Milwaukee, WI

Attorney James Hall Jr. was a stalwart for civil rights in Milwaukee for decades

Published

2 years ago

January 5, 2024

Attorney James Hall Jr. was a stalwart for civil rights in Milwaukee for decades

Hall took on some of Milwaukee’s most significant civil rights and discrimination cases over his career. He also co-founded the mentoring program 100 Black Men of Milwaukee.

James Hall Jr. is being remembered as a quiet but powerful force for civil rights and youth development in Milwaukee for decades. Hall died Jan. 1 after a battle with cancer. He was 69.

Former NAACP Milwaukee Branch President Fred Royal said Hall’s work as a lawyer, along with volunteer efforts on many city boards and committees, helped improve the lives of the disadvantaged in the city.

“He was a quiet force, but man, he was powerful,” Royal said.

In September, the Social Development Foundation presented Hall with its “Don Sykes Legacy Award” for his commitment to impoverished people.

One of the many highlights of the gala was a “Legacy Times” newspaper listing Hall’s accomplishments and commitment to Milwaukee and African Americans in southeastern Wisconsin.

During his acceptance speech, Hall, the son of a peanut farmer in Smithfield, Va., said the Social Development Commission was essential to him moving to Milwaukee in 1978.

“Working with SDC provided a tremendous opportunity for me. I owe a great debt to Milwaukee for providing a landscape where I could focus on civil rights matters. Each of us has a role to play as organizers, change-makers, and visionaries,” Hall said.

“We must not view the challenges as intractable,” he added. “If we remain true and committed to the mission, we can transform our city, county, state, and beyond.”

When Hall was honored, Royal was one of hundreds in attendance.

“I’ve known James for 20 years and never knew everything he accomplished. He’s been committed to fighting for civil rights his entire life. I’m just happy he could receive his flowers while he could enjoy them,” Royal said.

At Hall’s gala, his Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity brother, Ron Richards, spoke of Hall’s work as a change agent. During the 1970s, Hall paired members of his fraternity with high school students who wanted to become lawyers and provided campus tours and insight on the requirements needed to enter the profession.

After Hall graduated from the University of Virginia Law School, he moved to Milwaukee. He joined the law firm of Charne, Clancy & Taitelman in June 1979, where his focus was civil rights and discrimination.

Hall worked on Milwaukee school desegregation case

Years before Hall moved to Milwaukee, another attorney, Lloyd Barbee, was in a fight over racial segregation in Milwaukee Public Schools, as Black students were often bused to white-majority schools but taught in separate classrooms.

Barbee filed a lawsuit against the Milwaukee School Board and would go on to win the case in 1976. A judge ordered MPS to desegregate but dealt with many appeals and new trials over the next several years.

Hall would work with Barbee in that process, and the men would devise a plan to desegregate Milwaukee schools. Over the next decades, Hall participated in a number of other high-profile court cases.

In the 1990s, he would serve as co-counsel in the landmark class-action redlining suit the Milwaukee NAACP brought against American Family Insurance, resulting in a $16 million settlement.

Hall represented Black firefighters in their discrimination lawsuit against the Milwaukee Fire Department. He challenged the Wisconsin Voucher Program and provided legal counsel to other clients, including the Milwaukee Area Technical College, City of Milwaukee Ethics Board, City of Milwaukee Pension Board, and SDC. In 2011, he served as president of the local NAACP chapter.

He also counseled the City of Minneapolis on programs to benefit American Descendants of Slaves.

“He was such an excellent and skilled attorney and one of the most gracious gentlemen you would ever want to meet,” said retired Milwaukee attorney William Lynch.

Lynch worked with Hall for years, and the two served on the board of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin.

“He’s one of the most intelligent men I’ve ever met, but I think the thing I loved the most about him was his generosity and care for those in need. He cared,” Lynch said.

Attorney Celia Jackson, who first met Hall in the mid-1970s when they both attended Hampton Institute, which would later become Hampton University, said Milwaukee was the perfect place for Hall to work because it allowed him to take on the challenges many others would run away from.

Jackson said Hall wanted to change the statistics here when it came to discrimination and segregation, and he knew we could be better. While many know Hall for his work in the courtroom, he was equally committed to Black youth.

Idea for 100 Black Men of Milwaukee came at lunch

Hall was co-founder of 100 Black Men of Milwaukee, an organization committed to the intellectual development of youth. The organization lives by the motto, “What they see is what they’ll be.”

The idea for 100 Black Men of Milwaukee came to Hall when he was having lunch with several women in the city. The women wanted to know if he could gather men to mentor kids by showing them alternatives to the negative images many encountered in their lives.

After the luncheon, Hall got on the phone and reached out to other men in the city, including Oshiyemi Adelabu, Bill Rogers, Tony Courtney, and Greg Williams. A few months later, 100 Black Men Milwaukee was incorporated.

“That’s who James was. He was a problem solver, and he was not one to stand by when he saw a problem and not do something about it,” Jackson said.

Hall met the love of his life on a vacation trip to London

Hall loved to travel in his free time, and on a vacation to London, he bumped into the woman who would later become his wife.

Pauline Hall said her sister persuaded her to attend a Halloween Party 1995. After making the rounds at several events, Pauline’s sister convinced her to go to one more spot when she met a “charming gentleman.”

James Hall introduced himself, and they hit it off perfectly. He gave her his card and told her he wanted to stay in contact. The two called each other weekly and visited one another every three months or so for three years.

In 1998, the couple got married in Virginia.

“He was my best friend and so kind and good to me. He was a gentleman. He cared for the disadvantaged, but he also cared for animals. He believed every living thing deserved to live,” Pauline Hall said.

When groundhogs were digging holes and causing problems, and people wanted to kill them, Pauline joked that Hall, in true lawyer fashion, delivered a case for the groundhogs to live.

Hall’s brother, Warren G. Hall, called his brother his idol.

“James was studious and smart, and because he was ten years older than me, he paved the way,” Warren Hall said.

Hall said family folklore has it that his brother was driving the tractor on the family’s peanut farm at the age of four while sitting on their father’s lap. In high school, James Hall sped around in a yellow Dodge Charger RT with mag wheels; he was also in a garage band called ‘Everyday People,’ playing the keyboard while wearing an Afro and dashiki.

In school, Warren Hall faced the pressure of living up to the academic success of his brother, whom all the teachers loved.

“They would tell me, ‘I know who your brother is. He was so smart.’ So, it was pressure for me to succeed,” he said.

Despite their age difference, the two remained close, even attending the same college. Warren credits his brother for getting him to move to the Midwest. Warren moved from Minnesota to Milwaukee a decade ago and said it was his best decision because it allowed him to spend valuable time with his brother and sister-in-law.

“I moved seven minutes away from him; my brother was the best brother anyone could ever have. James deserves every accolade received because he did so much for so many, and he will be missed,” he said.

A gathering to honor James Hall Jr. will be held Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2207 N. 2^nd Street. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. A funeral service on Jan. 13 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Smithfield, Va.

Email James Causey at jcausey@jrn.com; follow him on X@jecausey.

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Milwaukee, WI

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Published

2 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Illegal dumping plagues closed Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save

Illegal dumping plagues closed Pick ‘n Save

Neighbors say since a Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

MILWAUKEE – Neighbors say since the Milwaukee Pick ‘n Save at 35th and North closed in 2025, the parking lot has been filling up, but not with cars or people. It has been attracting illegal dumpers.

Trash piling up

What we know:

There are old mattresses and furniture in the parking lot. There are piles of garbage at the entrance of the old grocery store. Behind the building, there are tires, more mattresses and more trash.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Pick ‘n Save stores closed in July 2025. Since then, the building has sat empty.

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FOX6 News was contacted by a man who manages senior and family housing in the area. He said in the last couple of months, he has noticed the stile turn into a place for illegal dumping. The man said he was so fed up, he called the office of Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper about the problem. The man said the whole site is an eyesore, and something needs to change.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

Change sought

What they’re saying:

“As the snow melts, it’s full of garbage. People are dumping furniture on it, tires,” said Jeffrey Sessions, who manages nearby property. “If you drive around it, it’s garbage everywhere. It’s unsightly for the neighborhood, and it’s probably going to create rats and mice problems.”

FOX6 News reached out to the Department of Neighborhood Services. Officials said the dumping has not been reported. They said the department’s commercial team will now be made aware of the issue.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

“It makes the whole neighborhood look like garbage, like nobody’s taking care of anything around here,” Sessions said. “It’s a detriment, it’s unsightly, and it needs to be addressed.”

Illegal dumpers could face fines

Dig deeper:

If the dumpers are caught on camera, they could face fines.

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The owner of the property may also be ordered to clean it up.

Illegal dumping at former grocery store near 35th and North, Milwaukee

The Source: Information in this post was provided by a person who owns property near the former grocery store, as well as Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services.

Crime and Public SafetyMilwaukeeNews

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Milwaukee, WI

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Published

14 hours ago

March 5, 2026

Press Room

Things to do in the Milwaukee area this weekend, including Sports Show

Travel to Ireland, learn how to catch a fish, visit wildlife at the zoo, and see costumed characters this weekend in Milwaukee.

Anime Milwaukee

The 2026 “Magical Academy” themed animation convention comes to the Baird Center, 400 W. Wisconsin Ave., and Hilton Milwaukee City Center March 6-8. The weekend features Japanese industry guests and cultural experts, artists and official merchandise, gaming, music, dance, manga, cosplay, anime and Asian fashion. New this year is the Nocturna Anime Bar with a lounge and specialty drinks, including nonalcoholic beverages. Exhibit hall hours are 1 to 8 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8. Full weekend access is $100; single day access is $50-$75. animemilwaukee.org

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Sports Show

The 85th year of the Sports Show is at State Fair Park’s Wisconsin Exposition Center, 8200 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, from noon to 7 p.m. March 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 7 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8. Along with outdoor exhibitors, see what’s swimming in the trout pond, watch the lumberjack show and the fastest retriever race, or catch the archery and air rifle tournaments. General admission tickets at the door are $15; youth tickets (ages 6-14) are $6. In honor of Women’s Day on March 8, all women receive $10 admission at the door. Check out the full schedule at jssportsshow.com.

Gardens & Gears: Steampunk Faire

Celebrate the industrial age at the Gardens & Gears art fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 7 at the Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd. The immersive garden event features creators, costumes and live entertainment, with gears, goggles and handcrafted mechanical curiosities on display in the gardens. Domes admission required. mitchellparkdomes.com

Milwaukee County Zoo Family Free Day

Everyone receives free admission at the Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Road, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 7. See the red pandas in their outdoor habitat, lions, penguins and more. Parking and regular attraction fees still apply. milwaukeezoo.org

Irish Family Day

Travel to the Irish countryside during “Passport to Ireland” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 8 at the CelticMKE Center, 1532 N. Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa. With Irish dance, arts, crafts and storytelling, each county will be featured with an activity that celebrates Irish culture, history and traditions. Buy one, get one free Irish Fest tickets will be available to purchase, with lunch, beverages and snacks served in the Celtic Café. Admission is $10 at the door. celticmke.com

What’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters this weekend

Marcus Theatres: See a marathon of the 2026 Best Picture nominees at select theater locations. Day one of the marathon is March 7 and features “Sentimental Value,” “F1: The Movie,” “The Secret Agent,” “Bugonia,” and “Sinners.” The marathon resumes March 14 with a new set of films. Visit marcustheatres.com.

Milwaukee Film: Women’s History Month programming features the action films of Michelle Yeoh. See her Oscar-winning performance in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” screening at 6 p.m. March 6 at the Oriental Theatre.

“Hoppers”: A robotic animal with a human mind helps real animals thwart a plot to destroy their habitat in this Disney and Pixar feature film. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas; Rosebud Cinema.

“The Bride!”: A lonely Frankenstein (Christian Bale) travels to 1930s Chicago to ask a scientist (Annette Bening) to create a companion. See it at AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

“Protector”: A veteran war hero (Milla Jovovich) must use the violent skills she thought she left behind to save her daughter. See it at Marcus Theatres’ BistroPlex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, South Shore cinemas.

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Milwaukee, WI

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Published

1 day ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

MPD officer accused of using Flock cameras to monitor dating partner resigns

Josue Ayala has resigned from the Milwaukee Police Department days after he was charged with a crime over his alleged misuse of license plate-reading Flock technology.

Ayala, 33, pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted misconduct in public office during his initial court appearance on March 4.

The charge is a misdemeanor that carries a potential maximum penalty of nine months in jail and $10,000 fine.

Milwaukee is one in a growing number of communities nationally that have started using Flock cameras to help locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles used in violent crimes, and track vehicles associated with missing persons. The technology is controversial and been criticized by civil rights and privacy advocates.

Conducting searches for personal reasons is a violation of department policies.

Prosecutors say Ayala used the Flock camera system while on duty more than 120 times to look up the license plate of someone he was dating. They believe Flock technology also was used on a second license plate, one belonging to that person’s ex, 55 times, according to a criminal complaint, filed Feb. 24 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.

Ayala joined the Milwaukee Police Department in 2017, and his total gross pay was about $120,000 in 2024, according to the most recent city salary data available.

Milwaukee police confirmed in a March 4 email to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Ayala has resigned from the department.

Ayala and his attorney Michael J. Steinle, of Milwaukee, would not speak to reporters as they left the courtroom.

Prosecutors say the department became aware of the allegations against Ayala after a driver saw that they were the subject of searches through the website, www.haveibeenflocked.com, which collects and publishes “audit logs” of searches of the Flock system by police agencies.

The driver saw that Ayala had searched the plate numerous times, which prompted the driver to file a complaint with the Milwaukee Police Department.

Detectives then audited Ayala’s searches in the Flock system from March 26, 2025, through May 26, 2025.

Ayala is at least the second Wisconsin officer to face criminal charges for misuse of the Flock system. A Menasha police officer was charged in January for tracking an ex-girlfriend’s car.

Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027.

Court Commissioner Dewey B. Martin released Ayala on a $2,500 signature bond March 4.

Signature bonds, sometimes referred to as a personal recognizance bond, allow a defendant to leave custody without paying cash as long as they sign a promise to appear for their upcoming court dates.

Martin also ordered Ayala not to contact the two victims in the case.

Ayala also must report to the Milwaukee County Jail to be booked on March 9. If he doesn’t show up, a bench warrant will be issued for his arrest.

Ayala is scheduled to appear for a pre-trial conference on April 17.

David Clarey of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this story.

Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com.

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