Community Cleans and Beautifies 15th District in Solidarity with George Floyd Protests
Ald. Russell Stamper II, Creative Corridor Development and other local organizations hosted the #WeWork Clean Up initiative at three locations in the 15th District on June 6, 2020. Volunteers collected trash along N. 13th St. and W. Fond du Lac Ave, N. 17th St. and W. Walnut St. and N. 32nd St. and W. Center St.
Some took to the streets, others spray painted murals at two houses and a commercial property in the area.
“We’re out here supporting the cause, it is our effort to participate and effect change. It’s a change for justice, a change for opportunity and a change for equality,” Stamper II said.
Families glove up and get out to take care of the trash along the street. (Picture by Dylan Deprey)
Groups gloved up and got to work. The Running Rebels took care of the 13th/Fond du Lac area, while the Johnson Neighborhood Association handled 17th/Walnut. Some picked up litter alongside the abandoned factory, which is set to be the $60 million Creative Corridor development near 32nd and Center.
Ray Nitti, Creative Corridor, said the five-year project was set to break ground in Fall, but it was time to beautify the area before it became a community resource hub.
“We’re excited about really taking ownership and not waiting for the $60 million to be spent on the building before we can be impactful on the residence that’s been here for years,” Nitti said.
Along with living units, the development will include a grocery store, coffee shop, coffee bean factory, a mental health gym and a complete creative and media studio.
“For us, it’s about having our space, having our arena. Milwaukee had to build a new arena for the Bucks in order to keep our team, but Milwaukee has been struggling with talent retention for a long time and we lose our talent—our players,” Nitti said. “This was us keeping our talent in the city.”
Community member Dylan Mercer and his family filled their trash pails and laughed while chatting behind their masks along 32nd St. Though Mercer does not live in the area, he said he frequently visits family and friends. He was excited to be part of the “renaissance.”
Mural of George Floyd by the community. (Picture by Dylan Deprey)
“The community is a little torn up from being frustrated, and I think it’s okay,” he said. “Some people protest and others have to clean up and do your part to take care of your community.”
While groups were cleaning around the 15th District, others put their artistic skills to the test.
Ald. Russell Stamper II and Ray Nitti inspire the crowd before they take to the streets. (Picture by Dylan Deprey)
Stacey Williams-Ng, Wallpaper City founder, encouraged the artists to paint positive messages on the properties. Wallpaper City, which was responsible for public art projects like Black Cat Alley and the Wauwatosa Mural Corridor, donated all the paint and supplies.
At a property on 38th and Center, a group of artists added a George Floyd mural along with other colorful pieces to brighten the neighborhood.
Williams-Ng said it was another alternative for the community to express their feelings.
“People felt guilty they couldn’t protest whether they’re caring for a sick relative or other personal reasons, and they wanted to be a part of this. There is so much to do in our community. Protesting is so important, but beautifying and education are so important. Pick a job and throw all your love at it, and you’re doing the right thing, but this is just another outlet for people if they can’t protest,” Williams-Ng said.
Stamper II said he was excited about the community and organizations coming together, especially during a monumental time in Milwaukee.
“Nobody can do it alone, and this is about working together for one goal, and that’s to unify and change the whole world,” Stamper II said.