'4 more years:' Pres. Trump's campaign, Democrats court black voters in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE -- With Wisconsin's presidential primary election set for Tuesday, April 7, President Donald Trump's campaign hosted an event in Milwaukee Saturday, Feb. 29 aimed at courting black voters. In 2016, Milwaukee saw a 40,000-vote decrease, and both Democrats and Republicans hope to change that.

"I think people are feeling a strong sense of urgency in making sure their voices are heard," said Angela Lang, executive director of Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC).

The largest voter turnout decreases in 2016 were in Milwaukee districts with the largest African American populations.

"We knew that we wanted to shift that thinking," said Lang. "Again, we don't proactively bring up the president, but a lot of people feel very strongly about him. What has the president done for me or my community? What type of black agenda does he have?"

Meanwhile, near Martin Luther King Drive and North Avenue, at the Republican Party of Wisconsin field office, Black Voices for Trump hosted a panel discussion Saturday.

"I will vote for Donald Trump," said Jeff Noncent.

"We do have a long way to go, and that's why we need another four more years," said Corrin Rankin, board member.

Topics that arose included the First Step Act for criminal justice reform.

"This is a sincere and genuine outreach effort because we just happen to think the conservative way is the best pathway to those children realizing their hopes and dreams," said Senator Ron Johnson.

Statement from Milwaukee County Democratic Party Chairman Christopher Walton