"This needs to be city-wide:" Dontre Hamilton's family, Coalition for Justice work to unite the city
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The family of Dontre Hamilton and members of the Coalition for Justice gathered in Milwaukee's central city on Easter Sunday, April 5th in an effort to unite the city. They say they are continuing their fight against racial injustice, and on Easter -- a time for celebrating with family and church communities, these folks say they came out to show the power of faith in action.
An open space in a grocery store parking lot was filled quickly Sunday with people of different faiths but like minds.
The Coalition for Justice formed in the wake of the shooting death of Dontre Hamilton by former Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney. Manney was terminated from the Milwaukee Police Department for his handling of Dontre Hamilton in Red Arrow Park last April, and though the Milwaukee County District Attorney declined to press criminal charges, a Fire and Police Commission panel ruled Manney's use of force and pat down of Dontre Hamilton violated policy. Manney will never again serve as a Milwaukee police officer.
Members of the Coalition for Justice and Dontre Hamilton's family gathered on Easter Sunday, and they asked others to join them.
"This is not the only day we need to do this. This needs to be city-wide. We need a city that comes together and says no longer do we hate one another," Nate Hamilton said.
Bishop Walter Harvey is a senior pastor at Parklawn Assembly of God, and one of several afternoon speakers. Harvey says he has been following and supports the work of the Coalition for Justice.
"That's what this rally is all about. It's shining a positive light on the community and of course we need faith to put into action what we feel in our hearts," Harvey said.
As part of his broader work, Nate Hamilton says to build up troubled neighborhoods people need to focus on children.
"We don't tell our children what it is to be a grown up, an adult. We need to start doing those things so they are prepared for adulthood," Hamilton said.
Nate Hamilton says rallies like this will continue as he and his family, along with the Coalition for Justice work to unite the city.