We must make efforts to get ahead of the brewing storm – Pushing back is not enough

Over the course of the past week, disturbing and racist fliers were distributed on Milwaukee’s south side. This not only occurred in Milwaukee, but in other Wisconsin municipalities as well. Unfortunately, I fear these unsavory tactics that are used to intimidate and harass others are only a precursor of what is to come. We must get organized and ready. Ready not only to push back when these symbolic acts of terrorism occur, but ready to get out in front of them and those that would be so bold as to think they now have an unfiltered license to come out of the shadows and spew hateful rhetoric.

In short order, I will be meeting and organizing with community leaders to build a broad coalition that can proactively position us to be one-step ahead of the hate. I will also be meeting with the City Attorney’s Office and public safety officials so that we can ensure that people know what to do if they feel unduly pressured, threatened, and/or harassed regarding their residency.

Lastly, I commit to working with state and federal officials, on both sides of the aisle, to create a clear set of processes and protocols to respond to acts of hate before they occur. We must get out in front of the hate and racism that unfortunately is here and very real, and will be used by those that feel as though they now have a green light to intimidate Milwaukee residents.

Simply pushing back is not enough.

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.