Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Reflects on First Month In Office
Mayor Cavalier Johnson of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Picture by Liyah Sumner/Carvd N Stone)
It was national news when Cavalier Johnson was elected mayor of Milwaukee on April 5, 2022. Now, it’s been a little over a month and Johnson is focusing his time on making Milwaukee a safer, stronger and more prosperous place for everyone.
“I want this summer and every summer to be as safe as possible,” said Johnson.
One thing he is focusing on is Milwaukee’s inner-city youth. Johnson recently held a press conference in partnership with local non-profits to discuss the positive things youth can do this summer. He understands there is an increase in crimes and he wants to provide alternatives.
He added that it’s not about more policing because we have that on lock. It’s about changing policies and coming together as a community.
“Do positive things for our youth,” he said.
Cavalier Johnson is a Milwaukee native. (Picture by Liyah Sumner/Carvd N Stone)
Although most people call Johnson the first Black mayor of Milwaukee, he does not agree with the title.
Marvin E. Pratt served as acting mayor of Milwaukee in 2004 and as interim Milwaukee County Executive in 2011. He was the first African-American to serve as mayor of Milwaukee.
“I know what it means to see your own reflection in a position like this,” he said. “It’s about empowering folks that are coming up behind me.”
Johnson is under 40 and Milwaukee’s first millennial mayor. He defeated former Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan. Johnson was the city's acting mayor in December 2021, after the incumbent Tom Barrett stepped down to become the US ambassador to Luxembourg.
Johnson ran for mayor in 2016 and lost. He said he’s not new to losing and he hopes others see that all it takes is for you to keep trying.
“You don’t have to change who you are to do this. You stay true to who you are and stay true to your passion for service,” said Johnson.