The young men of “We Got This” wait in line to greet supporters and get paid by Andre Lee Ellis. (Photo by Andrea Waxman)

The award-winning We Got This community beautification and improvement program, created by artist and activist Andre Lee Ellis, will wrap up its fifth season tomorrow — Saturday, August 25 — at N. 9th & W. Ring Streets in the 6th Aldermanic District.

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Tomorrow boys and young men involved in We Got This will be working in the community garden from 8 a.m. to noon, and a special closing ceremony celebration will be held from noon to 3 p.m.

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs said she is pleased to see the continuing, positive momentum that We Got This is providing in the community. “For donors and mentors, the initiative is a great way of paying forward and helping the community by helping the boys and young men who are involved,” she said. “I encourage the community and the media to attend the celebration tomorrow and to support We Got This.”

Years ago, Mr. Ellis and his wife Angela adopted an abandoned community garden next to their house at 9th and Ring, making it an informal meeting place for the community. Young men and boys can get paid for working in the garden and cleaning up the community – all while being taught a sense of responsibility and the value of work.

“We Got This has given many youths the opportunity to build a good work ethic while also keeping them on a positive path,” Alderwoman Coggs said.

The sponsors for tomorrow’s event include: Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers Community Foundation, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Greater Milwaukee Foundation, County Executive Chris Abele, Treasurer Spencer Coggs, Bruce Spann & Associates, Pete’s Fruit Market, City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention, and Anthony Stanton Sr.

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