Milwaukee's segregation

Today statistics show that segregation still exists, and our city of Milwaukee is listed number six as one of America's most segregated communities and cities.

This is a startling fact–one which most students and even adults may not be aware of. Junior Bruce Denson claims, "I know segregation exists, but I don't feel affected by it. Thanks to my previous leaders and forefathers I understand that my future is dictated off of choices that I make now, so that one day I can have a chance to fight segregation as they did."

One school survey showed that nearly three-quarters of Messmer students believe segregation can still be defeated.

"A lot has to be done. We're better together than fighting apart, but this can be defeated! If it couldn't then there would be no point in fighting it," claims sophomore Adrian Holt.

The only way segregation can be defeated is if the public is aware of it. Oftentimes it is right in our face, and we do not notice it because it looks like it is "socially acceptable." We may even be taught that it is okay. However, the ones who recognize this division before they are taught to divide are those who will help defeat segregation.

For all who still have not recognized or pinpointed segregation in our community, see if you can readily answer these questions.

Q: What's the main race seen on the south side?
Q: What group of people resides on the north side?
Q: What race primarily lives in Whitefish Bay?

If you have a quick answer to these questions, you can recognize our problem.

Of course some segregation is expected, and necessary, because citizens live where they feel comfortable. This is not uncommon or even wrong. The problem exists when EVERY area of the community is segregated and we fail to want to learn about other cultures.

There are steps that can be taken to eliminate segregation. It starts with the youth because they are the next generation. Junior Martin Childs believes, “Integration should begin with the youth. Sports and academic activities should be instituted in each community to expose the youth to different activities and ideas about one another.”

Let us be the ones to start the change and show our community, state, and country how we can “build each other up.”