Marys Milwaukee Cast

Mary’s Milwaukee Cast

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Welcome to Mary’s Milwaukee Cast. This is a special page where you will find “telling” articles about Code of Conduct found in the governmental, social and civic byways of Milwaukee.

They are too often what I personally find insulting and disrespectful to the audience they serve. It is my outrage and accountability for you to see and determine what you will or will not do to change it.

Keep coming back.

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“Making of Milwaukee”

Shame on MPTV, Documentation Shows Scant Mention of People of Color, speaks to inherent racism and marginalizing of African Americans and others of color

Mary Glass - Milwaukeean
Published:
December 20, 2007

Channel 10 – Public Television
Milwaukee, WI

Team:
Bill Werner – Executive Producer
John Gurda – Producer
Claudia Looze – Producer
Maurice Wininsky – Music Composer and Arranger

Milwaukee, Wisconsin – The acclaimed “Making of Milwaukee”, seen on Milwaukee Public Television, Channel 10 is a huge disappointment.

Not seen
As I watched the frames go by to capture what has happened in Milwaukee, I kept waiting to see my people and other races. What I saw were frames and frames of Caucasians.

As an African American I became more and more resentful of this in-your-face injustice to the men and women of my race and others who help create this city. Who worked day and night under severe conditions of denied education, minimum and denied employment, segregation, nepotism, exploitation of funding, denial of rights and unfairness (just as today) to put food on the table, raise their family and dare to dream to enjoy the opportunities those paraded in the documentary were able to do.

It is as if African Americans and other People of Color were/are “invisible” and have not contributed to the making of Milwaukee. It is the systematic denial of our rightful place in history. It is a perfect example of the inherent racism that exist now and in the past. It also says much about those who have their chest stuck out for misplaced accolades. As well as, those who have not stepped forward to call for the truth and shout, “outrage”.

For the record
For the record, the real “Making of Milwaukee” is not a 100% Caucasian effort. And, it has not been such a warm fuzzy and congruent environment. Unlike John Gruda moving from the first house of humble beginnings to a more spacious dwelling, I submit it has been hell for African Americans, even though they have been the ones that have often carried a disproportionate line-share of building this city.

In the hit-and-miss documentation, our contributions were often minuscule and unflattering scenes.

It fail to show clips with depth of varied input that includes African American men building City Hall, heads of household building and caring for family ties, professional exchanges, richness of Bronzeville (and the lack of movement now to restore it), the input in building the breweries and other manufacturing industries (once Caucasians allowed us to work), neighborhoods built (once allowed to get housing), sports leadership (but denied civil rights), accomplishments of many giants such as the Johnsons (tailors and entrepreneurs) who created the first North side Y for children (since segregation prevented use of public spaces); and, on and on.

It showed the limited documentation by journalists like John Gurda of the input of People of Color, by the Milwaukee Public Library or the other depositories in town that hold history.

The sacrifices made by African American hard working heads of household were often comprised; as with the robbing and displacement of their homes for freeways and the like. Yet they were not given credit in the, Making of Milwaukee.

Whether it was the dictatorial and racist politics to/through the depression, scant mention, if any, was found of my people. And where there were more than one or two frames, there was not the substance and reasoning put in place to explain behavior. A glaring example was the efforts mentioned by Alderwoman Vel Phillips (first African American, first woman), Father Groppi or the 1967 riot. By doggy, I take issue with that.

Another “telling” time was “no mention” of Ex-Mayor Marvin Pratt. A man who gave 16 years to serving Milwaukee and prior to his position of mayor, he was Milwaukee’s Common Council President.

There is no way, Gurda, Werner, Looze and Wininsky would have allowed a documentary to be filmed if it had been a Caucasian. But, whether they would or not, if you are telling the truth, if you are giving authentic and inclusive facts, you can not overlook these historic points. I take issue with that.

Lack integrity
It is outrageous that a five-part series is put on the “public airwaves”, funded by so many foundations and organizations; and, paraded as authentic. The series was underwritten by:

• Greater Milwaukee Foundation

        Halbert & Alice Kadish Fund
        Paddock Fund
        Luedke-Smith Fund
        Otto Borchert Family Fund
        Catherine & Walter Lindsay Fund

• Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation
• Koeppen-Gerlach Foundation
• Faye McBeath Foundation
• Northwestern Mutual Foundation
• David & Julia Uihlein Charitable Foundation
• We Energies
• Joseph & Vera Zilber Foundation
• Pollybill Foundation
• Douglas & Eleanor Seaman Trust
• CG Schmidt
• And by the MPTV Friends.

The finish product is an example of how it is so important to have “informed”, “outspoken” and “decision making” People of Color at the table all the time.

John Gurda is often referred to for his knowledge of being a historian.

Based on what I saw, he is very lacking in the history of Milwaukee and I challenge his efforts now and in the future to represent all Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color; otherwise, forget authenticity.

How could you stand for a document to be shown that gave little to no mention of People of Color? Even though there are disjointed mentions/photos to infer that American Indians, African Americans, Hmong were depicted significantly.

It would appear to me that Gurda, historian, would have done his homework. Knowing the history of this city and how time-after-time it is known for its racial disparities, you would have sought to share a broader and more accurate depiction of “Making Milwaukee”.

I feel the presentation is/was a glorified picture of how single-handedly Caucasians made Milwaukee.

Because the truth was not told, it was a condoning of the segregation, glorified racist acts by the late police chief, displacement of African Americans, denial of rights that lead to the riot; elected officials who commandeered funds that belonged to People of Color and today is still in play.

What could have been a tribute to Milwaukee in a right and more complete way was not given.

At best, the producers were “negligent” and provided an “irresponsible documentation” that will be shared with our present generation and generations to come; thereby, continuing a lie.

Public libraries are supported by all.
This document and/or John Gurda’s book is linked with Milwaukee Public Library and is tied into an online presentation to schools and educators.

Milwaukeeans, People of Color and Caucasians, have had enough distorted truths.

It is one of the reasons that we have the racial divide. Why would People of Color want their children to see or be taught the distorted presentations in “Making Milwaukee”? Why would they want the Milwaukee Public Library and Milwaukee Public Schools to distribute it as legitimate?

Tax dollars to support something that does not share their contributions and misrepresent them?

John Gurda has had special marketing privilege of his book by the exclusives shared at taxpayers’ expense in his book being placed on MPL website and shared at a special time at the public libraries.

Accountability
As an African American taxpayer of Milwaukee, I challenge Milwaukee Public Television, a service of Milwaukee Area Technical College (funded by government dollars) and those that have responsibility for monitoring correctness (MATC Board and Dr. Darnell Cole), Milwaukee Public Library Board, Milwaukee Public Library decision making staff, Alderman Joe Davis and the oversight committee for Milwaukee Public Library, Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Public School Board, Superintendent William Andrekopolos, Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, and State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster to take a look at this travesty.

I also challenge Bill Werner – Executive Producer, John Gurda – Producer, Claudia Looze – Producer, Maurice Wininsky – Music Composer and Arranger to see how they can correct this misrepresentation.

I challenge YOU Milwaukee and the named foundations and organizations that provided funding to see that the correction is made.

I will be back.

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WIRELESS AGREEMENTS BY THE CITY OF MILWAUKEE LEADERS CONTRIBUTE TO CHERRY PICKING BY AT&T

Mary Glass
Posted: December 13, 2007

AT&T Relining in Chicago, now here in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI – On December 11, 2007, Milwaukee’s Journal Sentinel reported that AT&T is being asked to fess up to the “cherry picking” across the 97 square miles of the City of Milwaukee.

As if the digital divide is not already massive in Milwaukee and the proposed Milwaukee Wireless Initiative has proven to be a huge but predictable disappointment, due to decision makers failing to do their homework - asking for and getting participation and buy-in of the citizenry/potential customers, providing necessary neighborhood benefits agreement for Milwaukeeans, providing a RFP for anchor tenants (Earthlink, etc.) prior to signing a closed/back-door agreement with Midwest Fiber Network, LLC; and, knowing that you have to give to get in today’s marketplace, especially the telecom arena. They did not do their fiduciary homework.

The mayor of Milwaukee, Tom Barrett, signed the 100% Milwaukee Initiative Agreement in September of 2006 and touted a FREE network - no cost to the city. Not.

The wireless network was to be working by the middle of 2008.

Since the mayor’s announcement, the citizenry has not heard leadership comments or appropriate changes. Randy Gschwind, Chief Information Officer and Sharon Robinson, Director of Administration, two lead city representatives for the mayor and common council have been noticeably unavailable for input without a flood of emails to the immediate world at City Hall and the state. Too often, they are unavailable OR out of the office.

Midwest Fiber Network, LLC has refused from the get-go to be cooperative with Campaign Neighborhood – CFNBA. This includes returning telephone calls, emails, updates or providing input at the annual Media, Wireless and YOU Symposium held in 2006 and 2007.

In October, 2007, Karl Robe, Public Relations, Midwest Fiber Network, LLC stated they (MWF) would be releasing an update soon. I have not heard anything. Have you?

One-Economy/AT&T DSL Deployment
I have heard that the City of Milwaukee has commenced another back door project with two non-profit agencies, south and north, to hook up with a deal that includes One-Economy/AT&T DSL deployment. What better way to keep pitting non-profits against non-profits and disenfranchising Milwaukeeans, People of Color and the Working Poor. Keeping People of Color and the Working Poor (middle class, self-employed, under-employed, un-employed, disabled, homeless, re-entry citizens) from being knowledgeable; and, thereby remaining poverty-stricken.

It makes Milwaukee digital divide a huge grand canyon.

Since Milwaukee’s city leaders are leading the charge with the cherry picking and in the bed with cherry pickers, Milwaukeeans, especially People of Color and the Working Poor are cherry-picked.

Wake up Milwaukeeans.
The election is 2008

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Milwaukee Skyline

by: Mary Glass
Published: November 7, 2007
Updated: November 12, 2007

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Greetings!

Take a quick look at what I see in Milwaukee.

This is the first article of Mary’s Milwaukee Cast.

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Milwaukee has a population of 602,782(2006) from 573,378 (2000).

It is the largest city in Wisconsin.

Milwaukeeans - African Americans, American Indians, Asians, Hispanics and the Middle Class population invites and welcome discovery of opportunities and buy-ins that promotes social responsibility.

The City of Milwaukee is majority People of Color and the Middle Class Working Poor - the body of folk that help to build and maintain this city; and state of Wisconsin.

Its diversity population continues to receive a predictable and by design “bad rap”.

We have identified the following areas of economic opportunity and development in the following areas:

• architecture - architects and engineers
• criminal justice -policing, court, correction and academic discipline
• educator - teachers and management
• forestry
• health services
• hospitality industry - services and
  management
• human services
• legal and paralegal
• library science
• prime contracting
• real estate management
• security – residential, commercial, national
• supply-chain
• technology
• tourism
• trades

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Challenge

Milwaukee has “unemployment” as high as 65% in some census tracts of the city.

It is a chronic destabilizer and must be addressed with swift but concentrated efforts.

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Opportunity

That means, it is a haven for 21st Century businesses in and out of the city and country that need human resource - from untrained to multi-disciplined, from generalist to doctoral level; and on-the-job training to years of trade experience.

An able workforce that is under-employed.
A workforce with a significant population of generalists.

A workforce poised for employment and economic opportunity - in their city and in their neighborhoods.

A workforce waiting for local, regional, national and global leadership and dialog for full-time and family-providing employment.

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Challenge

The high unemployment census tracts are predominately in People of Color and the Working Poor neighborhoods.

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Opportunities

People of Color and the Working Poor bring supply-chain and entrepreneurial skills that are ripe for development.
These are today’s opportunity.

People of Color and the Working Poor bring bring $$$MILLIONS to the City of Milwaukee to promote business development, education attainment, health services, transportation, housing, safety, construction, blighted areas, brownfield land, lead abatement, seniors, children; and it never reaches them in the concentrated manner it should.
This is an opportunity.

Brownfield and other Smart Growth “revitalization funding” has been put in place for small to major developments; and, specialists have been hired by government to provide customized packaging.
This is a huge opportunity.

Tax credits have been earmarked to assist with development of housing, economic development, transportation, and brownfield sites.
This is a huge opportunity.

Major development and tax credits have been earmarked by various levels of government for housing, economic development, transportation, brownfield and tax credits packaging.
These are economic and quality of life “turnaround” opportunities.

What’s missing?
Smart and competitive businesses that see the value in CONNECITIVTY - matching resources-investment, buy-in of the customer base, partnering, tax credits, densely populated workforce and spreading goodwill can count on shoo-in.

According to our 5-Year Signature Plan observation so far, That’s the good news.

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The not so great news is:

Lack of ORGANIZED WILL by the Mayor and Common Council that creates LEADERSHIP, TRUST and BUY-IN.

Our findings so far strongly suggest that the perceived DISORGANIZATION seen in workforce erosion and non-economic development in high poverty areas of Milwaukee is by design. It is stimulated and maintained by “out-of-control” practices that include:

• Importing contractors and developers from outside of Milwaukee without “social responsbility” - a reinvestment plan for the neighborhood, developers and contractors to buy-into.
• Importing contractors and developers without neighborhood stakeholders written agreements sanctioned by the neighborhoods and assisted by the 40 business districts and 18 Neighborhood Strategic Planning areas in Milwaukee.
• Importing contractors and developers, providing tax incentives and tax increment financing, browfield subsidies, department of commerce subsidies, department of natural resource subsidies, community block grant subsidies, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority subsidies; and private/special packaging by the Department of City Development and “calling it economic development”.

The same is true for developers and contractors that live in the City of Milwaukee.

• Importing contractors and developers without due diligence and accountability of the actions of departments representing the city resources.
• Importing contractors and developers of “FAVOR” - campaign workers, well-connected, behind the scene power brokers.
• Importing contractors and developers - Day workers that contribute little to NO reinvestment into the neighborhoods of the City of Milwaukee they work in.

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5-Year Signature Plan
To draw attention to and help correct this wrong, Campaign Neighborhood - CFNBA has begun its 5-Year Signature Plan strategic plan.

To the plan’s credit, there are added initiatives to provide the legs and action to the plan. One of the initiatives added is a Developers and Contractors Protege Initiative to promote awaremess, social responsibility, re-investment, connectivity, accountability, oversight, policymaking and spending.

The 5-Year Signature Plan (2005–2010) seeks tough, bold, progressive and well-thought out strategic planning to help alleviate the burden of poverty of which Milwaukeeans face each day but should not - in view of the funding and policies on the book that allows a much different outcome than what we presently see.

We know that Milwaukee’s Inner City has many diamonds and gold nuggets in the rough and not so rough. We have identified the assets of our plan as:

• The People and their Resiliency
• The Land
• Government Funding

With time, we must add “informed and action elected officials” to that list.

Do keep coming back and participate where you can.

To email your suggestions as to how you can support the 5-Year Signature Plan, click on:

Click to Email

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