A Message to James Wigderson from “The Number 1 Convict”

As a student at Riverside University High School I would love to speak not only for myself, but for the entire Milwaukee Public Schools student body! I feel compelled to speak out because of the role I play in our community and because of who I am as a person.

I would simply like to thank our critic James Wigderson. Thanks for opening our eyes to realize that people like you still exist. Being in MPS my entire life, my feelings took a serious hit because of your hateful rant about the facilities upgrade at Vincent High School. I am proud to say that you are everything our great teachers prepare us for.

In every bunch there are always bad grapes, but who are you to blame the entire vine?! But let’s list facts: The $5.7 million stadium that you’re so disturbed about will only increase our numbers academically, it will only increase MPS attendance and it will help to LOWER the number of students that are sent to the penitentiary that you speak so fondly of.

For you to label us convicts was completely discourteous and mean spirited. I encourage you to continue to keep up with our dollars, not only how much we’re spending, but also the huge number of scholarships we earn and the significant return on investment that total represents.

MPS raised us to stay focused, to beat the odds and to see veiled hate and racism like yours when it bubbles up from a darker place.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.