I grew up in a small city you’ve probably never heard of — a place called Freeport, Illinois, to the south and west of here. Freeport’s a rural city that’s not without its charms, surrounded by smaller satellite communities built around agriculture. For 18 years, Freeport was my idea of what the world was like.
Then I came to Milwaukee.
I was a freshman at Marquette University, a journalism student who hadn’t really found his way when I first moved here. At the time, it felt like the biggest city in the world. It was daunting, at first, to navigate and to find my place. I learned to love it, though. That’s why I’m here.
In an era of endless uncertainty, I always wanted to end up back here. Truth be told, I felt I had unfinished business. The Milwaukee community is a rich one, filled with stories that connect all of us. There is much to be addressed, and there is much to appreciate.
I’m here as a fellow for the Report For America program, which places reporters in local newsrooms and requires journalists to participate in public service projects.
Giving back to the community directly is one of the things I’m most excited about.
The Neighborhood News Service is a place where Milwaukee can be heard. I’m grateful to be part of this team, and I sincerely hope that my reporting will help make a difference.
Freeport will always be my home. Milwaukee, on the other hand, will always be my city, no matter where I go. I intend to give it my all.
Please reach out to me with tips and feedback at mmartinez@milwaukeenns.org
Matthew, a 2020 Marquette University graduate, joins Milwaukee NNS as part of Report For America, a program that seeks to strengthen local journalism by placing journalists in communities that have a greater need for issues based reporting. Prior to joining NNS, Matt developed his reporting skills at the Marquette Wire, on the investigative desk, covering issues such as housing, human trafficking and health care in the Milwaukee.
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