By Kathy Gaillard
Mayor Cavalier Johnson is proof that you don’t have to be a product of your environment. Growing up in Milwaukee’s most disparate 53206 zip code, Mayor Johnson is empathetic and all too familiar with the plight of many of the residents living in that area because he has walked in their shoes.
“We moved a lot. I attended six different elementary schools. I have family members who have gotten into trouble with the law. I know firsthand about poverty, but I also know that there is a way out,” said Mayor Johnson.
That pathway out came for Mayor Johnson by getting involved with organizations like the YMCA, the City of Milwaukee’s Earn & Learn Summer Program, and other programs that ultimately led him to college. Mayor Johnson attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became a first-generation college graduate. In addition, he graduated debt-free because of scholarships he received, including a scholarship from the Dr. Terence N. Thomas Scholarship Foundation, founded by this newspaper’s publisher, Patricia Pattillo.
Moreover, while some students switch majors as they matriculate through college, Mayor Johnson was laser focused on earning a degree in political science.
“From the time I was 14 years old, I was interested in politics. I participated in several public service events throughout my youth. While performing tasks such as raking leaves and neighborhood clean ups, I fell in love with public service. Then, while attending Bayview High School, 9/11 happened. I watched President George Bush trying to bring the country together. I became even more intrigued with public service and knew that I wanted to work in government so I could help people every day,” said Mayor Johnson.
His political aspirations came to fruition, first serving as staff assistant in the Mayor’s office, then running for and being elected 2nd District Alderman, and eventually becoming Common Council President. Now Mayor Johnson is the city’s first Black elected Mayor of Milwaukee.
These days Mayor Johnson is committed to finding ways to help stabilize Milwaukee families—whether it’s fighting for family-supporting career opportunities or pursuing higher education.
“There are great job opportunities on the horizon for residents; something those living in more challenged neighborhoods like the one I grew up in need. A luxury tower is being built in Milwaukee. Companies like Milwaukee Tool are bringing thousands of jobs here. Fiserv is keeping its jobs here. We’re working to ensure that, whether they are blue or white collar, Milwaukee has career opportunities for everyone,” said Mayor Johnson.
“A college education got me where I am today, but if people have access to family supporting careers—jobs that enable them to comfortably pay mortgages or rent, put food on table, clothes on their backs, and have something left over for emergency funds—they have stability. When there is stability within families, that trickles down to neighborhoods. Look back to the 1970s when Black families’ quality of life was at its highest. We are working diligently to get back to that,” said Mayor Johnson.
While there are many job opportunities in Milwaukee, Mayor Cavalier is keenly aware of the challenges, particularly those related to gun violence and reckless driving.
“Unfortunately, people think I have a magic wand when it comes to gun violence. We (the city) do not pass laws that control guns; that’s done at the state and federal levels. If I had that power, it would be different but I don’t. We try to create scenarios where people don’t have to pick up guns. We are also pursuing community-based options for people instead of them picking up guns,” said Mayor Cavalier.
With the Republican National Convention (RNC) coming to Milwaukee in 2024, Mayor Johnson is looking forward to offering even more opportunities for residents and businesses.
“For the four days that the RNC will be in Milwaukee, I will be its biggest cheerleader. The convention will be broadcast nationally and internationally. Supporting the bid to bring the RNC to Milwaukee is a business decision. That’s something I have maintained from the beginning. Tens of thousands of people will be spending money during the RNC and I want those dollars spent here,” said Mayor Johnson.
Mayor Johnson is hopeful about Milwaukee’s future.
“We want to shine the spotlight on Milwaukee. I want people to feel encouraged that Milwaukee, even with historical challenges, is headed in the right direction. I want people to know that Milwaukee has a mayor who is looking out for their best interests and is working to make life better for everyone. Milwaukee’s future is bright and we’re just getting started,” said Mayor Johnson.
With a full plate on his agenda, including a wife, 12-year-old son, and two twin daughters, Mayor Johnson admits that he doesn’t have much time to decompress.
“Back in the day I enjoyed playing video games, but these days I don’t get much ‘me’ time. When I do, I still like playing video games and spending time with family,” he said.
Milwaukee is shining brightly—with businesses moving downtown, new hotels and venues being constructed, the RNC coming to the City in 2024, and its winning college and professional basketball teams—the Mayor and City of Milwaukee are truly casting light on the diamonds in Milwaukee.