Milwaukee youth violence, community activists turn to the arts

Published

1 year ago

July 27, 2023

Milwaukee youth violence, community activists turn to the arts

Addressing youth violence through the arts

Milwaukee community activists made a call to action Thursday night in a push to reduce violence among young people in the city.

MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee community activists made a call to action Thursday night in a push to reduce violence among young people.

The group hopes to teach kids through the arts that violence isn’t the answer. Fighting for change, Monte Mabra said it takes the community to help young people realize their lives matter.

“Open up the doors for the arts,” said Mabra, founder of Voice of the Fatherless Child. “We’re trying to change their direction.”

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Together with the Office of Violence Prevention, activists are hoping to show kids they can use the arts as an outlet.

“Give them creative outlets for being able to express themselves,” said Ashanti Hamilton, director of the city’s Office of Violence Prevention.

Voice of the Fatherless Child meeting in Milwaukee

“They actually get to be on the outside looking into the situation, versus in the situation,” Mabra said. “We’re getting ready to do a stage play called ‘The Kia Boys.

“The stupidity of stealing a car and losing your life in a vehicle or taking somebody else’s life in a vehicle. The cause and effect that family has to deal with is devastating.”

Fatal shooting of 9-year-old at shopping center near 76th and Mill, Milwaukee

The group’s meeting came on the heels of a violent and deadly week among youth in Milwaukee. Monday, a 9-year-old was shot and killed across the street from where Mabra and his team were meeting.

“Me and Ashanti Hamilton met Monday before it happened to set up this meeting,” said Mabra.

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Mabra said it’s simple: Violence is killing and hurting far too many young people. He hopes that by acting out these situations, kids will look at things from a different perspective.

“All it takes is a blink of the eye, and it’s over with because we don’t think rationally,” he said. “You can’t get back ‘em back. You can’t get ‘em back.”

As for their plans to recruit kids, Mabra said they’re partnering with Milwaukee Public Schools to get teens, in particular, interested.

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Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

Published

1 hour ago

November 30, 2024

Press Room

Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

WEST ALLIS — It’s become a special tradition for neighbors near the corner of 64th & Lapham.

Miracle on 64th St. returns Friday. In its third year, the display features 12,000 lights that illuminate this little slice of West Allis along with holiday decorations and inflatables.

Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves also make appearances each night outside of the 24th and 25th when they have to return to the North Pole.

Watch: West Allis lights display returns to help homeless veterans

Miracle on 64th St. lights display in West Allis returns to help homeless veterans

The nonprofit hosts this fundraiser all to benefit a cause each year. This year, donations will go to the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative just down the street.

Previous Coverage: https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/miracle-on-64th-a-street-in-west-allis-is-glowing-for-a-good-cause

They’re also accepting food, gloves, hats, and coats.

“We’re really out here to help the people and keep it local, so that’s really what we’re all about, is making sure we help the community at large,” said Santa Claus.

Mike Beiermeister

Santa at Miracle on 64th St.

The display runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. all the way up until Christmas.

You are encouraged to walk around the displays. There are several parking lots nearby open for visitors.

Cash donations can be dropped off at the corner of 64th and Lapham.

You can also make a donation by going to any Landmark Credit Union. Just tell them you are making a donation to ’64 Street Project Co.’

This year, Modern Woodmen of America are matching donations up to $2,500.

Home Depot also makes a donation to help with the lights display.

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