Milwaukee

Face Race MKE is a movement to try to bridge the cultural gaps between races and socioeconomic classes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the most segregated and impoverished cities in America. The problem can be seen through the facts. It is ranked: #1 in the nation for worst black/white residential segregation #1 in the nation for worst residential segregation based on poverty #1 in the nation for widest gap in test scores between African Americans and Caucasians in every test category #1 in the nation for black/white employment gap #1 in the nation for lowest percentage of hispanic-owned businesses #1 worst incarceration rate for black men in the nation #2 in the nation black poverty This project was inspired by the Greater Together foundation, which strives for a unified and just future for Milwaukee. Ultimately, we plan to make Milwaukee’s racial and economic inequality into the center of public dialogue by creating events, programs, and interactive designs. After interviewing people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic classes in Milwaukee, it was clear there was a problem. When asked about their impression of Milwaukee in regards to race, the first word out of people’s mouths was “segregation.” However, many of these people, including myself, believe that change is possible, that change is now. By gathering insights from these diverse voices, I found that the general solutions to Milwaukee’s racial issues could be as follows: start talking highlight differences celebrate differences associate with others just listen. Now what did my interviewees think? START TALKING: “People have to start talking to other people about this issue.” “It has to start somewhere. With our words, our food, our music, and art.” “Milwaukee has the power to erase cultural borders. It starts within the minds of the people.” “We need equal justice for all races. We need economic and educational access for all races. That will help level the playing field and appreciate the talents of all people in the local community of the metropolitan area of Milwaukee.” ASSOCIATE WITH OTHERS: “We have to stop being afraid to associate with different races, ethnicities, or cultures.” “My role in society is to get to know the people around me more and to try to expand and associate myself with other people.” HIGHLIGHT DIFFERENCES: “We need to educate different races about one another and fix preconceptions and misinterpretations.” CELEBRATE DIFFERENCES: “I grew up in a multiracial country where different races spoke completely different languages. However, we had one common language, English. As soon as we learned how to speak that common language in school, we couldn’t help but come to know one another and become good friends. We visited each others homes, ate each others food, celebrated different holidays, and made fond memories. We became lifelong friends because we made the effort to know one another as children. The same can happen here, in Milwaukee.” “Let’s separate the beauties in our differences.” JUST LISTEN: “We need leadership from all races that aspire to a common goal for the greater community. We must speak with one voice.” “People have to influence others, inspire them, talk about the issue, and be willing to listen.” “Meet new people and listen to their opinions on anything from religion to political views.” “I think we all have to...just listen.” Through these video compilations, I hope to make change. If not that, then at least get people to think again of an important issue in our society. Original song/video by Chiara Phillips Hanson, Ken. "Greater Together." Greater Together. AIGA Wisconsin, 2014. Web. 21 May 2015.

• published: 27 May 2015
• views: 61