Jabril Faraj

Jabril Faraj

Jabril is a writer and journalist from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in the Riverwest neighborhood and graduated from nearby Riverside High School, later attending the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Jabril has also written for the Boulder Daily Camera and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.

Follow Jabril on twitter @jabrilfaraj.

Contact Jabril

Recent Articles

More Community Policing Needed?

More Community Policing Needed?

Critics say Police Department must be more accountable.

Black-Led Groups Get Fewer City Grants

Black-Led Groups Get Fewer City Grants

Report finds more Community Grants for white-led non-profits in black neighborhoods. Why?

ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police

ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police

About half of all traffic and pedestrian stops failed to show "reasonable suspicion.”

Teen Art Exhibit Hits at Sex Trafficking

Teen Art Exhibit Hits at Sex Trafficking

Student art spreads awareness of major problem in city.

Finalists for Police Chief Meet the Public

Finalists for Police Chief Meet the Public

Many questions asked, but not the right ones, some attendees complain.

New Library Transforming Mitchell Street?

New Library Transforming Mitchell Street?

Library and apartments part of street’s renaissance, says Ald. Perez, others.

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

In search for new chief, pushing for a candidate committed to community relations.

Town Hall Meetings Discuss Police Reforms

Town Hall Meetings Discuss Police Reforms

Fire and Police Commission seeks community responses to federal study of Milwaukee Police.

Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards

Common Council Strengthens Lead Standards

But Health Department leaders contend it doesn't really change how they operate.

Poverty Driving Epidemic of Childhood Trauma

Poverty Driving Epidemic of Childhood Trauma

Particularly potent in Milwaukee, with 40% of children below poverty line, experts note.

City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls

City’s Anti-Violence Effort Stalls

Office of Violence Prevention’s plan was due in June. Donovan, others criticize delay.

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Community Groups Want DOJ Police Reforms

Two months after DOJ draft report on MPD released, groups demand recommended changes.

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

Advocates Push City On Lead Pipes

City may not know which homes own lead laterals, which action to take.

Horror Stories of State Detention Center

Horror Stories of State Detention Center

Milwaukee-based center has “atrocities,” deaths from heat exhaustion, former inmates say.

Tens of Thousands Losing Food Stamps

Tens of Thousands Losing Food Stamps

Walker decision not to renew waivers on FoodShare time limits cut off their benefits.

Community Groups Hail Clarke’s Resignation

Community Groups Hail Clarke’s Resignation

Anti-Clarke groups declare victory, push Walker on replacement he appoints.

Grassroots Group Targets Sheriff Clarke

Grassroots Group Targets Sheriff Clarke

But Clarke calls group’s leaders “mush-minds” and “rabble rousers.”

A Call For Proactive Community-based Violence Prevention

A Call For Proactive Community-based Violence Prevention

In 2017, there have been 66 homicides in Milwaukee.

50 Years After the Marches: Still Fighting for Equality
50 Years After the Marches

Still Fighting for Equality

A new generation of black leaders faces economic, educational inequities.

Lead Poisoning a “Public Health Crisis”

Lead Poisoning a “Public Health Crisis”

Health Department official says lead laterals must be replaced, but resources lacking.

Black Leaders React to Smith Verdict

Black Leaders React to Smith Verdict

Calling for peace after acquittal of officer who shot Sylville Smith.

City Residents Meet With Assembly Committee

City Residents Meet With Assembly Committee

Residents must drive neighborhood revitalization, grassroots leaders insist.

Local Leaders Demand Clarke’s Removal

Local Leaders Demand Clarke’s Removal

Legislators, community leaders call on Gov. Walker to remove sheriff from office.

Still Questions on Claybrook’s Death

Still Questions on Claybrook’s Death

Suspect killed by hail of bullets from police. But was this necessary?

A Call for Clean Water

A Call for Clean Water

Community leaders push city to rid Milwaukee's water of lead.

Do Non-Profits Need New Approach?

Do Non-Profits Need New Approach?

Experts jab local non-profits; they keep growing, but so does poverty.

Sherman Park Residents Bash Station Owner

Sherman Park Residents Bash Station Owner

Some favor rebuild of gas station. But many point to longtime problems.

County Creating Community Centers

County Creating Community Centers

Will focus on black employment, education. MPS may collaborate.

Toxic Chemicals Worry Residents

Toxic Chemicals Worry Residents

Problems with chemical disposals by factory near 25th and Hampton.

TechForce Center Provides Path to Jobs

TechForce Center Provides Path to Jobs

City-led program affiliated with MATC trains people for plentiful IT jobs.

Pushing Minorities To Become Entrepreneurs

Pushing Minorities To Become Entrepreneurs

Experts say it's about computers, technology, but also about manufacturing.

MPS School Uniform Policy Faces Criticism

MPS School Uniform Policy Faces Criticism

Won’t achieve its goals, critics say. Parents divided, survey found.

ACLU Suit Challenges Milwaukee Police

ACLU Suit Challenges Milwaukee Police

Charges key technique, “tens of thousands" of police stops, is unconstitutional.

“Day Without Immigrants, Refugees” Planned

“Day Without Immigrants, Refugees” Planned

Local immigrants, advocates ramping up opposition to Trump executive orders.

A County Agenda For Black Community?

A County Agenda For Black Community?

Role of Office of African American Affairs debated at listening session.

North Side Area’s Crime Declines 30%

North Side Area’s Crime Declines 30%

Residents’ efforts, community policing helped transform Amani neighborhood.

Safe Zones Project Sees Success

Safe Zones Project Sees Success

Community policing helped homicides, shootings decline in two neighborhoods.

City’s $1 House Program Criticized

City’s $1 House Program Criticized

Residents question why only developers can buy foreclosed homes for a dollar.

Mixed Reactions to Charges in Sylville Smith’s Killing

Mixed Reactions to Charges in Sylville Smith’s Killing

DA charges officer Heaggan-Brown. Family and community demand video's release.

Can Non-Profits Make a Difference?

Can Non-Profits Make a Difference?

They've grown locally from 824 to 2,333 since 1989. Expert urges focus on social change.

Connecting Students to Blue Collar Jobs

Connecting Students to Blue Collar Jobs

Career fairs at Bradley Tech look to recruit students as early as freshman year.

Learning From Cincinnati’s Police Reform

Learning From Cincinnati’s Police Reform

Can its collaborative, community-oriented approach be a model for Milwaukee?

More Than Downtown Development Needed

More Than Downtown Development Needed

City leaders at economic summit say more development must occur in neighborhoods.

City Residents Hiring Program Falls Short

City Residents Hiring Program Falls Short

Promising effort employs minorities in construction, needs more monitoring and funding.

MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding

MPS Sets Sights on Increased State Funding

Buoyed by victory on OSSP takeover law, union and parents call for funding equity.

Citizens Condemn Proposal for More Cops

Citizens Condemn Proposal for More Cops

Different practices, not more police needed, community groups tell aldermen at city hearing.

300+ Strong Amplifies Black Voices

300+ Strong Amplifies Black Voices

Black community leaders pay tribute to Eric Von, challenge youth to “pick up the baton.”

Program Combats Foreclosures

Program Combats Foreclosures

Layton Boulevard West Neighbors has invested $3.5 million to renovate foreclosed properties in the area, but housing challenges remain.

Brostoff Arrest Raises Questions

Brostoff Arrest Raises Questions

State rep says police focus must change; Police say Ald. Rainey asked them to be there.

When Will Sherman Park Curfew End?

When Will Sherman Park Curfew End?

Youth in area say they have nowhere to go. Sheriff Clarke won’t say when it will be lifted.

Racism Led to Violent Weekend, Residents Say

Racism Led to Violent Weekend, Residents Say

Poverty, segregation, racial profiling by police all led to explosion, they note.

City “Can’t Police” Away Its Violence

City “Can’t Police” Away Its Violence

Local leaders call for comprehensive solution to gun violence in Milwaukee.

White Allies for Black Lives Matter

White Allies for Black Lives Matter

Two activist groups demonstrate to support BLM and black man shot by Tosa cop.

Black Residents Talk About Police Misconduct

Black Residents Talk About Police Misconduct

Demands for accountability at listening session of county Office of African American Affairs.

Safe Zones Expanding in City

Safe Zones Expanding in City

City-funded specialists handle violence prevention, conflict resolution in high-crime areas.

MPS Creates More Community Schools

MPS Creates More Community Schools

New reform comes after school board rejects proposed state OSPP plan by Abele.

Corrections Officials Face Community on Lincoln Hills

Corrections Officials Face Community on Lincoln Hills

Attendees demand accountability, action, in wake of Lincoln Hills scandal.

Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative

Aldermen Unveil Anti-Violence Initiative

Hamilton and 11 other aldermen call for “holistic approach” to gun violence.

Opponents Agree New Education Funding Model Needed

Opponents Agree New Education Funding Model Needed

Union leader, key Republican and DPI all want a student centered approach to state funding.

MPS Teachers Oppose State Partnership Plan

MPS Teachers Oppose State Partnership Plan

They demand specifics; Demond Means denies he will “takeover” failing schools.

Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Has Growing Pains

Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Has Growing Pains

Questions persist on whether Pulaski teachers and students have much input.

Seeking The Truth About Zipcode 53206

Seeking The Truth About Zipcode 53206

International group's “portal” will trigger stories, conversations in city’s poorest area.

Community Must Respond to Gun Violence

Community Must Respond to Gun Violence

So say the speakers at Neighborhood House summit, discussing rise of gun violence in the city.

Obama Touts ACA Success, Slams Walker

Obama Touts ACA Success, Slams Walker

President's visit here hails Obamacare's success, bashes Walker for obstructing increased coverage.

How Will Demond Means Change MPS?

How Will Demond Means Change MPS?

New "Recovery District" leader says tough decisions, more dollars needed.

How Walnut Way Changed the Inner City

How Walnut Way Changed the Inner City

The quest for community of Walnut Way co-founders Sharon and Larry Adams.

Critics Demand Federal Probe of Police Department

Critics Demand Federal Probe of Police Department

Huge turnout at listening session, many call for civil rights investigation of MPD's "patterns and practices."

Wells Fargo Grant Helps West Side

Wells Fargo Grant Helps West Side

$225,000 grant will improve homes in Washington Park area.

New Fellowship Helps Storytellers Address Race

New Fellowship Helps Storytellers Address Race

Ex Fabula offers fellowships to local storytellers discussing race and oppression.

Where Can Former Sex Offenders Go?

Where Can Former Sex Offenders Go?

Restrictive city law often leaves them nowhere to live, many are becoming homeless.

CEO Pay Drives Inequality, Researcher Finds

CEO Pay Drives Inequality, Researcher Finds

Data on Milwaukee CEOs discussed at UWM summit on inequality.

MPS Changing How it Handles Charter Schools?

MPS Changing How it Handles Charter Schools?

Superintendent Driver and some school board members want to clarify process.

Vote Favoring Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Surprises

Vote Favoring Pulaski & Carmen Partnership Surprises

Harris changes position, school board okays it, opponents question decision.

Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism

Black Leaders Say Joblessness Among Black Men is Rooted in Racism

Summit explores the causes of high black male unemployment in Milwaukee.

Huge New Hmong Market Will Have 90 Vendors

Huge New Hmong Market Will Have 90 Vendors

Northwest side market will occupy 84,000 square-foot building on N. 76th St.

Black Leaders Demand Changes to Address Poverty

Black Leaders Demand Changes to Address Poverty

State and county criticized for not addressing high city poverty and black unemployment.

Will Businesses Hire Ex-Cons?

Will Businesses Hire Ex-Cons?

Some do. New program pushes 100 area companies to join the effort.

Will Pulaski and Carmen Schools Partnership Get Okay?

Will Pulaski and Carmen Schools Partnership Get Okay?

Supporters say it could improve Pulaski's poor results, but teachers union and some board members may resist.

Community Art Inspires

Community Art Inspires

Pulaski Park art project provided opportunity to engage residents and enhance the neighborhood.

Chief Flynn Calls for Tougher Gun Laws

Chief Flynn Calls for Tougher Gun Laws

Bashes concealed carry law, says carrying illegal firearm should be a felony.

Safe Zones Need More Police Cooperation?

Safe Zones Need More Police Cooperation?

Ald. Hamilton, community, police disagree on how to make project work.

New Leader of LISC Aims to Improve City

New Leader of LISC Aims to Improve City

Laura Bray helped revitalize Menomonee Valley, oversaw Three Bridges Park.

“Safe Zones” Ambassadors Serve North Side

“Safe Zones” Ambassadors Serve North Side

Community initiative works to combat violence in Garden Homes neighborhood.

Who Are the Homeless?

Who Are the Homeless?

Housing First initiative challenges assumptions of homelessness.

Do Black Lives Matter?

Do Black Lives Matter?

Our history suggests answer is no, argues Black Holocaust Museum researcher.

City Youth Jobs Program Fights Crime?

City Youth Jobs Program Fights Crime?

"The way you reduce crime is you employ people," says Ald. Russell Stamper.

MPS and Non-Profits Teamed Up to Rescue Carver Academy

MPS and Non-Profits Teamed Up to Rescue Carver Academy

School that was failing "by every measure" is now changing its culture.

Common Ground Lobbying Against Bucks Arena

Common Ground Lobbying Against Bucks Arena

Community organization is pushing city, county and state representatives to oppose public funding.

New Housing Program for Homeless

New Housing Program for Homeless

Journey House program serves those aged 18-25.

MPS Board Will Reconsider Controversial Charter School

MPS Board Will Reconsider Controversial Charter School

School would be run by former head of Teach for America, but board is divided on the issue.

Clean Slate Milwaukee Works to Help Convicts

Clean Slate Milwaukee Works to Help Convicts

Group pushing to make judicial clemency and expunging records a less restrictive process.

Working to Help People Get Voter ID

Working to Help People Get Voter ID

70% of voting age minorities in the county lack a drivers license; community workers provide help for those seeking ID.

Education and Transportation Top Concerns at Budget Forum

Education and Transportation Top Concerns at Budget Forum

Democratic legislators hold listening session in Milwaukee and get an earful.

Where Will Sex Offenders Live?

Where Will Sex Offenders Live?

Only a small percent are repeat offenders. Will local restrictions on residency force state to create uniform law?

Anti-Violence Plan Targets Poor Neighborhoods

Anti-Violence Plan Targets Poor Neighborhoods

City and community groups cite approach that cut violence by 30% in areas of Chicago and Baltimore.

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Charter School Leaders Say Oversight Needed

Republican plan for Milwaukee would allow high-performing charter schools to replicate without any approving authority.

Seeking Strategies to Combat Violence

Seeking Strategies to Combat Violence

Unite Milwaukee Anti-Violence Summit, all-day event, gathered experts, politicians and city residents to talk about reducing violence in the city.

New Park Impacts Neighborhood

New Park Impacts Neighborhood

Gillespie Park, at 14th and Wright, is outgrowth of neighborhood anti-crime effort.

Swing Park Nominated for MANDI Award

Swing Park Nominated for MANDI Award

And its story -- and controversies- keep getting retold.

Jobs Program Struggles to Find Eligible Workers

Jobs Program Struggles to Find Eligible Workers

City transitional jobs program for hard-core unemployed still has half of its positions unfilled.

New Program for Homeless Young Adults

New Program for Homeless Young Adults

Collaboration of two non-profits will renovate foreclosed homes on South Side to create housing for homeless.

Why I Was Arrested

Why I Was Arrested

As police stake out an expected protest, a reporter gets arrested. Was the arrest justified?

Milwaukee Stories: “I would like to be my own boss.”
Milwaukee Stories

“I would like to be my own boss.”

Lorenzo Williams is training to be a carpenter and eventually wants to start his own company.

Milwaukee Stories: “I have no trust in the judicial system.”
Milwaukee Stories

“I have no trust in the judicial system.”

Lu Ann Will's mentally-ill son was shot by police answering her call for help. She still doesn't understand how it happened.

Milwaukee Stories: “The one thing that can make us come together”
Milwaukee Stories

“The one thing that can make us come together”

Emanuel Coe, 21, has suffered the deaths of four members of his extended family. He didn't even cry at the last funeral.

Milwaukee Stories: “I didn’t know if I’d be able to live in a city.”
Milwaukee Stories

“I didn’t know if I’d be able to live in a city.”

Angie Opsahl, who moved to the city from Waukesha, mentored Willie Hines and other urban teens.

Milwaukee Stories: “Some women change their mind, save their babies.”
Milwaukee Stories

“Some women change their mind, save their babies.”

Anne Franczek wanted to be a psychologist, but instead has devoted her life to protesting at abortion clinics, trying to get women to change their mind.

Milwaukee Stories: “Everything I have, I’ve done for my kids”
Milwaukee Stories

“Everything I have, I’ve done for my kids”

Jennifer Garcia is a single mother who has struggled in order to give her children a better life.

Milwaukee Stories: “No one’s really here to help the parents.”
Milwaukee Stories

“No one’s really here to help the parents.”

Calvin Weston and his fiancé are struggling to take back their kids from the child welfare bureau. Are they punished for being poor?

Milwaukee Stories: “A lot of changes are being made here.”
Milwaukee Stories

“A lot of changes are being made here.”

Todd Kubera owns an auto body shop in the Midtown neighborhood where he grew up. He thinks it could be on the rebound.

Milwaukee Stories: “Between the yard and house, it could be a full-time job.”
Milwaukee Stories

“Between the yard and house, it could be a full-time job.”

Stewart Dempsey has spent 26 years fixing up his historic, 1883 home. It's all been worth it -- most of the time.

Milwaukee Stories: “I want that; I just don’t know how to get that”
Milwaukee Stories

“I want that; I just don’t know how to get that”

Davontae Thompson knows his future awaits him. He's just not sure what it is.

Milwaukee Stories: “You had to learn how to take care of yourself”
Milwaukee Stories

“You had to learn how to take care of yourself”

Jared Lazarevich has lots of autographed baseballs and sports memorabilia. But a good job can be hard to come by.

Milwaukee Stories: “God gives you a creativity”
Milwaukee Stories

“God gives you a creativity”

An artist, musician and stonecutter, now 67, stills believes in the joy of life.

Milwaukee Stories: “Everything happens for a reason; there are no accidents in the universe”
Milwaukee Stories

“Everything happens for a reason; there are no accidents in the universe”

LeVar Burton, who’s known for hosting Reading Rainbow, is still using good old-fashioned storytelling to teach children to read.

Milwaukee Stories: “So many things, now, the older I get, they aren’t here any more”
Milwaukee Stories

“So many things, now, the older I get, they aren’t here any more”

Born in 1935, Marilyn Radke is just trying to get as much good living in as she can.

Milwaukee Stories: “We’re trying to find what happened to the positive”
Milwaukee Stories

“We’re trying to find what happened to the positive”

Erika Harvey and Precious Taylor worry that one day violence will randomly find them.

Milwaukee Stories: “Anywhere you hang your hat is your home”
Milwaukee Stories

“Anywhere you hang your hat is your home”

Art Guenther has run Just Art's for 34 years, and mostly enjoyed it, though he's kicked out customers, including Jeffrey Dahmer.

Milwaukee Stories: “It’s all in what you appreciate.”
Milwaukee Stories

“It’s all in what you appreciate.”

When Barbara Gerow, 75, considers her life, more than anything she remembers the people.

Milwaukee Stories: “I’ve always liked helping people.”
Milwaukee Stories

“I’ve always liked helping people.”

Mia Williams was one one of nine children of a single mother. So many children, she says, need a helping hand.

Milwaukee Stories: “You grow up, you have kids and everything changes”
Milwaukee Stories

“You grow up, you have kids and everything changes”

Farence Rogers is looking forward to just one thing, his son graduating from college.

Milwaukee Stories: “We just need more cooperation.”
Milwaukee Stories

“We just need more cooperation.”

Philip Chinn came back to Milwaukee from Columbus, but plans to move on, to seek a more progressive political climate.

Milwaukee Stories: “You’re always meeting people.”
Milwaukee Stories

“You’re always meeting people.”

From his watermelon stand, Douglas Moore chats up all the customers -- even the grumpy ones.

Milwaukee Stories: “No one asked me about my feelings until I was 27.”
Milwaukee Stories

“No one asked me about my feelings until I was 27.”

Todd Bennett, the "Lizard Cowboy of Brady Street," reflects on his life.

Running For Good Food

Running For Good Food

Growing Power's 5K run supports organization and combats urban food deserts.

Residents Debate Beerline Trail Extension

Residents Debate Beerline Trail Extension

Riverwest Artery trail would follow RR right of way into Harambee neighborhood.

Community Opposes North Side Tavern

Community Opposes North Side Tavern

“We’ve battled this tavern, this location, for years,” says Harambee neighborhood activist and city agrees, denying application.