Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson Shares What it Means to be in His Position During this Time

It’s only been a couple of months since Ald. Cavalier Johnson has been elected as the president of the Milwaukee Common Council, and he’s already dealing with two major issues: a pandemic and racism.

The people of Milwaukee of have been marching for weeks to fight for the right for Black people to be treated as equals, which means putting a stop to police brutality, improving the health systems and everything that goes into the betterment of our people.

“When societies are affected with these health issues, we usually find a cure,” Johnson said. “We have never found a cure for the racism and opposition some of these institutions and systems in place have caused.”

So far, being the council president has shown Johnson how flexible he can be, when it’s necessary.

Johnson said the entire council hears and understands where the community is coming from, and how this is a perfect time to stay involved and hold their elected officials, on all levels, accountable.

Most of the common council voted to approve measures to get the City to cut 10% of the Milwaukee Police Department’s budget and use it towards other initiatives to help the community.

Defunding the police is only one way to reach a society where Black and Brown individuals don’t have to fear the cops.

Johnson is usually an optimistic person and he expects the community to get pass all of this and come out better than before.

He also encourages the community, especially young people to keep using their voice, in a safe way.

“I hope this time around, instead of putting a bandaid on it, we will be able to bring about some change,” he said.

Make sure to contact your elected officials and hold them accountable. For help on contacting your elected officials, send the CNS team an email at CNS@carvdnstone.com.