In celebration of Earth Day, the League partnered with Urban Grass Roots, I.N.C. to make a cleaner and greener Milwaukee for our residents. More than 50 volunteers, ranging from elders to young children, came out to support the community clean-up.
Those who participated during the Earth Day event received breakfast and lunch, a variety of flower seeds, pots of pansy or perennial flowers and a signed Certificate of Appreciation. Additionally, they walked away with the good feeling of helping to beautify our community and provide a healthier environment

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The energy that we produced for the 4/2 election felt like the 2012 presidential election! So many people were unaware of this particular local election, yet very receptive to raising awareness in the hood. The Wisconsin League, along with the African-American Civic Engagement Roundtable Coalition, made sure that the city knew that the polls were open and the people’s vote would be heard!

Due to our hard work and effort, as well as other tastemakers and elected officials, Milwaukee voted overwhelmingly to protect same-day voter registration. From 4 Corners (my personal favorite organizing event) to canvassing in the snow and rain, we were out here raising awareness.

There are 355,000+ voters in my fair city, Milwaukee. I proudly say 51,000+ voted on April 2nd. Thats about 14 percent of the population. It’s low, but it counts and the more we are out here raising awareness our turnout will keep increasing until we hit the presidential turnout of 87% – I promise!!

-Ken Da Perfectionist

Politics & Poetry II, sponsored by Alderwoman Milele Coggs, Sojourner Family Peace Center, NAACP Young Adult Committee, and of course, the Wisconsin League of Young Voters was “a night of politically-charged poetry from some of Milwaukee’s best spoken word artists and politicians of all ages.” This is the one event that gives the city’s politicians and its residents a chance to connect in an organic way. The Politics and Poetry series is more than elbow-rubbing but a real chance for folks from all over the city to connect in a positive and relaxed environment.

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The League partnered with the NAACP Young Adult Committee and the Center for Progressive Leadership to throw the livest candidate forum Milwaukee had to offer. The event was held at the Milwaukee Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Hall. Though only some of the candidates running for office could join us, the discussion was interactive and on point. The candidates in attendance were Ed Fallone for State Supreme Court Judge, Khalif Rainey and Ravae Sinclair, both running for 2nd District County Supervisor, Donald Pridemore for Superintendent of Public Instruction, and Tatianna Joseph for Superintendent of Public Instruction. Candidates running unopposed and newly-elected officials stopped through to support as well.

Candidates gave constituents the opportunity to hear their views, goals, and visions for the different seats that make our city’s day-to-day decisions. We are a non-partisan organization and the forum gave attendees a glimpse into the minds and hearts of those competing to serve us. The buck doesn’t stop there – these are also the candidates whom we’ll have to hold accountable once in office.

Milele Coggs, 6th Aldermanic District representative, was in the building to speak about thei importance of keeping same-day voter registration while DJ Willie Shakes turned out oldies but goodies on the turntables. The event was hosted by community organizer, Jayme Montgomery Baker, and the politically-charged Sherwin Hughes from 860am. The showed up and showed out as our conductors for the night.

The forum was very informational and swagged out “At da Same D*** Time”

Peace

 To make sure you don’t miss the next one add us on Facebook.

-Ken Da Perfectionist

Text WI VOTE to 69866 to get your polling location – Polls are open from 7AM-8PM. Need more details? Check out myvote.wi.gov.

On March 5, I attended the 4th Congressional District Roundtable Resource meeting at the Dr. Martin Luther King Library. In addition to the League of Young Voters, we were joined by the LGBT Caucus, Afro-World Enterprise, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, League of Women Voters, MTEA, and other influential organizations. Groups met to discuss their 2012 civic engagement and social justice work over the course of the two major election cycles. Sessions like these give community organizations the chance to share their experiences, successes and lessons learned.

As we embark on the 2013 spring election, there are numerous issues still on the table to be addressed in our community. Some of the most pressing issues are same-day registration, felon re-enfranchisement, human trafficking, and education reform. With that being said, I saw and heard a collective of groups dedicated to addressing these issues and finding logical and sensible solutions. I also witnessed the passion possessed by these representatives of various organizations. As with a lot of non-profit organizations, money is an obstacle, however this meeting was all about getting it done and getting it done together.

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