Ten years ago, the Sherman Park neighborhood experienced a defining weekend of unrest sparked by the fatal police shooting of Sylville Smith. The tension laid bare long-standing community frustrations regarding deep-seated racial inequality, unemployment, police-community relations and a lack of opportunity for neighborhood youths.
In the immediate aftermath, residents and local leaders united in defiance of curfews to reclaim their public spaces through protests, community cleanups, prayer vigils and youth-support initiatives.
The decade following the unrest has been marked by both friction and community resilience, and the acknowledgement that much work remains.
As we commemorate this 10th anniversary, Sherman Park stands as a testament to the persistence of the community to make their neighborhood –and the city–a better place for all of Milwaukee.
‘We would like to see it get better’: How three of Sherman Park’s elders view their neighborhood
Seniors in Sherman Park talked about what it’s like to live in the neighborhood and their hope for change.
