Milwaukee is just fine
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7/21/2010
I am an African-American who lived in Milwaukee and continues to visit family in Milwaukee.
In response to criticisms about the housing in Milwaukee:
There are many beautiful and decent homes throughout the entire city-you do not need to leave the city to find a beautiful or decent home. Milwaukee has a lot of homes with their own character and style. There is not a lot of cookie-cutter homes in Milwaukee.
In response to the complaints about violence in the community:
What mid-size or major city doesn't struggle with violence and crime? If you want to live in an urban area, that is a given no matter where you go in the U.S. To add, Milwaukee has many residential areas within city limits that are not crime ridden and violent. Do your homework and you will find out.
In response to the segregation commentary:
I have lived and visited many cities--I can say, with confidence, that absolutely no city is immune to segregation and racism. All cities and towns have a serious problem with it. It is ridiculous to nit-pick.
To add, Milwaukee is one of the few cities that has many grassroots community leaders who are people of color who work tirelessly to improve the economic, political, social, and educational situation of their people. Also, the people of color in Milwaukee make a real effort to celebrate their respective cultures.
Furthermore, unlike some people who commented on this board. I do not rate my quality of life as an African-American based on being able to socialize, date, or live with White people. I do not use White people as my barometer of success. What is more important to me is making sure that we as African Americans can improve our relations with each other. To make sure that we can come together as one to empower ourselves economically, politically, and socially. That should be are number one concern. Look, White people are human beings just like everyone else. They eat, sleep, have sex, use the bathroom, and die just like everyone else. They have their faults and own issues that permeate throughout their communities. I do not care what their opinion is of me. As long as they treat me with respect and stay out of my way of accomplishing my dreams and goals, I am good.
By the way, I do have friends from Milwaukee, who are White, and we have a good time. This leads me to inform many of you that there are a considerable amount of White people in Milwaukee who are very socially conscious and work to improve the quality of life of all people in the city and who are environmental activists. As a matter of fact, the city itself could be viewed as a liberal and democratic city. Contrary to popular belief, there are mixed income and culturally mixed neighborhoods in Milwaukee. There is even inter ethnic couplings.
Other good points about Milwaukee
1. Beautiful natural spaces; a lot of parks
2. Many plays and concerts you can go to
3. The summers are spectacular with many free community events, street
festivals, and, of course, the Summerfest and all the other ethnic fests.
4. For African-Americans are the following:
1. The Black Pages (Black version of the Yellow pages)
2. Black Newspaper
3. Dance company
4. Business and Political Associations
5. Celebration of Juneteenth Day
6. African-World Festival
7. African and African centered schools for Black children
8. Revitalization of the Black business district known as Bronzeville
The list goes on.
Whew! I'm tired. Just do your research and make the decision for yourself.
I will admit that the weather sucks. This is not a place for people who love a mild climate. Hate the snow.
Jacklyn | Kentwood, MI