Opinion: Community Voices

Rick Deines, a conversation facilitator with The Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, recommends the Milwaukee Rep play “Disgraced,” as a tool to discuss how identity affects how we behave.

Raina J. Johnson is a freelance writer in Milwaukee. She calls attention to the importance of preserving traditional storytelling and listening opportunities, especially in the politically divided, digitally connected world we live in.

Venice Williams is the director of Alice’s Garden and The Body & Soul Healing Arts Center. A lay minister, teacher, healer, and facilitator who works to improve the lives of young people, formerly incarcerated people and others in the central city, Williams writes that she will pray for the new president for the sake of his mother.

Rick Deines is a conversation facilitator with The Zeidler Center for Public Discussion, and a founder and board member of Serenity Inn, a residential recovery program for men who are addicted.

Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, calls attention to the Milwaukee Public Library as a place for diverse Milwaukeeans to come together to learn and build community.

Charles Robinson Sr., a mediator, college professor, former administrative law judge and member of Pastors United, shares his observations about officer training at the Milwaukee Police Academy.

Mark Rice, a Wisconsin statewide EXPO organizer, writes about a new Health Impact Assessment that documents the human and financial impact of incarcerating people for violating supervision rules.

Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, recommends two art exhibits now on display to bring light to the dark days of December.

Margaret Rozga, poet, civil rights activist and professor emerita of English at UW-Waukesha, recommends “The Royale” at the Milwaukee Rep, for its depiction of game-changing actions that can help inspire others to confront inequities.

Carmen Pitre, president and CEO of Sojourner Family Peace Center, writes that all individuals have the power to make lasting changes and to create peace in their own lives. Sojourner is Wisconsin’s largest service provider for families dealing with domestic violence.