New Study Ranks Milwaukee the Lowest but Provides Suggestions on How to Create Positive Change in the City
Just a few weeks ago, the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee (AALAM) released their latest study, “Index of African American Well-Being in the Nation's Largest Metropolitan Areas” that looks at the overall lively hood of Black people in the top 50 cities. The study found that Milwaukee ranks the lowest in most categories, but unlike other studies, this one provides suggestions on where to go from here.
Dr. Marc Levine, Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of UW-Milwaukee Center for Economic Development was contacted to conduct this study because AALAM wanted to see exactly where Black people stand in different societies and cities.
“It’s important to benchmark and know where we are to know what to do,” said Dr. Levine. “Where do we need to intervene things to change?”
The study rated cities on 30 indicators of community well-being, including employment, community health, social and economic conditions, education, and conditions for youth and children. According to the study, Milwaukee ranks the lowest when it comes to the well-being of Black people, with San Jose ranking the number one spot.
All the numbers further perpetrate that Milwaukee is the worst place for Black people to live, yet the study shows there is hope for the people and the City.
The study confirms that Black leadership and access to educational achievements will be the push for positive systemic and structural change in Milwaukee.
“This is a city with lots of positivity, if we can get our act together with policies that affect [change],” he said. “We have to quit playing around.”
“We know the areas we need to work on” and this study is a roadmap to improving things, Dr. Levine added.
To read the full study, click here.