Third of four parts.

From cherishing family and cultural experiences to the simple act of waking up every day, there are plenty of things to be grateful for in Milwaukee this Thanksgiving. 

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For the third day of our Thanksgiving series, we spoke to Milwaukee residents about what they’re grateful for in 2024. Here’s what they had to say. 

Crystal Lemmer, who lives in Wilson Park, is grateful for Milwaukee organizations, like Latino Arts Inc., that support Latinx artists and hosts cultural events. (Photo provided by Crystal Lemmer)

‘Milwaukee’s strong culture and sense of community’

Name: Crystal Lemmer
Age: 33 
Occupation: Managing director of IT operations
Neighborhood: Wilson Park

What are you thankful for this season and why?

“I’m thankful for Milwaukee’s strong culture and sense of community. I’m grateful for organizations like Latino Arts Inc. which support Latinx artists and host cultural events that bring people together. I’m thankful for festivals like Mexican Fiesta and places like El Rey (Family Food) Market that help me stay connected to my heritage. I’m also appreciative of the educational and business opportunities in the city that help families like mine build a brighter future.”

Lashawn Robinson is thankful for how far he has come in life. (Photo by PrincessSafiya Byers)

‘Everything in my life’

Name: Lashawn Robinson
Age: 16
Occupation: Golda Meir School student
Neighborhood: Parkway Hills

What are you thankful for this season and why?

“I’m thankful to God for giving me a beautiful mom and family to wake up to. I’m really thankful for everything in my life because I used to be bad … like I had bad behavior so I am thankful for how far I’ve come. That I’ve been able to meet people like Milton (his supervisor) and how far God has brought me as an individual.” 

Hazel Williams, a resident of Milwaukee’s Northwest Side, is planning to spend Thanksgiving with her family. (Photo by Meredith Melland)

‘Having lived this long’

Name: Hazel Williams 
Age: 80
Occupation: Retired 
Neighborhood: Lincoln Creek

What are you thankful for this season and why?

“I’m thankful for having lived this long. I never thought I would live to this age, 80. I lived a long time and I thank God for putting me in this world. I’m happy. I’m going to spend Thanksgiving with my kids and grandkids.”

‘The love of my almighty God’

Maria Mauras, an information specialist, is grateful for God, her two kids, two grandkids and all of the people in her life.  (Photo provided by Maria Mauras)

Name: Maria Mauras 
Age: 59
Occupation: Information specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County
Neighborhood: Highwood Estates

What are you thankful for this season and why?

“First and foremost, I am grateful for the love of my almighty God that keeps me centered in all the areas of my life. Secondly, I am grateful for the blessings of being a mother of two amazing children and a grandmother of two beautiful grandkids. They are my greatest gift of all. … The ones in my life presently and those no longer part of life, they (are) all amazing people that have (taught) me about love, friendship, and, yes, disappointments and sorrow at times. I am grateful for everything I have lived till now.”

Troyvon Guiton is thankful for another day. (Photo by PrincessSafiya Byers)

‘To live another day’

Name: Troyvon Guiton
Age: 18 
Occupation: Bay View High School student
Neighborhood: Harambee 

What are you thankful for this season and why?

“I’m thankful to live another day. And experiencing the Neu-Life youth mental health summit.” Neu-Life Community Development is a near North Side nonprofit that serves Milwaukee youths.  

So much to be thankful for

Milwaukee gives thanks: 5 reasons why we’re grateful in 2024

More reasons why we’re thankful in 2024

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