Milwaukee activist reacts to shootings after Juneteenth parade

MILWAUKEE —  After the shooting that took place after Milwaukee Juneteenth events, local activists are calling for change. 

The 52nd annual Juneteenth Parade and Street Festival organized by the Northcott Neighborhood House brought in thousands of people celebrate the historic holiday. 

“It was a beautiful, beautiful event,” said Sedan Smith. 

Smith said the event was great. He attends every year to celebrate the holiday. Toward the end, Smith found himself near the shootings that broke out injuring six people. 

The shooting, police said, stemmed from a fight among multiple young females. Police said they identified at least one alleged shooter, a 17-year-old male, but they are looking for information on possible additional unknown suspects.

Police said they also arrested a 19-year-old male suspect in connection to the incident. Police did not specify what part he may have played in the shooting. 

Both males are in police custody. Police said criminal charges will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. The police investigation is fluid and ongoing.

Six people, including both arrested males, all have non-life-threatening injuries. Victims are between the ages of 14 and 19 years old. The four other victims were female, according to authorities. Police said the injuries varied among the victims but all six are expected to survive. 

“Happened so fast the shots were so close to me,” said Smith. “I felt like I could have been grazed.”

Smith said now more than ever, the youth need good representation in the community. That’s what he said he’s trying to do with his youth outreach organization called All of Us or None.

The nonprofit hosted a summit for youth the day after Juneteenth. All of Us or None’s office building is near where the shootings took place. 

“Seeing that this took place right outside of our office caused for us to be in the community,” said Smith. “It caused for us to be out in the community rebuilding and working with the people surrounding our office and working with the youth surrounding by that violence.” 

Tracey Dent is another anti-violence activist in the community. He said it upsets him that a great event ended the way it did. 

“Whoever they have in custody, or [are] still looking for —  someone charge them as adults,” said Dent. “We have to start using tough love and at the same time we have to reach out to these youth and show them love at the same time and give them resources.” 

Both agreed that the youth in the community need more role models. 

“Us as community advocates, us as youth leaders, us as OGs, whatever you want to call yourself,” said Smith. “Our youth needs us. So we need to be the same people that’s not looking at them like they’re suspicious but being able to correct the narrative by preventing these situations before they happen.”