Ald. Khalif Rainey speaks at the 105th anniversary of Auer Avenue School. (Photo by Adam Carr)
Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey December 29, 2017:
The vision statement of the American Red Cross, reads, in part:
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that…
…all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
But this does NOT apply if you are displaced by a fire and you live in the 53206 ZIP code in the 7th Aldermanic District (and nine other ZIP codes) in the City of Milwaukee. Sadly, the Red Cross has announced that volunteers will longer respond on-site to fires in certain ZIP codes in the city but will instead meet displaced residents nearby or at Milwaukee Police Department district stations.
I believe this decision is a slap in the face to the good people who live in the affected ZIP codes, that they will no longer be extended the vital basic human care and courtesy of on-site Red Cross assistance. Individuals, families and children who have suffered tragedy and loss will no longer have that basic comfort at their homes when they are in the greatest need of help.
The Red Cross sends its volunteers to war torn countries and places where devastating catastrophes have struck, but no longer feels they can go to certain Milwaukee neighborhoods to serve their fellow Milwaukeeans who are suffering.
I would really like to know the rationale of this decision because in my view the optics of it look like classic “red lining” that disproportionately affects people of color (in other words racism).
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Racism? Ald. Rainey, you must be an idiot. Here’s an idea. Why don’t YOU go to the fires in those ZIP Codes, WITHOUT armed security, and serve coffee and donuts? And don’t wear any Kevlar. And don’t run when your coffee stand is peppered with bullets from the criminals who don’t want you there. Just stand there and let your pride and your good name protect you!
In the war torn countries and places where devastating catastrophes have struck you can be assured that the Red Cross workers are protected by armed security when the risk assessments indicate a need. If they were able and willing to accept and deploy volunteers to provide armed security in certain Milwaukee neighborhoods would that be acceptable with you? I’m hoping you would say yes in order to serve your fellow Milwaukeeans who are suffering and not political grandstand.
Hey Gus, I think you need to spend a little time in the inner city to find out that they are NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE PEOPLE, FAMILIES, CHILDREN LIVE. I’m serious. The media hypes everything out of proportion to reality. There are plenty of good people everywhere.
And Tom, even experienced Red Cross workers in the vicinity are against this decision. I have read testimony to that effect.
Yes, this is racism in action.
Ellen C. Warren