Rick Deines, a conversation facilitator with The Zeidler Center for Public Discussion and a board member of Serenity Inns, writes that it’s time for Milwaukee to address the growing problem of drug abuse.
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service invites community members to submit opinion pieces of 500-800 words on topics of interest to central city Milwaukee. To send a submission for consideration, please email info@milwaukeenns.org. The views expressed are solely those of the authors.
El Día Sin Latinos: an active learning experience
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, writes that recent political activism by young Latinos echoes that of an earlier time.
Eliminate solitary confinement
Laurence J. Dupuis, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, calls for independent oversight of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ use of solitary confinement, especially for children.
Lake Park protest calls attention to Indian mounds
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, writes that sacred Indian mounds in Wisconsin, including one in Milwaukee, would be destroyed if proposed state legislation moves forward.
Let’s create a community book club
Raina J. Johnson is a freelance writer and an avid reader. She recommends a community-wide book club with a focused reading list to provide a new way to view city problems, engender empathy and create greater bonds between neighbors and businesses.
The Rave, the Eagles Club and Red Arrow Park
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, writes that the history of a place changes how people perceive it. Two cases in point: the Rave and Red Arrow Park.
Time to restore voting rights
Mark Rice, who helps lead Ex-Prisoners Organizing (EXPO) and serves as a board member of Project RETURN, calls for restoring voting rights for all formerly incarcerated people.
Turning vacant spaces into meaningful places
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, writes that Milwaukeeans have the power and talent to create their own future.
Libraries: Milwaukee’s best-kept secret
Raina J. Johnson, a freelance writer, challenges the Milwaukee Public Library to step up its outreach and literally meet people where they are.
Long-range effects of standing up for justice
Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, rejects cynicism in the fight for social justice.