Favorites of 2015: ‘Do Black Lives Matter?’ lectures and Safe Zones initiative | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
Jabril Faraj
December 31, 2015
Reggie Jackson (left photo). Members of Milwaukee street organizations at a press conference in Garden Homes (right photo). (Photos by Jabril Faraj)
In 2015, I reported two stories I felt lucky to be able to write, and which I also feel illustrate, together, a strong contrast to the narrative that is so often told relating to our black communities.
The first was a story about Reggie Jackson’s series “Do Black Lives Matter?” Jackson, who works with the Black Holocaust Museum, is a board member of the Zeidler Center for Public Discussion and recently was chosen for the YWCA’s “Eliminating Racism Award,” is extremely knowledgeable; it was a pleasure to speak with him. Reporting this story also helped to educate me on the historic devaluing of black lives — from bogus science to lynchings to COINTELPRO — and the rationale for doing so.
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The second story was on the beginning of a Safe Zones initiative, which I covered throughout the year. For this story, I was able to speak with former gang members, who have since dedicated themselves to nonviolence, and other black activists who are working to better their communities. I cherish the conversation I had with Martha “Momma” Freeman, who, as someone put it, is the kind of neighbor anyone would want.
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We all know the statistics pertaining to black communities in Milwaukee and Wisconsin. But there are those fighting for a better future, and doing so against all odds.
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