"We really need engagement:" Groups seek change from parents, kids in Sherman Park neighborhood

MILWAUKEE -- In the wake of unrest in Milwaukee, some youth group leaders are begging adults and parents to be more active in the lives of children.

Every week, a group called "We All We Got" meets at the Boys and Girls Club to discuss revitalizing Sherman Park. This week's discussion took on a different tone on Wednesday evening, August 17th.

Leaders are worried because Sherman Park is normally a safe place for kids to play, have a meal and just have fun. But now that it is closing every night at 6:00 p.m., there are concerns about where these kids are going now.

"There's a lot of frustration out there. They're looking for resources to come into the area," said Barry Givens of the Sherman Park Community Association.

For the last two months, Givens has held meetings at the Boys and Girls Club -- giving young people the opportunity to interact and dialogue with police.

"Unless we keep that dialogue open, things are not going to change," Givens said.

But it has also been a discussion about getting young people jobs and opportunities.

"Closing the park down, that's not going to change anything but bringing kids back onto the streets," said Niekale Steward, 15 years old.

Steward said he has had little to keep him busy since the park started closing early. He offers suggestions for when it reopens full-time.

"Rebuilding the courts, stuff like that.  Give the teens something to do," Steward said.

For others, this meeting is about rebuilding a community, getting parents active and involved in their children's lives, and urging all adults to be mentors.

"We talk about programming a lot.  I think we have enough programming. We really need engagement," said Keyon Jackson-Malone of the group "We All We Got."

Meetings are held at the Boys and Girls Club at Sherman Park every Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. Leaders are looking for adults who want to make a difference -- and kids looking for a change.