'Making it look better:' Young volunteers clean neighborhood following violent week in Milwaukee



MILWAUKEE -- Following a deadly week in Milwaukee, a group of volunteers spent part of Saturday, Sept. 21 sweeping away unsightly garbage near Benjamin Franklin Elementary School near 24th Street and Nash Street, cleaning the area literally and figuratively.

Keyshawn Hall



"It makes it look dirty, trashier," said Keyshawn Hall, a volunteer. "That's why we have people out here like us cleaning up and making it look better.

"I wanted to help the community, and do what's right for Milwaukee," said Michael Critton, a 12-year-old volunteer.

With children making up the majority of the group, the Stop the Violence Community Cleanup event reached a generation that can help change the future.

Stop the Violence Community Cleanup



Schuiler Ramsey



"I want to start with the young people," said Schuiler Ramsey. "We are like a tree. It starts with the seeds, and grows outward."

Ramsey, who helped organize the event, also used it as an opportunity to mentor the youth.

Stop the Violence Community Cleanup



Michael Critton



"One of the things we want to get across to the community is to think," said Ramsey. "A lot of times, we act before we think. Just trying to preach the message, to stop the violence."

The group hit the streets, hoping people could see the positive, as they aimed to combat the negative.

"I hope peace comes here in the community," said Hall. "Stop the violence, and put the guns down. Do what's right for your community, because you also live here, too."

Stop the Violence Community Cleanup



Stop the Violence Community Cleanup