In Milwaukee’s poorest ZIP code, fruits and vegetables become powerful weapons for saving young boys – This was the main story that examined how actor-turned-activist Andre Lee Ellis uses an urban garden in the heart of the state’s most disadvantaged ZIP code to address trauma in youth. Many of the mentors in his “We Got This” program grew up in the area. Operating on a shoestring budget, Ellis raises enough to pay each boy $20 per week for their work in the garden. The story puts faces to the much-discussed issue of trauma faced by those living in violent and unstable urban neighborhoods – and explores why it is so hard to tackle.
While many want to leave Wisconsin’s most violent ZIP code, these residents are staying to make it better – June Thomas first saw a dead body when he was in fifth grade in an alley. His father told him to go to get on to school. Those visions haunted Thomas all day. He would go on to see other acts of violence in his life. “I’ve seen a lot of bodies and a lot of people hurt,” he said. “That stuff stays on your mind. Sometimes I see it in my sleep and sometimes I just think about it. It’s hard to explain, but I know it’s not right.” Unlike some who experience traumatic events, Thomas and others in the neighborhood are unable to leave.
Milwaukee couple make it their mission to give trauma victims a chance to talk – This story focused on a local couple that uses spoken-word poetry, art and writing exercises to address trauma in schools and with adults throughout the city. Tina Nixon and Kwabena Antoine Nixon have helped thousands of people enveloped in trauma open up about their innermost fears. Tina Nixon works with girls and women; Kwabena Nixon works with boys and men.
Shot in the face as a young cop, Milwaukee County’s sheriff-elect knows how hard it is to heal from trauma – A look at Earnell Lucas, incoming Milwaukee County Sheriff, and the impact an incident early in his career has had on his approach to policing.
Reporter’s journal: During the course of the summer, I kept a journal with my reflections. Excerpts from this were presented online.