Dontre Hamilton

Hands Off Our Rights “All Out For Reproductive Freedom” Rally & March

Who Wants To Redesign Red Arrow Park?

Downtown park on Water St. targeted for redesign to increase its use and accessibility.

MPD’s New Body Cam Release In Effect, But Advocates Still Have Concerns

Police union previously sued to stop policy's implementation.

Chisholm Reflects on Time as Milwaukee’s Top Prosecutor

He has served for 17 years as DA, overseeing turbulent times in city's history.

Ruben Alcantar Will Paint Mural In Black Cat Alley

Artist became well known for his work on 2020 racial justice murals.

Congresswoman Gwen Moore Announces State of the Union Guest

Moore will welcome former Milwaukee Bucks player Sterling Brown

Project RETURN Celebrates 42 Years of Serving the Formerly Incarcerated with Annual “Celebrate the Return” Gala

How Milwaukee Police Do Cell Phone Surveillance

A log of 227 investigations reveals how MPD phone surveillance works.

Read an excerpt from new book centered on Milwaukee musician Klassik

Ahead of his Summer Solstice performance and Juneteenth, travel back to the summer of 2020 and the creation of his song “Black Holiday.”

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Unveiled

A memorial bench for Black man killed by police officer installed in Red Arrow Park.

The Peaceful Protest Canceled against District 18 County Supervisor Elect-Republican Deanna Alexander

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Report Backs New State Law On Police Shootings

Prosecute them under civil rights law, argues former Republican US Attorney.

Wisconsin Police Departments Struggle With Officer Retention

City of Milwaukee lost 500 officers to retirement over past five years.

One Year After Jacob Blake Shooting Kenosha Seeks Answers

Still dealing with fallout from police shooting, protests, killing of protestors.

Activists Say Police Reform Bills Not Enough

Elected officials, policing activists say task force bills are not substantive reforms.

People’s Revolution Marks One Year of Marches

Group’s members vow to continue pushing for change.

Supervisor Coggs-Jones Statement on One-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder

Bill Would End ‘Municipal Shuffle’ of Police Officers

Legislation by Rep. Moore Omokunde would decertify police officers trying to avoid firing, investigation.

Board Approves Dontre Hamilton Memorial

Memorial bench and plaque in Red Arrow Park to honor man killed by a police officer.

Rightly, a memorial will mark Dontre Hamilton’s legacy

Statement of Alderman Khalif J. Rainey May 21, 2021

Supervisor Taylor Secures Funding for Dontre Hamilton Memorial Bench

African American Roundtable Pushes For Change

Founded in 2012, advocates for voter education, $15 minimum wage, defunding police.

Dontre Hamilton Memorial Proposed for Red Arrow Park

A Dontre Hamilton Memorial Bench would be installed in the downtown park.

Supervisor Taylor to Introduce Resolution Funding Dontre Hamilton Memorial Bench

Curfew Tickets During Protests Look Biased

Black residents hit by 64% of curfew violations during Milwaukee’s Spring 2020 protests.

Protesters Rally After Chauvin Verdict

Local activists, members of The People's Revolution celebrate, call for further efforts to achieve justice.

Honoring Limbaugh But Not Black History

Republican legislators back resolution to honor Rush, resist celebrating Black History Month.

Marquette Law School to host “Policing and Accountability — A Community Conversation,” March 10

Committee Rejects Ann Wilson’s FPC Reappointment

But even if council affirms rejection, Wilson could continue to serve.

Joint Statement on Charging Decision in Jacob Blake Case

From members of the Milwaukee Common Council: Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Nik Kovac, Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, Alderman José G. Pérez and Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

Before Picking New Chief, Fix Policing

Milwaukee’s system of policing has been broken for years. We need to rethink it.

How Nate Hamilton Became a Leader

The late Dontre Hamilton's brother takes responsibility for his family and his city.

Kenosha Is Charlottesville

And a country divided by its president cannot stand.

Frank Nitty Leads March from Milwaukee to Washington D.C.

750-mile march ends with Nitty speaking at rally on steps of Lincoln Memorial in front of thousands. Blake, Acevedo, Hamilton families also present.

The George Floyds of Wisconsin

11 Black men, one Latino male killed by police in last decade in state. When will it end?

BLOC Statement on the shooting of Jacob Blake

Rep. Bowen Statement on Shooting of Jacob Blake

“I Am Tired of Talk”

Statement from the Milwaukee Bucks

Riots in Kenosha After Police Shooting

Black man, Jacob Blake shot in the back multiple times; Evers demands action, state probe launched.

Gov. Evers Releases Statement on Kenosha Shooting

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Activist Coalition Holds Largest March of DNC

But tensions nearly boiled over when counter-protesters disrupted the demonstration.

Pop-Up Poetry Protest Performs Downtown

Timed for Democratic convention, local poets declaimed the “State of the Union in Stanzas.”

Local Activists Plan DNC Demonstration

They've been holding "banner drops" to support families of victims of police killings.

Coalition to March on the DNC Plans Banner Drops in Lead Up to Action on August 20

How To Understand These Historic Protests

These resources will put the nationwide protests in a proper context.

March Honors Ernest Lacy, Died in MPD Custody in 1981

62nd day of marches honor Lacy, who would have turned 62 Tuesday.

Resolution requiring MPD members to issue business cards to be before the Council

Can Police Be Defunded?

Milwaukee spends 125 times more on cops than violence prevention. Chief Morales fights call to change funding priorities.

Citizen Group Unhappy with MPD’s Community-Oriented Policing

Community Collaborative Commission says MPD's latest report falls short of recommendations.

The Tale of Two Milwaukees

Oft-used phrase helps explain the disinvestment in Black neighborhoods.

New Mural Honors Milwaukee Activists

Mural depicts Frank Nitty, Tommy Franecki, Vaun Mayes, Markasa Tucker and others.

Board Passes Racial Equity Proposal

A response to calls for police reform aimed at courts, sheriff's office, transit system.

Milwaukee Mothers Rally For Racial Justice

“I need this country to be better for my children.”

Protests Spur a Wave of Public Art

Murals and chalk art become a growing presence as marchers fill streets.

Council Okays Planning for 10% Police Cut

Requires city budget office to model what cut would look like, in time for fall budget debate.

Harambee Area Gets Breonna Taylor Mural

Two artists that worked on the George Floyd mural painted this one on Locust and Holton.

Chief’s Crucifixion Message Panned by Council

13 members sign letter urging Morales: stop chiding protesters and listen to their message.

Thousands March While Attorney In Custody For Spitting In Protester’s Face

Giannis and other Bucks players show up at one of seven marches.

Nate Hamilton Joins the March

Film About Milwaukee Police Killing Dontre Hamilton is Free this Week

Filmmaker removes fees to watch award-winning documentary.

Artists Paint George Floyd Memorial on Riverwest-Harambee Border

Mural at the corner of N. Holton Street and E. North Avenue honors victims of police killings.

Evers Calls For Action to Dismantle ‘Systemic Racism’

Governor says, "We must use this dark moment to begin to be an example for the rest of the nation."

Gov. Evers: We Must Confront Society’s Comfort with Racism

Many Milwaukee Leaders Support Protests

Community leaders, politicians release statements, Common Council calls for Milwaukee Police reforms.

Peaceful March Ends at 3 a.m. Near Capitol Dr.

March goes over 15 miles, including through Whitefish Bay, Shorewood and Glendale, before ending back in Milwaukee.

Fourth Night of Protest Begins Peacefully

“We are peaceful, we are peaceful,” the protesters shouted.

Protesters Stop at Red Arrow Park

Protesters stop at the site where Dontre Hamilton was killed by police officer Chris Manney on April 30, 2014. pic.twitter.com/HN7YK8Jtis — Graham Kilmer (@grahamkilmer) June 2, 2020

In Milwaukee we need reforms and better communication, accountability

Statement of Common Council President Cavalier Johnson June 1, 2020

Gov. Evers Releases Statement on Death of George Floyd

Rep. Bowen Statement on Passing of Civil Rights Attorney Jonathan Safran

“A Giant Fighter for Justice in Milwaukee”

Jimmy Harris’s Long Struggle for Justice

Pulled over by police and beaten, he filed and won — finally — a civil rights lawsuit.

2 Police Brutality Settlements Before the City

Council could approve $260,000 in settlements Tuesday.

The Lessons of Baltimore

A city falling apart, its police department dysfunctonal. Can Milwaukee learn from this?

Questions Surround Vaun Mayes’ Arrest

Charged with plot to firebomb police, Mayes is a dedicated community worker, supporters say.

5 Citizens To Give Sincere Thanks

Our Thanksgiving class of 2018, five Milwaukeeans who've made this a better city.

City Attorney Shifts Blame to Sterling Brown

"The comments from City Attorney Langley are troubling."

Will Settlement Change Police Practices?

Community leaders hope ACLU suit’s settlement will improve cops’ interactions with minorities.

A Call for Police Reforms

Community members cite Sterling Brown incident, demanding MPD reforms.

Police Video Gets National Attention

Police confrontation with Bucks player gets national headlines, raises troubling questions.

Stop-and-Frisk Suit Could Cost $6 Million

Council members struggle with the rising price tag. Will they approve settlement?

Arrest Near 51st and Capitol Raises Questions

The man’s violent struggle with multiple police officers during the arrest was captured on video by several witnesses, and it is very difficult to watch

ACLU Study Finds Racism By Police

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

The Mystery of Flynn Vs. Regan

Is the police chief or Fire & Police boss guilty of official misconduct?

Ed Flynn Looks Back — And Ahead

The Common Council, he says, was a “little like middle school.”

Community Groups Want Say On Police Chief

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

22% of City Workers Live in Suburbs

Nearly 1,000 workers have left city since state ended residency rule.

Town Hall Meetings Discuss Police Reforms

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

Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund for Individual Artists Suitcase Export Fund Launches Fifteenth Funding Cycle

The Suitcase Export Fund is open to practicing artists residing within the four-county area who want to export their work beyond the area for public display.

How a Great Documentary Was Made

Milwaukee Film Fest favorite explores the shooting of Dontre Hamilton. How was it made?

Record-breaking Milwaukee Film Festival Attendance; 9% Increase to 84,702

The Blood is at the Doorstep wins Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award

Walker Out of Bounds on NFL Protests: Violence is Violence

Wisconsin Governor Thinks He Should Decide What NFL Players’ Priorities Should Be

5 Films to See at Milwaukee Film Festival

Don't miss these 5 films, including one that will hit particularly close to home.

Laughter, Inspiration, & Cocktails: Milwaukee Film Reveals Spotlight Presentations

Director and subjects set to attend inspiring Opening Night film STUMPED. U.S. Premiere scheduled for documentary celebrating creative cocktails, Schumann’s Bar Talks.

Milwaukee Film Announces Full Lineup of Cream City Cinema Program

Popular annual program supports local filmmakers with $12,500 in cash prizes to be awarded. WebsterX, The Fatty Acids, and IshDARR music videos to be a part of shorts showcase

US Rep. Moore Reintroduces Bill to Prevent Violent Altercations Between Police & Civilians

"As summer begins and temperatures rise, as do tensions between communities and the law enforcement officials sworn to protect them."

Local Leaders Demand Clarke’s Removal

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

Sparks Fly Over Hamilton Settlement

Council approves $2.3 million settlement, but black aldermen debate Donovan.

Safe Zones Project Sees Success

Community policing helped homicides, shootings decline in two neighborhoods.

Mixed Reactions to Charges in Sylville Smith’s Killing

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

The Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s Mary L. Nohl Fund for Individual Artists Suitcase Export Fund Launches Fourteenth Funding Cycle

The Fund contributes to the creative health of the region by supporting local artists at all career stages.

Learning From Cincinnati’s Police Reform

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

Sylville Smith Probe Looks Suspicious

AG Brad Schimel’s links to Milwaukee Police raise questions about his investigation.

City’s “Second-Class Citizens” Are Frustrated

As Ald. Rainey has argued, racism led to violent uprising.

Racism Led to Violent Weekend, Residents Say

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

Rep. Bowen addresses the upcoming “Blue Day Rally” and the necessity of police accountability in the community

"What the whole state needs to hear. That Black Lives must matter and those who advocate for them need this community’s support too."

Can Chisholm Be Beaten?

The DA pleads for help as dark money from outside the county blasts him.

Black Residents Talk About Police Misconduct

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

Supervisor Marcelia Nicholson Announces Call to Action Regarding Recent Unarmed Victims of Police Shootings

Black Men in Milwaukee County Are At Risk; We Must Act Now

Bill to Prevent Tragedies Between Police and Communities They Serve

Today, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement

Crowd Gathers for Justice, Better Policing

Two years after Dontre Hamilton’s death, his family and supporters march to demand changes.

Will Murphy Lose Council Presidency?

Race could be wide open and Ashanti Hamilton might have surprising supporters.

Youth Tell DOJ About Police Abuse

Department of Justice listening sessions here suggest Milwaukee has problems.

Did Democratic Debate Help Milwaukee?

And did Clinton or Sanders win? Morning-after reflections.

Mental Health: A Community Conversation

I’ve heard from many citizens with questions and concerns about mental health services in Milwaukee.

Critics Demand Federal Probe of Police Department

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

County Will Allow Politics in Parks

“Bizarre” ban on political activity had restricted free speech for more than a decade.

Nate Hamilton Still Fighting for Justice

Brother of Dontre Hamilton, who was killed by a cop, has created the Coalition for Justice.

Omnibus Provides Much Needed Support for Students, Police, and Businesses

In response to the passage of the FY 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill in the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement:

U.S. Rep. Moore Welcomes DOJ Investigation of Milwaukee PD

In response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s announcement that it will launch a collaborative reform initiative with the Milwaukee Police Department, Congresswoman Moore released the following statement:

Rep. Bowen statement on arrest of peaceful protesters at Milwaukee City/County Christmas Tree Lighting

"Not one more penny of taxpayer money should be used to prosecute them."

Democrat challenging John Chisholm has uphill battle

GOP Circus Puts Spotlight on Milwaukee

Protestors protested as Republican presidential candidates debated. So who won?

DOJ Closes Review Into the Death of Dontre Hamilton

“As a mother to two young Black men, I am especially saddened by the Department of Justice’s decision not to bring criminal civil rights charges against Officer Christopher Manney.”

MaryNell Regan on the Hot Seat

New head of embattled Fire & Police Commission wants to allow more community input into its decisions.

2015 Milwaukee Film Festival Attracts 70,885 Attendees for a 10% Increase Over 2014

The Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Award for feature film goes to Romeo is Bleeding

26 Films From Best to Worst

Update of my ranking of all films seen. Audiences, I confess, didn't necessarily agree.

Twelfth Annual Nohl Fellowship Exhibition Opens at INOVA, October 9

Each autumn, the Nohl exhibition affords us an opportunity to stop and consider what it means to be an artist in greater Milwaukee at a specific moment in time.

Slow response to police union records request to cost city $13,000

Sheriff Clarke Should Drop the Act

He's become the vehicle for dog-whistle narratives that Fox anchors would never dare utter themselves.

Officer-involved shootings could be reduced with better police training on mental illness

“Training for law enforcement on how to properly interact with people with mental health challenges is not just the fiscally responsible thing to do, it’s the humane thing to do.”

The Fallacy of Black-on-Black Crime

83% of white murders are committed by whites, so why doesn't that get similar discussion?

Million Mom March to DC

Local mothers joining march to demand justice for those killed by police or white vigilantes.

A good cop, and a bad Fire and Police Commission decision

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan March 24, 2015

Does “Broken Windows” Theory Hurt Milwaukee?

Police Chief Ed Flynn is one of the foremost practitioners of aggressive policing getting national criticism.

Who Is Funding the Anti-Streetcar Effort?

Ald. Bauman and others are certain that dark money is pouring in for this, which streetcar opponents deny.

Why I Was Arrested

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

Rep. Gwen Moore Calls on DOJ Review of Milwaukee Police Procedures

Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) sent the following letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division

Red Arrow Park decision demonstrates need for additional reforms

Joint Statement from Common Council members Ashanti Hamilton, Russell W. Stamper II, Milele A. Coggs, Willie C. Wade and José G Pérez

Chisholm Decision Triggers Controversy

DA decides not to charge officer who killed mentally ill man, leaving community divided over issue.

Rep. Taylor’s statement on Dontre Hamilton Case

"Our new law also requires that when no charging decisions are issued following an officer-involved death, the criminal report must be released to the public."

Rep. Gwen Moore on Decision to Not File Charges in Dontre Hamilton Shooting

"It is paramount that we channel our collective grief and frustration in a constructive manner."

Supervisor David Bowen Questions Hamilton Decision

Says 14 Shots “Excessive,” Urges Community to Stand Firm Against Injustice

In a broken city, questions remain

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. December 22, 2014

Hamilton shooting a tragedy all around, but war on cops needs to end

Police aren’t the problem, they’re part of the solution

Statement of Common Council President Michael J. Murphy December 22, 2014

"It’s important, in the wake of the district attorney’s decision today, that we recognize first and foremost the pain that continues for the family of Dontre Hamilton."

Statement from ACLU of Wisconsin on DA Decision in Police Shooting of Dontre Hamilton

Statement from Chris Ahmuty, ACLU of Wisconsin Executive Director

Through the riots, see the pain, and learn from the lessons of Ferguson

Joint statement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, Alderman Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

The Ed Flynn Factor

Politico Magazine concludes Milwaukee is an innovator in policing. Why? Chief Flynn’s leadership.

The Modest Ranch Home of Ald. Joe Davis

The mayoral candidate lives in the Hampton Heights neighborhood where assessments have declined and crime has risen. Small wonder he's concerned about that issue.

District Attorney watches while the City of Milwaukee implodes

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. November 11, 2014

Cops in Shootings Should Be Promptly Named

Police Chief Flynn waited more than five months to identify officer who shot Dontre Hamilton. The public deserves better.

Key information remains under wraps in Dontre Hamilton case

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. October 31, 2014

Milwaukee County Supervisor Khalif Rainey Applauds Committtee Approval of Body Cameras For Law Enforcement in County Budget

Says Technology and Training Can Assist in Protecting Public and Officers

Executive Order, Keystone: No on the pipeline, yes on the cops

Press release from the Red Arnold campaign

Cop’s firing warrants more comment

Statement from Alderman Bob Donovan October 16, 2014

Open Records Request filed to provide Red Arrow Park answers

Statement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs September 30, 2014

Hamilton family and community deserve answers soon

Statement from Common Council President Michael J. Murphy September 15, 2014

MPD actions further damage public faith

Statement of Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. September 15, 2014

Hamilton case shows need for new county investigation unit

Statement from Alderman Joe Davis, Sr. September 10, 2014