A Message to Milwaukee — From the Heart

Milwaukee,

This past week has been one of the most difficult and heartbreaking I can remember as a leader and as a native son of this city. We’ve seen tragedy after tragedy, and our collective heart is heavy.

We mourn the loss of a 4-year-old child — a precious life taken too soon in senseless violence. We stood still as we laid Milwaukee Police Officer Kendall Corder to rest — a man who gave his life in service to protect ours. And our city weeps as we say goodbye to Antwan Hogans — “Tweezy” — a beloved brother, friend, entrepreneur, and community champion who was shot and killed while doing what he did best: loving and promoting the city he lived for.

No one loved Milwaukee more than Tweezy. He was the bridge between boardrooms and street corners — the rare soul who could speak to anyone and bring light anywhere. He was the spirit of Milwaukee. He was our unofficial mayor. And now, he’s gone.

And still, through the pain, we witnessed the power of unity. When a child went missing, Milwaukee did what Milwaukee can do — we came together. MPD responded immediately. Neighbors shared social media posts, flyers, prayers, and concern. The whole city stood up for that child. And it worked. That moment of unity must be our standard, not the exception.

We must take that same energy and apply it to every corner of this city.

As an elected leader, I remain committed. We will continue pushing for solutions — installing cameras, passing stronger policies, funding violence prevention, and lifting up organizations that are on the ground doing the work. But let’s be honest: it’s not enough if only some of us care.

If Milwaukee — ALL of Milwaukee — from the affluent to the struggling — cannot rise up together, we will continue to mourn more than we celebrate.

We need accountability from each other and belief in ourselves. We need the boardrooms, the neighborhoods, the barbershops, and the block parties to speak the same language: hope, respect, and action. We need prayer — but we also need people. All of us. Not just reacting to tragedy, but working daily to prevent it.

We must wake up, Milwaukee. And not just in grief — but in purpose. In love. In community. In change.

I will never stop believing in this city because I know what we’re capable of. Always stay hopeful. Always stay prayerful. And never forget — this city belongs to us. Let’s fight for it like we love it.

Rest in peace to our lost brothers and sisters. Let their names live on in what we build together.

With love and faith,

Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II

Proud son of Milwaukee

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.