in poverty, crime, and homelessness.

“We’ve got issues of poverty and racial injustice. We’ve never tried to hide from that; it’s too important,” said Barrett. “Honesty about those issues is important. That’s the first step.”

The mayor believes what he and other city officials are doing to improve conditions in Milwaukee can serve as a blueprint for the Democratic Party as it creates its platform for the November election.

“I go to different neighborhoods all over the city. What I see and hear from people in those neighborhoods is that they love their children, they want family-supporting jobs, and safe streets. Those are the common denominators we have as human beings.”

Crump used the mayor’s comment about neighborhoods to note the planning committee will focus on efforts to reach into neighborhoods to secure venues for DNC activities which will showcase Milwaukee as a city of neighborhoods.

“It’s going to be more than a four-day convention,” Crump added. “A lot of activities will be taking place even before people arrive.”

Anyone wanting to learn more about registration or certification should go online to: @milwau-kee2020.org

5th Annual Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Walk to Take Place in Downtown Milwaukee

By Leave a Comment

Walk Scheduled for Monday, September 30, 2019 11:55 am to 1:00 pm, Milwaukee City Hall

 

On Monday, September 30, 2019, the Zonta Club of Milwaukee in partnership with End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin will sponsor the 5th Annual Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women Walk. The event is intended to draw the attention of people in the Milwaukee and Waukesha County area to the ever present and growing issue of domestic violence, and to inspire the community to action. There is no cost to participate.

 

The Zonta Says NO Walk will be a silent walk around the Milwaukee downtown area, beginning and ending at Milwaukee City Hall, for the purpose of remembering those in Wisconsin who died in domestic violence-related homicides. The one-mile walk will begin at 11:55 am and is anticipated to take about 30 minutes.

 

Following the walk, several community leaders will briefly comment on the issue of domestic violence, after which we will read aloud the names of those who fell victim in 2018. Speakers include Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee District Attorney John Chisholm, Milwaukee Police Captain John Corbett of the Sensitive Crime Division, City of Milwaukee Health Commissioner Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, and President & CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center Carmen Pitre. The event will conclude at 1:00 pm.

 

Intimate partner violence in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin have continued to be a pressing issue. Through this event, we hope to inspire community action to eliminate this violence.

 

ABOUT ZONTA CLUB OF MILWAUKEE

Founded in 1919, Zonta International is a global organization of executives and professionals working together to empower women and girls worldwide through service and advocacy. Zonta International (www.zonta.org) is made up 29,000 members in 63 countries.

 

Chartered in 1926, The Zonta Club of Milwaukee (www.zontamilwaukee.org) has provided volunteer service and financial support to over 75 nonprofit organizations that benefit women and girls in the southeastern Wisconsin area.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Captain Honored

By Leave a Comment

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Captain Michael Hannah was recently named one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police 40 Under 40 Award winners in 2019. Captain Hannah  sets high standards for himself and his subordinates by being unstoppable despite any obstacles, pressures, or demands that would potentially derail others. He believes that leadership is not about the title, but about persuading others to follow along in the journey. In the 11 years he has been with the MCSO, his leadership has shined through during his training sessions, which he provides not only for new recruits, but also to the CERT (Correctional Emergency Response Team) inside the jail. Captain Hannah is motivated by the opportunity to train both new and veteran officers; he is most fulfilled when sharing his knowledge and watching others grow to accomplish their goals.

In 2018, he was appointed as jail CERT commander; he is currently the head of the jail’s discipline housing unit and the special management team. Because he is a state-trained Principals of Subject Control (PSC) instructor and a certified wellness instructor, Hannah regularly instructs the correctional staff to maintain compliance with the state of Wisconsin.

Alongside his training, he also received a Milwaukee County Sheriff’s award for coordinating a successful fundraiser which generated goodwill with area agencies and raised over $3,000 for MCSO special events. He also acts as a basketball coach at his 10-year-old son’s school in his spare time.

Taylor Pushes to Expand Voting Rights

By Leave a Comment

ParentRap / Pixabay

MILWAUKEE – Supervisor Sequanna Taylor is calling for Milwaukee County government to support the restoration of voting rights for people on probation and parole in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, nearly 65,000 individuals are denied the right to vote because they were convicted of a crime and are still on probation or parole, even though they are no longer incarcerated.

“When a person is released from incarceration into the community, they are told to be a productive, good citizen by getting a job, paying taxes, and making a positive contribution. If they are being asked to add to the community by being good citizens, they ought to be given the same rights of citizenship that allow us all to pursue opportunity, support our families, and contribute to our communities.” said Taylor. 

Supervisor Taylor is sponsoring a resolution that declares Milwaukee County’s support for a state bill, currently in draft form, that seeks to restore voting rights to disenfranchised felons, and calls for a comprehensive review and revision of Wisconsin’s sentencing guidelines, parole processes, and revocation processes.

Taylor’s resolution also expresses support for efforts to reduce felony disenfranchisement, and for the reform of practices that disproportionately impact communities of color in Wisconsin.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee of the Board of Supervisors adopted (4-1) Taylor’s resolution at its meeting on September 5.

Supervisors Willie Johnson, Jr., and Steven Shea have co-sponsored the measure.

The item will come before the full Board of Supervisors on September 19.

 

6,000 Community Members to Gather in Fight Against Breast Cancer

By Leave a Comment

On Sunday, September 22, 6,000 Milwaukee community members will gather at Henry Maier Festival Park in the fight against breast cancer at the second annual Susan G. Komen Wisconsin MORE THAN PINK Walk presented by Kohl’s.

Each one of those 6,000 people, including 500 survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer, will Walk for their own personal reasons, but there is a common thread that connects all 6,000 together — the hope for a world without breast cancer.

For Milwaukee-resident Bernice Bynum, the power of the MORE THAN PINK Walk is something that holds a special meaning. In July 2016, Bernice was diagnosed with breast cancer after going in for a routine mammogram.

While undergoing a lumpectomy and radiation, the financial stress of Bernice’s situation became prominent. “It all happens so fast. You start getting bills in the mail, and you don’t know where to turn,” Bernice said.

That’s when Bernice turned to Komen Wisconsin. Bernice was granted $1,000 from the Komen Wisconsin Breast Cancer Assistance Fund to help pay for gas cards to ensure she could get to treatment. The funds also helped pay for various insurance copays.

“The proceeds raised at the Walk directly help those most in need in our community, especially populations at high risk of breast cancer,” said Nikki Panico, executive director.

Today, African-American women in the U.S. are about 40 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than any other race. Since her diagnosis in 2016, Bernice has walked in the MORE THAN PINK Walk and volunteered as a way to shed light on breast cancer in the African-American community and to give back so that more women in her community can be helped.

Last year, Komen Wisconsin’s Breast Cancer Assistance Fund helped thousands of neighbors in need across the state as a result of the proceeds raised at events like the MORE THAN PINK Walk. The need for these services remains critically important as approximately 4,700 Wisconsin residents will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the coming year, and 700 local families will lose a loved one to the disease.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk will feature a variety of vendors and activities for all ages as well as a breakfast for survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. and a moving opening ceremony will start at 9:00 a.m. with emcee Dr. Sheri Prentiss, a breast cancer survivor, visionary and best-selling author. This year’s route showcases beautiful views of downtown and the lakefront before concluding back at Henry Maier Festival Park.

 

For more information about the MORE THAN PINK Walk and to register visit https://komenwisconsin.org/walk

Alderwoman Coggs to Host Meeting on Street Reconstruction Project

By Leave a Comment

QuinceMedia / Pixabay

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs invites residents to a public meeting on Wednesday, September 11th regarding roadway work on W. Hopkins St. The meeting will take place at the GLOW Building, 2300 W. Hopkins St. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Alderwoman Coggs hopes that residents will take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns about the project with representatives from the Department of Public Works and the Milwaukee Health Department.

“It has come to my attention that there are questions in the neighborhood about the construction work that is taking place along Hopkins St. and I encourage residents to attend Wednesday’s meeting to ask questions and to receive additional information about the project,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

 

What:       Public Meeting

 

When:       Wednesday, September 11th (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)

 

Where:     GLOW Building, 2300 W. Hopkins St.

An Evening With Stacey Abrams

By Leave a Comment

The Family Room at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church is honored to host a conversation with Stacey Abrams-New York Times bestselling author of Lead From The Outside, former Georgia House Democratic Leader, and 2018 Democratic gubernatorial nominee about the importance of fighting voter suppression and ensuring that every American is counted in the 2020 Census.
Abrams will be in conversation with trailblazing journalist Dorothy Gilliam.

This event will take place on Thursday, September 12 at 6:30 pm. 
Following her gubernatorial campaign in 2018, Abrams launched two organizations aimed at empowering Georgians. The first, Fair Fight, is dedicated to ensuring free and fair elections through litigation, legislation, and advocacy. The second, Fair Count, focuses on ensuring that hard to count populations such as people of color and non-English speakers are accurately counted in the Census.

We are grateful that each purchased ticket is a donation* to Metropolitan A.M.E. Church and will help with the preservation of this important, historic institution. It will also support the continued growth of The Family Room conversation series.

About The Family Room
The Family Room is a new conversation series, which marries our past with our future. Hosted at the historic Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in downtown Washington, DC, The Family Room is a familial space where ideas are ignited and healing happens through action-oriented, thought-provoking dialogue.
*Donation is tax deductible.

Entries sought in 6th District Landscape Awards contest

By Leave a Comment

Nennieinszweidrei / Pixabay

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs is again looking for the best in landscaping in the 6th Aldermanic District as entries are now being accepted for the 6th District Landscape Awards. Residences deserving special recognition for outstanding garden or landscaping efforts are sought, and residents are invited to nominate a neighbor or themselves for a property that has been well-landscaped or is especially eye-catching.

Alderwoman Coggs is committed to consistently supporting and encouraging the beautification and improvement of neighborhoods. The landscape award is a part of Alderwoman Coggs’s Clean City Project.

“We want to recognize residents who are working to make their properties beautiful and our neighborhoods a wonderful place to call home,” Alderwoman Coggs said. “Showing pride and respect for our neighborhoods certainly makes it a more inviting place to live and we would like to recognize those residents for their efforts.”

Nominees’ names and addresses can be emailed to [email protected] for consideration. Supporting digital photos are also requested.

Nominations are due by the close of business on Friday, September 27th.