Community works to "unify the city" one week after Milwaukee unrest
MILWAUKEE -- Saturday, August 20th marks one week since the officer-involved fatal shooting in Sherman Park, which sparked violence to erupt for two days in the area.
After the violence law enforcement fenced in the park which remains there today. The park is open during the day but closed at night.
This community has gone through emotional changes as well.
"You could feel the hurt, you could feel the frustration," said Dawn Barnett, Running Rebels.
In the first few days following the riots and the unrest in the Sherman Park neighborhood, Dawn and Victor Barnett have noticed a change.
Dawn and Victor Barnett
"You could see everybody just wanting to get off, wanting to talk about things but nobody really listening to each other," said Dawn.
"I'm excited about the efforts starting to go on in the area. There's people that's been doing some really good things over there," said Victor.
Marches, prayer vigils, and picnics have been held -- as other organizations are going a different route.
"I've been out there talking to folks young and old, the narrative message I've had is if you die your voice dies with you," said Martha De La Rosa, Wisconsin Jobs Now.
Wisconsin Jobs Now is hoping to reach the youth.
"You need to adhere to curfew and you need to stay safe," said De La Rosa.
While the Barnett's are happy to see all of these efforts individually, they believe an even bigger impact could be made collaboratively. It's being called "Still 300 Strong," and it connects dozens of local organizations and their efforts together.
"We have to make sure we let go of our own egos, our own agendas. It's not about our logo getting pasted on something or our agenda being pushed, it's about being a part of something that's unifying the city," said Dawn.
The first big 300 Strong event is September 10th, in Sherman Park at Noon. Organizers describe it like a big family reunion where everyone is invited.
This weekend, there are several events planned as well. Some that were planned before the violence but now may have a renewed message of unity.