Everything is awful and everything is falling apart, but let’s set aside any and all cynicism for a few days and celebrate MKE Peace Week, Milwaukee. The inaugural event, May 22-28, was created by Mayor Cavalier Johnson and is “dedicated to promoting peace and unity throughout the City of Milwaukee.” It includes neighborhood walks and church visits, panel discussions and summits, and more. Peace.
Sounds nice, doesn’t it? Yes, yes it does. Here’s the schedule:
MAY 22
MKE Peace Week Kickoff Peace Walk
5:30-7 p.m. | Journey House (2110 West Scott Street)
A walk alongside community leaders that is symbolic of the continuing efforts to reduce violence in our neighborhoods throughout the entire City of Milwaukee. This event will start with a press conference, followed by a calming breathing exercise led by a neighborhood yogi, and then the peace walk will start.
MAY 23
“I Pledge” Peace Pledge and Panel Discussion
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Roosevelt Middle School (800 W Walnut St)
Peace Pledge, Livestream Conversation, Panel Discussion, Surprise Performance by Carvie P, and Giveaways
MAY 24
Faith Based Breakfast and Panel Discussion
9-11 a.m.
A breakfast and discussion with community partners to explore how places of worship can support a safer Milwaukee. RSVP is required to attend this event. Registration is closed.
MAY 25
Gun Violence Summit
12-1 p.m. | Hyatt Recency (333 West Kilbourne Avenue)
Hosted by Forward Latino, this summit will be the premiere gun violence prevention conference in the Midwest and will feature national and local speakers, experts, and gun violence survivors. Speakers and panelists will share information, discuss urgently needed gun violence prevention legislation as well as share strategies on effective community violence intervention and advocacy. The informative sessions will address gun violence as it pertains to our schools, our faith, domestic violence, our young people, and much more. The Summit will also share resources where individuals can seek mental health assistance to address the trauma associated with gun violence.
Real Men, Real Talk – City Hall Edition
5:30-7:30 p.m. | City Hall Rotunda (200 East Wells Street)
A special edition of Real Men, Real Talk in City Hall’s Rotunda. This will be a panel discussion on the negative effects of domestic violence. If you are unable to attend, please tune into City Channel 25. This event will be facilitated by Kwabena Nixon and the panelists are as follows:
• David Muhammad, Deputy Director Milwaukee County Department of Health & Human Services
• Jeffery Norman, Milwaukee Police Department Chief
• Barry Phillips, Milwaukee County Court Commissioner
• Andre Lee Ellis, The CAGE
• Gaulien Smith, Gee’s Clippers Owner & Operator
MAY 26
MKE Safer City Initiative Press Conference at UNCOM
12-1 p.m.
Mayor Cavalier Johnson will be joining UNCOM and other non-profit organizations to make an announcement about the Safe MKE initiative.
MAY 27
Heal the Hood MKE Resource Fair and Community Event
12-6 p.m. | Between 8th & 12th streets and Burleigh
In partnership with the Office of Violence Prevention, this event shares safe resources for youth that also promote peace. For 10 years, Heal the Hood MKE has developed a unique approach at building community collaborations with the end goal of creating a more progressive and peaceful Milwaukee.
MAY 28
Church Visits
Love Rush
1-3 p.m. | 32nd & Center St.
Peace Pledge, Horse Rides, Face Painting, Bounce Houses, Food, Snacks, & Drinks, Music Giveaways, Facebook Livestream, Spoken Word, Testimonials, Clean-up, and a Surprise Guest.
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