Local hip-hop artists reach out to city's youth: "We need to show them violence is not the answer"

MILWAUKEE -- They're Milwaukee musicians finding a different way to be heard. Local hip-hop artists gathered at Sherman Park on Sunday, August 21st to send a message of peace to the city's youth.

One week ago, Sherman Park looked and sounded much different after unrest broke out on Saturday, August 13. That unrest was sparked by a Milwaukee police officer fatally shooting 23-year-old Sylville Smith.

The tone changed in Sherman Park this week as a new message was promoted -- turn down the violence and don't play "hate."

"When you get all people like this together and you're not fighting, that's beautiful. That's like a family reunion, " said Ray Royalty, a local artist.

Local artists at Sherman Park

Another local musician, Sawi Perry, is also a national guardsman. He said they're using their popularity as musicians to grab the attention of their audience, Milwaukee's youth.

"So the artists are going to the children," Perry explained. "We are going to give them a perspective of who we are and then we're going to let them talk to us."

Local artists at Sherman Park

Not only did they talk with the children, but they also handed out school supplies.

Kevin Lee was at Sherman Park with his granddaughters. He said he's listening and so are they.

"We need to show them violence is not the answer," Lee said.

Local artists at Sherman Park

The message was spread that peace isn't a new song, it's a classic worth another spin.

"People were at a standstill. I want to see us move forward and not backwards," Perry said.

Local artists at Sherman Park