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2012-05-21 Super User Latest

eace for Change Alliance Inc. & Team Stop the Violence Presents: Stop the Violence Self Development Workshops…. The Community will win the war on crime… Boys to Men, Girls to Women, Social Network, Parenting Involvement Time to take action and handle our responsibilities… CHANGE MUST START NOW!!! These workshops is a follow- up from the “Bridging the Gap” Stop the Violence Youth Summit from September 10, 2011. The event will take place on Saturday November 5, 2011 at 2 pm to 5 pm. Sponsored by COA Goldin Center located at 2320 W. Burleigh St., Milwaukee, WI 53206. For more info call Tracey Dent- 217-766-4568 or COA – 414-449-1757. A collaboration with Team stop the Violence – Big Mike and Peace for Change Alliance- Tracey Dent. Visit here for more information

Bridging the Gap

Workshops from “Bridging the Gap” Stop the Violence Summit Nov. 5 28 October 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

A Violent flash mob was stopped before it got started this week at Mayfair Mall. This proves that we can stop violence if the community works together. As Peace for Change Alliance posted statuses on 3 different Facebook pages, asking teens not to do it and asking parents to step in and stop their children from going to Mayfair. Big Mike-Mike Haggler made a video encouraging teens not to cause violence at Mayfair Mall Monday night. Wauwatosa Police, Milwaukee Police and Mayfair Mall security phones were flooded in reference to the violent flash mob plan that was spreading all over facebook. They worked together as well as Bayshore Mall to precent any kind of flash mob. Thank you Facebook family for spreading the word, contacting the police and Mayfair Mall… Peace for Change Alliance- Tracey Dent, Team Stop the Violence – Mike Haggler (Big Mike), & One Mic Many Voices – Queli will be hosting a Stop the Violence Ralley this Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 1pm at the corner of North Ave. & HWY 100, to honor those who came together to stop the violent flash mob this past weekend at Mayfair Mall and also to ask everyone to have a safe New year and have a VIOLENT FREE WEEKEND!!! Also Peace for Change Alliance and Team Stop the Violence will be setting up a tip line on Facebook so we can work with the police to help reduce violence. Visit here for more information

Violent Flash Mob stopped

Violent flash mob stopped before it got started 30 December 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Young people in Milwaukee organized a rally and march on Tuesday evening, July 12 to demonstrate unity against violence in the aftermath of the BP gas station mob looting and attacks that occurred at the BP gas station on Humboldt and North on July 3rd. BP gas station co-owner Jay Walia addresses the crowd at Tuesday evening’s rally and march against violence. Other speakers included (l to r), Sen. Lena Taylor, Ald. Willie Wade, Ald. Nik Kovac, Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., Ald. Milele Coggs and rally organizer Michael Hagler. (Photo by Robert A. Bell) Dozens of young people were joined by local city officials, community organizers, parents and the co-owner of the BP gas station that was looted, Jay Walia expressed their disappointment in the mob looting and violent attacks that occurred in this Riverwest neighborhood two weeks ago. “These young people are here today, to remind us that not all young people are like the ones that were seen on the news, and in the media looting and attacking innocent people. There are plenty of good young people who live in this area and are elsewhere in Milwaukee that are about being positive and who can organize and be responsible.” Senator Lena Taylor expressed during the rally. Alderwoman Milele Coggs and Alderman Nik Kovac both represent the Riverwest neighborhood in their districts, both spoke at the rally and march with the young people as well. “While I was asked to be here to speak on behalf of the Common Council I am also joined by Ald. Kovac who shares the Riverwest district with me. Though we have a district that is divided into two representatives, the two of us are united in how we represent this area.” Coggs stated. Ald. Nik Kovac’s district is where the BP gas station is located, and yet Coggs’ portion is just across the street. Kovac spoke to the crowd, and stated, “Riverwest is a diverse community, representing a variety of ages, and races. This is the kind of neighborhood that has the future of Milwaukee in it–not segregated. Every city, and in every family there are some negative things that sometimes come out. We are here today, united to say we do not want this type of behavior to ever happen again here, and we are marching together to let people know that it will not be tolerated”. Michael Hagler better known in the community as ‘Big Mike’ was one of the organizers for the rally and march and has organized others throughout the city. Big Mike/STOP (Students Taking On Prevention) the Violence worked to help bring out these dozens of young people (about 100) on this Tuesday evening to demonstrate that the majority of young people are not like the ones that were shown looting, and attacking people. Also at the rally was recording artist Que, who spoke and marched as well, and later performed at the end of the march in the park to encourage these young people to stay on the right course and be positive. BP gas station co-owner Jay Walia spoke and thanked law enforcement for their quick response, he stated that he realizes that there are still some improvements that are needed within the city’s police department, but he says that since Chief Flynn has been in charge the response time has been faster. He also expressed thanks to the officers that stopped and helped at his store after the attack. He also acknowledged that since the incident, people in the neighborhood have had an extra eye open on his business. “The people here in the neighborhood have shown me and my business great concern, and they check on us quite often, since the incident.” Walia stated. State representative Leon Young, who had released a statement last week regarding his concern and disappointment in the actions of those who perpetrated the looting and attacks shared with the crowd his thoughts as well. “I grew up in this area, and the behavior that occurred on July 3rd is not how this community behaves. I would like to applaud all the parents and others who recognized various individuals on the looting video tape and for turning them in to the police. These individuals need to be punished. And I encourage any one else who knows of anyone who participated in that incident to also do the right thing and turn them in.” Young stated. Tracey Dent of the Peace for Change Alliance who is also a youth organizer said that this rally and march is not a Black thing or a White thing, it affects everyone. “This is about everyone getting involved, it’s not just up to the police, we need to help the police. They need us and we need them, the community needs to come together, all men need to come back home and take care of their business. Adults need to invest in the youth.” Dent said. The rally ended with a prayer, and the releasing of balloons that represented the victims from the July 3rd incident and for peace in the community. In his prayer the minister stated that the ‘no snitch code’ that some young people have needs to stop, and people need to hold each other accountable. He also stated that other pastors from throughout this city need to come out from their walls and get involved directly with the community. He ended by stating that it only takes one match to start a forest fire, and that his hope is that this march is the one match that lights a fire in people and the community to act against violence and for peace. Visit here for more information

Youth Organize Rally

Youth organize rally against violence 16 July 2011 By Cassandra Lans ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

A college fair on Friday is designed to make central city students more knowledgeable about applying for and attending college. Tracey Dent, the event's organizer, says that representatives from 23 colleges will be at the fair, which will be held at the COA Goldin Center, 2320 W. Burleigh St. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dent, an accountant who does charitable work around the north side through his Peace for Change Alliance, said he expects at least 750 middle school and high school students at the fair. Geoff Lowry, Goldin Center director, says the center is a co-sponsor. The center is part of COA Youth and Family Centers. At the fair, students will be able to learn about the SAT and ACT tests, the college application process, and which high school courses are helpful to take in preparation for college, according to information supplied by Dent. There also will be information on financial planning and financial aid, and on the Wisconsin Covenant, a state initiative that promises eighth-graders who do well in high school a spot in college and financial help. According to letters from fair organizers, middle school students will attend the fair in the morning, high school students in the afternoon. Dent said the colleges and universities represented at the fair include the universities of Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota, Iowa State University, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, UW-Parkside, Carroll University, Milwaukee Area Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College. He added that Miss Black Wisconsin 2009, Nzinga Thompson, will be there in the morning. Dent is the president of Peace for Change Alliance, which has also sponsored or co-sponsored the Milwaukee Walk Toward Wellness, a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and a Christmas toy drive. This is the group's first college fair. For more information on Friday's fair, call the Goldin Center at (414) 449-1757. Visit here for more information

College Fair 2009

College fair targets central city students By Tom Tolan of the Journal Sentinel Sept. 24, 2009 ...

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Young people and community leaders came together Saturday at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center to discuss solutions for reducing youth violence in Milwaukee. Two community groups, Peace for Change Alliance and Urban Grass Roots, sponsored the event, known as the Stop the Violence Youth Summit. It was organized as a result of mob incidents in July the Riverwest neighborhood and in August at State Fair Park, said Tracey Dent, founder and president of the alliance. "I'm tired of seeing the community look the other way," he said. "It's time for us to come together and fight the war on crime." Milwaukee Ald. Milele Coggs said that although the police department has reported a drop in crime, the city is still facing the challenge of violence. "People need to take a stand toward empowering our communities, ourselves and our children to be proactive and take a stand," she said. The purpose of the summit was to brainstorm ideas for reducing youth violence and for breaking the "code of silence" that sometimes allows people to get away with it. The group has planned a follow-up meeting for Jan. 7 to present its ideas and ways to implement them. Visit here from more information

Solutions to Youth Violence

Groups discuss solutions to youth violence By Gina Barton of the Journal Sentinel Sept. 10, 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Benny Sieu About 75 people take part in an anti-violence rally Tuesday at a gas station near E. North and N. Humboldt Blvd. that was ransacked by a mob early July Fourth. For the second time in less than two weeks, a large group of young people converged Tuesday at E. North Ave. and N. Humboldt Blvd. The first group looted a convenience store at the corner gas station. But the assemblage Tuesday was much larger and, instead of ransacking, they were condemning the actions of their unruly peers and praying for peace. "The young people that caused trouble here July 3rd are the minority; these are the majority," said Tracey Dent of the Peace for Change Alliance, one of the organizers of the rally and a march for peace. "These teens are about standards, they are about positive, they are about peace," Dent said. "Right here is a sample of the majority saying 'No, we're not having that anymore, we're taking a stand.' " The gas station was overrun by a mob of youths shortly after midnight July Fourth and shortly before several groups of Independence Day revelers at Kilbourn Reservoir Park were attacked, beaten and robbed by a large group of young people. Eight juveniles who swarmed through the gas station have either turned themselves in to police or were turned in by their parents. Police continue to investigate whether the convenience store looting and the park attacks were related. The demonstration Tuesday also was organized by Big Mike/STOP the Violence - Students Taking On Prevention. "We're here today because we know we can make a change," Michael Hagler III, 20, a rap artist known as Big Mike, told about 100 young people gathered in a lot across from the BP station. "We are here to set an example," Hagler said. "Others will want to make a change because they see you all." BP station co-owner Jay Walia said he was heartened by the gathering and reassured by an increased police presence in the area since the incident. "This reinforces my belief in young people," Walia said. "This reinforces my belief that most young people are good." Visit here for more information

Rally for Peace 2011

Youths gather near site of looting to rally for peace By Jesse Garza of the Journal Sentinel July 12, 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Young people and community leaders came together Saturday at the King Community Center in Milwaukee to discuss solutions for reducing youth violence in Milwaukee. Two community groups, Peace for Change Alliance and Urban Grass Roots, sponsored the event, known as the Stop the Violence Youth Summit. It was organized as a result of mob incidents in July in the Riverwest neighborhood and in August at State Fair Park, said Tracey Dent, founder and president of the alliance. "I'm tired of seeing the community look the other way," he said. "It's time for us to come together and fight the war on crime." Milwaukee Ald. Milele Coggs said that although the Milwaukee Police Department has reported a drop in crime, the city is still facing the challenge of violence. "People need to take a stand toward empowering our communities, ourselves and our children to be proactive and take a stand," she said. The purpose of the summit was to brainstorm ideas for reducing youth violence and for breaking the "code of silence" that sometimes allows people to get away with it. The group has planned a follow-up meeting for Jan. 7. Visit here for more information

Combat Violence 2011

Leaders, youth meet to combat violence From Journal Sentinel wire and staff reports. ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Spurred by a recent trend of violent incidents involving groups of youths, Milwaukee-area residents and law enforcement officials are turning to social media to nip disturbances in the bud. Residents, police and mall officials worked together earlier this week to prevent fighting and looting at Mayfair mall in Wauwatosa. Tracey Dent, president of the nonprofit Peace for Change Alliance Inc., said he became concerned after he started seeing Facebook status updates from youths around 11 a.m. Monday about plans for fighting at the mall. "I was seeing a lot of different postings from people because I have three pages," Dent said. "I have well over 10,000 Facebook friends. 'I've been hearing it's going to be packed up here on Mayfair.' 'There's going to be a fight at Mayfair.' " Michael Hagler III, a rapper known as Big Mike, contacted Dent, saying he had seen similar statements. "He called me up and said, 'Tracey, you hear what's going on up at Mayfair? There's going to be fights. People are talking about running and looting the place.' I got on all three of my pages, requesting the youth not to do the flash mobbing, and also encouraging the parents to talk to their children about it. I also asked people to do a copy-and-paste to spread the word." Big Mike posted a video on YouTube encouraging youths not to fight at the mall, and Wauwatosa police Capt. Jeff Sutter said about two dozen people called Wauwatosa police with warnings. "There was a plan for either a flash mob or a fight to occur between two large groups," Sutter said. "It had been originally scheduled for 1 o'clock in the afternoon. As things progressed, people posted it was changed to 4 o'clock in the afternoon. It's my understanding people posted counter, 'Please don't come,' 'Please don't do this, it doesn't do us any good.' " Wauwatosa police sent a sergeant and eight officers to the mall, where they questioned and requested identification from youths at bus stops. The mall pushed its curfew up to 1 p.m., and mall security officers stopped and questioned unaccompanied youths. Normally, Mayfair only requires visitors younger than 18 to be accompanied by adults after 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday. "People showed up who were clearly there for something," Sutter said, adding that nothing materialized. To prevent group incidents like the ones that were planned for Monday, Peace for Change Alliance Inc., police and local malls such as Mayfair and Bayshore Town Center search and monitor social media sites for clues that something is about to happen and coordinate with each other as soon as they get indications of a potential incident, Sutter said. "We do have processes and procedures in place that are designed to ensure a secure and comfortable environment," Bayshore Town Center general manager Chris Jaeger said in an e mail. "While we choose not to disclose specific information on how those processes work for security purposes, we are very pleased with the cooperation and support we receive from local authorities and the community as a whole on their implementation." On Monday, the strategy successfully helped prevent a disturbance. Nevertheless, Sutter was hesitant to rely solely on that approach. "The strategy is totally dependent on receiving the information, and that's the big wild card," he said. "Certainly proactive is better than reactive, but you have to get the information to begin with. It's not necessarily practical we're going to get it all the time." Dent said the group incidents appear to be becoming a trend among youths who are 12 to 20 years old. He said some are organized through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, while others - like the one in Riverwest on July 3-4, when youths ransacked a gas station - appear to be random acts where one or two people start running at the scene and others follow. "It must be some kind of trend like this is the 'in' thing to do now," he said. "Some people just don't think. They react first and think second. When it comes to these violent flash mobs, I think that's what happens. They do it just because someone else is doing it." Public records released to the Journal Sentinel show police did scour Facebook and Twitter as potential breeding grounds for the incident Aug. 4 at the Wisconsin State Fair when fairgoers were attacked, but Milwaukee police found no connection. Dent said that no specific group organizes the incidents, and that some youths are not generally violent, just bored and doing it for fun. He said cuts in after-school programs are part of the problem. Another part is parents not taking responsibility for raising and disciplining their children. "I talk to some youth, and they said the thing they need most from their parents is discipline," Dent said. "Children feel like their parents don't care about them, because the parents are so into their own life. I've (got) some people, the children are at home doing whatever and the parents are out at the club. When they were younger, they were 16, 17, getting pregnant. Now they're adults, but they don't want to give up their livelihood." Dent said his 12-member group will continue to monitor social media and plans to set up a 911 "inbox" on Facebook where youths can anonymously report planned incidents so the tips can be passed on to police. He said Hagler also is planning a dance event for youths to give them something to do. Similar violent group incidents have taken place in Chicago and Philadelphia this year. Most recently, on Monday evening, police arrested nine people for disorderly conduct after a fight in the food court of Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., that involved dozens of juveniles and young adults. *** RALLY IS SCHEDULED Peace for Change Alliance, Team Stop the Violence, Mike Hagler III and One Mic Many Voices-Queli will be holding a Stop the Violence rally at 1 p.m. Saturday at the corner of North Ave. and Highway 100 to honor those who came together to stop the incident Monday at Mayfair mall. *** ON THE WEB Find Tracey Dent on Facebook at Tra Dent, Tracy Dent or Tracey Dent. He can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The organization's website is www.pca-mke.org. Journal Sentinel reporters Larry Sandler and John Fauber contributed to this report. Visit here for more information

Mayfair Disturbance Prevented

Social media helps prevent Mayfair disturbance By Gitte Laasby of the Journal Sentinel Dec. 29, 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Angela Peterson Brian Burgess (right) moderates a youth town hall meeting with Marcell McCoy on Wednesday at the Gordon Park Pavilion, 1321 E. Locust St. Among the issues discussed at the meeting were dealing with stereotypes, peer pressure and recent violence at Riverwest and around the State Fair. Riverwest, Wisconsin State Fair attacks prompt youth discussion A lot of Tracey Dent's spare time has been spent building coalitions throughout the Milwaukee community. So much so that he started a nonprofit organization, the Peace for Change Alliance, aimed at supporting and developing youth and collaborating with other agencies that serve them. "We're just ordinary people who want to make a difference in the community," said Dent, whose 3-year-old organization has raised funds and volunteer support for a variety of charities, including the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund, Special Olympics and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "We have people in the community who want to give back, but they don't know who to go to. We reach out to those people," he said. "We get on the front line and ask others to join us." Along with its mentoring and tutoring program, the organization sponsors an annual college fair, a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and a Christmas toy drive. "They are doing a lot of great work in the community, particularly the community's social development," said Brandon Tanner, Greater Milwaukee regional director of development for Special Olympics. "Unfortunately in society, a lot of people don't have a solid family structure, and they need help and support." Now, Peace for Change has set its sights on one of the community's latest and most vexing concerns - the violent youth disturbances in the Riverwest community and around Wisconsin State Fair Park. It will host its first Stop the Violence youth summit at noon Sept. 10 at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St., to open a larger community conversation. "We want to hear from the youth about what exactly is going on in their lives. As adults, we assume we know what's wrong, but we want to hear from them," said Dent, who works full-time as legislative assistant for state Rep. Elizabeth Coggs (D-Milwaukee). "Youth look for people to look up to. If they don't see positive people out there, they keep doing what they are doing. If you promote peace, positive things will happen." The organization, which will hold a block cleanup before the summit, will rely on its young members to spread the message about the summit and serve as moderators during the event. "We need to wake up and realize we need to put an end to all of the violence," said Quintes "Que" Austin, 17, a member of the organization and a local rapper. "You can't let everyone influence you, especially if they are doing the wrong things. We can make a change in the community." Last week, Safe and Sound, which offers positive alternatives for youth at 28 safe places in youth centers throughout the city, also hosted a youth town hall meeting at the Gordon Park Pavilion to address the recent violence. "Incidents like this, we hope don't happen again, but those are the most unusual incidents," said Norma J. Balentine of Safe and Sound. "It's the normal things that are happening in the community that we need to find answers to. Why are kids being hostile and violent against one another? . . . As parents and adults, we need to find a way to listen and be less critical and judgmental." She said about 100 people, mostly youth, attended the town hall meeting. Participants expressed a desire to continue the dialogue as well as establish peer mentors and intergenerational conversations. "We need to keep youth occupied. We need to go around the neighborhood and talk to youth and see what they are interested in," said Brian Burgess, 18, who participated in the meeting. "I teach my cousins, brothers and sisters not to be followers," said Burgess, who plans to attend a follow-up meeting at 2:30 p.m. on Monday at COA-Riverwest, 909 E. Garfield St. "Some youth feel like they have to prove something to somebody," he said. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone." *** PEACE FOR CHANGE ALLIANCE Mission: Dedicated to promoting the healthy educational, emotional and social development of men and women of all ages through one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, consistent school-mentor communication and open mentor-child communication. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: (217) 766-4568 Faces of Hope focuses on Milwaukee-area people who need a hand and the organizations that are helping them. If you have story ideas, email Felicia Thomas-Lynn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (414) 224-2073. Visit here for more information

Groups Respond to Violence

Groups to respond to recent violence By Felicia Thomas-Lynn Aug. 13, 2011 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Rick Wood Community leaders, MPS students and others gathered Saturday at Washington High School to address ways to combat youth violence during a rally for peace, Clayvon Howard spent most of his middle school years with the wrong crowd - smoking, drinking and occasionally getting into fights. Until eighth grade, when he turned to a different group of friends, he was what he calls a "hood rat." "My other friends showed me that I can change it," Howard said. "I can be whatever I want to be." Saturday, the Washington High School of Information Technology senior stood tall with this message of change while serving as an emcee for an anti-violence rally hosted by his high school. The rally brought together city officials like Mayor Tom Barrett and Ald. Willie Hines, Milwaukee Public School administrators, Milwaukee students, community youth organizations, and nonprofit groups like Peace for Change Alliance. All gathered together for one common cause. "[We want] to help end violence in the school system as well as branch it out into the community," said Tracey Dent, president of the Peace for Change Alliance who partnered with other nonprofit initiatives and MPS to make the rally possible. As the first rally of its kind uniting MPS and community forces, it was initially supposed to be held March 10. But violent outbursts at MPS schools in recent weeks compelled Dent and MPS to move the date up to Saturday. Dent aimed to get the entire community involved in the rally. "You always got to remember that crime does not have a color, so it's important that everyone comes together," Dent said. MPS students took the lead in organizing and facilitating the event and recruited youth groups like the Milwaukee Flyers tumbling team and the Riverside Gospel Choir as entertainment between speakers. The rally also highlighted MPS programs geared toward anti-violence such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, which was created to curb disruptions and suspensions in schools. "What's key here is that the students are the ones organizing this with other groups in the community," said Tony Tagliavia, MPS media manager. "They're the ones stepping up to say we don't tolerate this in our communities, in our neighborhoods, and in our schools." Barrett added his voice to the call for change, commending the more than 220 students who chose to spend their Saturday at the rally instead of playing video games at home or hanging out with friends. "We want to make sure that we've got a safer city for the young people and for everyone," Barrett said. "Too many times, these phone calls I get are about young people who are victims of violence, and a lot of time crimes are perpetrated by other young people," he added. Barrett hopes to get jobs for 3,000 Milwaukee youths this summer with the help of employers throughout the city. In city government alone, he'd like to hire 130 interns. "You have to give young people something positive to do to be productive," Barrett said. Dent is on the same kind of mission as Peace for Change Alliance collaborates with the Milwaukee Urban League to plan summer youth events like a concert and resource fair. Dent and the MPS team of students encouraged everyone at the rally to sign a "Peace Begins with Me" pledge before leaving. They will also spread the pledge throughout MPS and potentially the community. Howard has optimism that Milwaukee and MPS will be able to change its bad habits just as he did. "It gets better," Howard said. "No matter how long it takes, it always gets better." Visit here for more information

Students Rally Against Violence

MPS, nonprofits and students rally against violence By Erica Breunlin of the Journal Sentinel Feb. 25, 2012 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

WISDEMS CEREMONY FOR WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH AWARDS TOMORROW MILWAUKEE – The winners of the state’s 2nd annual Black History Month Awards, presented by the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, will be announced tomorrow at a ceremony at MJ Cafe, 6901 W. Brown Deer Rd., from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.In all, three will be honored at the event: The Legacy Award recognizes someone who, over many years, has worked tirelessly to make a difference, support Democratic ideals and promote social activism. This award recognizes someone who younger generations look to for significant Democratic leadership. This year’s Legacy nominees are Mikel Holt, president of Malik Communications and associate publisher of the Milwaukee Community Journal, Will Allen, director of Growing Power, Inc., and Attorney James Hall Jr., president of the Milwaukee chapter of the NAACP. The Grassroots Organizer Award presented to that social activist who goes above and beyond any expectation of a volunteer. They believe in the Democratic causes they are fighting for and create positive energy for others. Nominees for this award this year include Mandela Barnes, lead organizer for the Milwaukee Inner-city Congregations Allied for Hope, Ronald Lemons, recall volunteer, and Tracey Dent, chief executive officer of Peace for Change Alliance, Inc. The Emerging Leader Award recognizes someone who has come of age recently in his or her role as a Democratic leader. They have been elected to lead the people and have represented their voice honorably. This year, the Leader award nominees are County Supervisor Nikiya Harris, Mahlon Mitchell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin and County Supervisor Eyon Biddle. The voting process includes nominations made to the Party that are then presented to the entire state for online voting. In addition to the three awards listed above, other recognitions and awards will be presented at the event.“With all of the incredible political activism our state has seen recently, this year’s Black History Month Awards are very special,” said Stephanie Findley, Black Caucus Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. “It will be a great honor to present this year’s awards and share with the community and entire state the accomplishments of these leaders.” Written by Paul I. Tascoupe Visit here for more information

Black History Month Awards 2012

WisDems Ceremony For Winners of This Year's Black History Month Awards Created on Friday, 17 February 2012...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Phase 3 of the Stop the Violence Town Hall Meeting Thursday April 5 This Thursday, April 5th come to Silver Spring Neighborhood Center for Phase 3 of the Stop the Violence Town Hall Meeting. Youth will express their concerns about the adults Phase 1 town hall meeting Yoth said.. 1. Feels the Adults don’t care about them 2. Don’t want their parents to be there friend BE PARENTS!! 3. Do not have respect for their parents Adults will express their concerns about the youths Phase 2 Town Hall Meeting 1. Adults don’t know how to be parents 2. Stress because of Job Market 3. Law about discplining their children Phase 3 we will address these concerns and more. This is open to everyone PLEASE COME OUT 6PM TO 7:30 Teen violence or youth violence is an ongoing problem and has been identified as a public health issue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Violence among teens includes acts of bullying, homicide, rape, robber, suicide and other violent acts where the teen can be a victim, an offender or witness to the violence. There are several risk factors that are related to teen violence: Drugs, Alcohol, Poor Family Functioning, poverty in the community, poor grades, lack of youth activities, etc. In some ways of help stopping some of the teen violence is: Make teens feel like they are in control of their own lives and destinies; Provide Teens with job training, Create an atmosphere that always includes an adult who nurtures and supports the teen, help teens develop a Consistency optimistic attitude. Tracey Dent – President of Peace for Change Alliance This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.pca-mke.org 217-766-4568 Visit here for more information

Stop the Violence Town Hall Meeting

Phase 3 of the Stop the Violence Town Hall Meeting Thursday April 5 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Prayer Vigil for Contessa Holt This evening at 6pm Prayer Vigil for Contessa Holt on 20th and Highland. Contessa was the young lady who’s SUV was in a crash with the school bus this past week on 20th and Highland. Prayers goes out to the family and friends. died at the seen at a young age of 27… Please come out and show support and love to the friends and family of Contessa Holt… Peace for change Alliance, CYD, One Mic Many Voices and Urban Grass Roots. Tracey Dent- President of Peace for Change Alliance Inc. 217-766-4568 www.pca-mke.org This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Visit here for more information

Prayer Vigil for Contessa Holt

Prayer Vigil for Contessa Holt ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Peace for Change Alliance and Urban Grass Roots Inc.’s held a “Stop the Violence” Summit called “Bridging the Gap” at the Martin Luther King Community Center, 1531 W. Vliet St. The goal of the summit was for youth and adults to start communicating and work on a solution for the violence that is crippling our community. A diverse group of leaders and youth met to develop strategies to break the ‘code of silence’ and reduce the acceptance of youth violence that pervades the youth culture. (Photo by Yvonne Kemp) Visit here for more information

Stop the Violence Summit

Stop the Violence Summit held recently ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Peace for Change Alliance Inc and Urban Grass Roots will host the follow-up to the Stop the Violence Youth Summit. The event, titled “Bridging the Gap,” will take place Saturday, January 28 at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, 5460 N. 64th St. Public officials and their youth leaders will give their plan on how they will reduce crime for 2012. As you know to win the war on crime, is a process and it’s going to take everyone to work together, share information and resources. Bridging the Gap Youth Summit is designed for youth, and adults to start communicating and work on a solution for the violence that is crippling our communities. Diverse group of leaders and youth will meet to develop strategies to break the “code of silence” and reduce the acceptance of youth violence that pervade the youth culture. This event provides a forum for youth to express their views on the causes of and solutions for violence. While minimizing the division in Milwaukee County between youth and adults. Visit here for more information

Bridging the Gap Summit

Bridging the Gap Summit to be held January 28 ...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

The energy that flows from Tracey Dent is gentle and filled with quiet passion and warmth. Tracey refers to himself as an ordinary person who wants to make a difference in his city, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. What’s ordinary about Tracey? Nothing. As a child, Tracey was alone a lot. His closest sibling in age was seven years older than he was. His mother had men on her mind, not her youngest son. After school, Tracey played with neighborhood kids. Tracey didn’t realize that when these boys called him the “N” word that they were parroting the racism of their white-skinned parents and mainly white, middle class neighbors. By chance, an older brother of Tracey’s overheard the language his brother’s friends used, and made sure that they stopped that uncivilized behavior. After graduating from North Division High School, Tracey went after a degree in Accounting at University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In addition to what Tracey says is his most valuable accomplishment, his daughter Azaria, he was the 2003 YMCA Black Achievers’ Champion Achiever. He recently was nominated for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance of Black School Educators’ community service award. Awards mean nothing, Tracey Dent says. Some awards go to a lot of undeserving people and corporations, he qualified. But Tracey’s dedication to improving the quality of life for young Milwaukeeans is award worthy. Tracey Dent serves 100 Black Men as vice-president, and is a member of the NAACP, the Advisory Council for the Blood Center of Wisconsin, and the Urban League Young Professionals. In January 2011, State Representative Elizabeth M. Coggs brought Tracey into her office as her Legislative Assistant. This work enables Tracey to run his greatest gift to Milwaukee: Peace for Change Alliance. Inc., PCA. Through PCA, Tracey Dent is achieving his goal: To collaborate with other youth agencies and reach as many poor young people as possible to help them move from hopelessness to hope, self-respect and positive productivity. Back in 2008, Tracey’s friends Monte’a Williams, Charonn McCarver and James Kirk joined Tracey and formed his PCA board of directors as vice-president, treasurer and secretary; Tracey is CEO/president. They incorporated PCA the following year. The images accompanying this profile represent some of the work that PCA has accomplished since its inception. Concealed Carry Law increases danger to Milwaukee youth The most recent “Stop the Violence Self-Development Workshops” was held on the first Saturday in November. In addition to PCA, this day of empowerment included Team Stop the Violence – Big Mike; Vtexsa, Self-ent…, Man2Man. This well-attended event was sponsored by COA Goldin Center. Before the young men and women broke into separate workshops, Tracey told the group that the fear for 2012 is that flash mob members could be killed. The new concealed carry law allows hidden weapons on buses, in stores, anywhere. There have been about 45,000 applications for this right to date; gun sales have increased: between November 1 and 21, the Department of Justice gun background check request hotline received 7,355 calls from gun retailers. The average monthly calls in 2011 equal 6,550. Big Mike urged the young people to avoid going to “bash” parties. He encouraged them to patrol their own neighborhoods, as well as to help their neighbors. Young people are the eyes and ears neighborhoods, Big Mike said. If they see or hear signs of violence, which includes bullying, it is imperative that they get to safety first before calling 911, he said. Big Mike underlined the importance of NOT trying to help the victim. He said that the more calls that are made to 911, the more patrol cars the police will put on the streets to safeguard neighborhoods. Making these calls, he emphasized, makes the cops accountable. The truth, Mike said, is that “snitches don’t get stitches.” But, for those who do not want to call the police directly, set up a phone tree among neighbors to call those who are willing to dial 911. “The police are friends, they are not the enemy.” What follows are some of the comments that workshop participants’ listed on their evaluation forms: From the Boys to Men Workshop: I learned that we do have strong black leadership in the community, and when utilized properly, we can make a difference. Nothing important ever comes easy. High standards are important to success. I appreciated hearing examples of real solutions to the root cause of black suffering. The positive message and images of what it requires to be a man impressed me. Girls to Women Workshop Evaluation Quotes: Learned how so many girls and women have drive and dreams. Taking life to the next level. That if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. I liked listening to the other women’s stories. Not long ago, Tracey also initiated a joint venture with the Milwaukee Police Department that is endorsed by Assistant Chief of Police James Harpole. The goal is to reduce crime in the community and build trust between Milwaukee residents and law enforcement. To help Peace for Change Alliance, Inc., improve the future of Milwaukeeans, please call Tracey at 217–766–4568 or visit http://www.pca-mke.org/ Visit here for more information

Profile of Success

Profile of Success: Tracey Dent, Safeguarding Milwaukee Youth By Patricia Obletz, Editor www.MilwaukeeRenaissance.com/P...

2012-05-21 Super User Latest

Gary Porter Isaiah Alexander, 15, was injured when a group near S. 68th St. and W. Morgan Ave. threw rocks and other objects at a car in which he was riding. The attack left Isaiah with extensive facial fractures as well as brain and other injuries. enlarge photo Gary Porter Madison lobbyist Gary Goyke (left), Charles Walton (center) with Career Youth Development and Tracey Dent with the Peace for Change Alliance offer Isaiah Alexander a six-week summer job at CYD offices. West Allis - On the evening of March 16, Isaiah Alexander, 15, was on his way to Skateland in Butler to apply for a job. His mom, Theresa Alexander, said she told him if he got a job and paid half of the cost of driving lessons, she would pay the other half. That was the last thing the young teen remembers. While riding in the car driven by another family member, Isaiah suffered severe injuries when he was struck by rocks and other heavy objects lobbed through a window as the car passed an intersection near S. 68th St. and W. Morgan Ave. Police said it was one of six similar incidents in the area attributed to youths. Isaiah lay in a coma at Children's Hospital for nine days. His brain was pushed back and had a hole, said his mom. "Every bone in his face was fractured, except for his jaw," she said. "There was a lot of bad news," she said. "At first, I didn't think he would make it." Isaiah was in the hospital for 26 days. His mouth was wired shut for 37 days. "They said he might be blind, but he had eye surgery and he's OK," she said. It's too early to tell what the long-term effects of his injuries might be, but she's hopeful. For now, he can't play basketball (which he loves), ride his bike or swim, she said, sitting in the living room of her home. A 10th-grader at West Allis Central High School, he was never in trouble, his mom said. He's been attending two classes at school and receiving home tutoring. "I want to go to school," Isaiah said. And this summer Isaiah will have a job. When Tracey Dent, president of the Peace for Change Alliance Inc., heard about Isaiah's situation, he contacted Charles Walton, the executive director of Career Youth Development. He then contacted his friend, Gary Goyke, a Madison lobbyist and former state senator from Oshkosh, and the three developed a plan. "He was out looking for a job when this happened, so we wanted to help," Goyke said during a news conference Friday at the Alexander home. So Walton and Goyke and their wives will sponsor a 20-hour-a-week job for Isaiah this summer for six weeks at CYD at the minimum wage of $7.25. He will answer the phone, help in the office and possibly help with the summer youth camp, said Walton, who remembered Isaiah when he attended computer classes and after-school programs at CYD. Goyke described the one-person employment program as "a little pebble in a pond" that can help Isaiah and maybe encourage others to try to make a difference. The news of the job caused Isaiah to smile broadly. "I'm really happy, and I'm very grateful," he said. Theresa Alexander said she was told two people were arrested in connection with the incident, including a juvenile. No charges have been filed in the case against any adults, according to Kent Lovern, chief deputy district attorney. During all this ordeal, Alexander said she's received an outpouring of support from his school. Others have sent gas and food cards and offered help in paying for medical bills. "When Tracey called me about the job for him, I couldn't believe it," she said. "Isaiah really wanted a job, so he could go to the store, buy his own things and be independent." Visit here for more information