Great Lakes Urban Empowerment Solutions

As we move forward after the 2024 election, the Great Lakes region faces significant challenges and uncertainties regarding environmental protection and restoration efforts. The recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article highlights crucial issues that could arise under a second Trump presidency, reflecting concerns shared across the Great Lakes cities. https://lnkd.in/ghb4tjb3 Key points of concern include: 🌊 **Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)**: This vital program has funded over $4.1 billion for cleanup and restoration projects since 2010. With Trump's previous attempts to cut funding, there are fears that future investments may be jeopardized. 🏭 **Rollback of Environmental Regulations**: Experts anticipate a return to aggressive rollbacks of environmental protections that regulate air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and toxic chemicals. This could significantly impact our ability to combat pollution in our waterways. 🚰 **Drinking Water Standards**: Wisconsin, particularly Milwaukee, has thousands of lead pipes still in use. The potential rescinding of federal mandates could slow down efforts to replace these pipes, putting public health at risk. 🛢️ **Line 5 Pipeline Controversy**: The contentious pipeline issue remains unresolved, with environmental groups advocating for its removal due to the risks it poses to our waters. 🌱 **Climate-Smart Agriculture Programs**: With agriculture accounting for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, cuts to funding for sustainable farming practices could hinder progress in mitigating climate change impacts. As we reflect on the election results, it's crucial for us to advocate for continued commitment to protecting our Great Lakes. The health of our freshwater resources is not just an environmental issue but a matter of public health and economic vitality for our communities. Let's keep the conversation going on how we can work together to safeguard the Great Lakes for future generations! #GreatLakes #EnvironmentalProtection #CleanWater #PostElectionReflection #GreatLakesUrban Authors: Caitlin Looby, PhD, Madeline Heim

We had the privilege of attending the EmpowerED Milwaukee Convening on November 9 at ThriveOn King. The event brought together passionate youth, families, educators, and community members to foster “excellence and opportunity” for our young people. Dr. Howard Fuller delivered a powerful keynote address that inspired attendees to: • Stay grounded in our missions • Take bold and concrete steps • Collaborate and prepare for challenges The day also featured content from the Organizing Power Panel with inspiring leaders: • Angela Harris • David Emmanuelle Castillo (Cualliyolteotl) • Devin Anderson, African American Roundtable • Thomas L. Leonard They shared powerful strategies for empowering Milwaukee’s youth, emphasizing the importance of culturally responsive education, engaging the community, and creating spaces for youth leadership. We also learned about the Manifesto for Black Education in Milwaukee, designed to empower youth socially, academically, and economically. You can read and support the manifesto here: Manifesto for Black Education in Milwaukee. Special thanks to amazing leaders like dr. monique liston, Nate Deans Jr., Lauren Feaster and the team at Milwaukee Succeeds (led by Vincent Lyles) who are driving this critical work forward. Events like these remind us of the collective power we have to make a difference for the next generation. Let’s keep the momentum going, Milwaukee! Together, we can create a brighter future for all of our young people. Photo credits and Report Out: Ms. Dorothea A. Macon, Community Engagement Associate #EmpowerEDMilwaukee #YouthEmpowerment #EducationMatters #CommunityAction #GreatLakesUrbanEmpowerment #greatlakesurban

We had the privilege of being part of The Black Male Impact Panel Discussion at the Milwaukee Fatherhood Summit, hosted by Mayor Cavalier Johnson. The day was a powerful reminder of the brilliance and resilience within our community. We were honored to join an esteemed panel of speakers: • Dr. Michael Harris • Nate Deans Jr. • Derrick “Baba” Rogers • LaNelle Ramey, Mentor, MENTOR Greater Milwaukee • Dr. Dr. Richard A. Cross (host) The panel explored essential themes such as: — Redefining Excellence: Challenging narratives and celebrating the greatness within our community. — Intergenerational Collaboration: Bridging generations to foster mentorship and leadership. — Amplifying Positive Narratives: Sharing stories of transformation and leadership that inspire change. — Habits for Success: Cultivating forgiveness, dreaming big, and building supportive networks. We want to extend a special thank you to Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Mr. Darryl Davidson for hosting and supporting this impactful event. Your leadership continues to inspire and elevate these critical conversations. 📍 Held at the Milwaukee Academy of Science High School, the event served as a space to reflect on our collective responsibility to dismantle stereotypes, uplift our community, and amplify stories of success. At GLUE, we are committed to driving these conversations forward and fostering collaboration across communities in the Great Lakes region. If you’re passionate about empowering communities and building sustainable change, we invite you to connect with us! Together, we can make a difference. #GLUE #BlackMaleImpact #Leadership #Empowerment #Mentorship #Fatherhood #CommunityBuilding #Milwaukee #buildcommunity #greatlakesurban

🌟 Celebrating Tech Excellence in Milwaukee and the Midwest! 🌟 Milwaukee continues to shine as a national leader in tech innovation, and the work happening within our ecosystem is nothing short of inspiring. At GLUE, we’re thrilled to amplify the phenomenal work of trailblazers like Nadiyah Johnson and the Milky Way Tech Hub, whose leadership is putting Milwaukee—and the Midwest—on the map as a hub for transformative tech initiatives. From policy advocacy to equity in tech, real estate innovation to cutting-edge programming, these remarkable leaders and organizations are building a stronger, more inclusive future. Check out this spotlight by Milwaukee Magazine on the extraordinary women driving change in our region’s tech community. Let’s continue to celebrate and support Milwaukee’s leadership in fostering innovation and equity in technology—lighting the way for the Midwest and beyond! 🚀 #MilwaukeeTech #MidwestInnovation #GLUE #MilkyWayTechHub #TechLeadership

🌟 Celebrating Transformational Leadership and Scholarship 🌟 Dr. Henry Taylor, a colleague and steadfast partner of Great Lakes Urban Empowerment Center (GLUE), continues to lead the charge in addressing systemic inequities and advocating for community transformation. In The Spectrum article by Sarah Owusu, Dr. Taylor shares his ambitious vision for revitalizing Buffalo’s East Side, particularly the Upper Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. His focus on housing, youth development, and health disparities is a testament to his dedication to holistic community betterment. Critically cited is Dr. Taylor’s How We Change the Black East Side: A neighborhood planning and development framework. https://lnkd.in/gMuMiZmE This work also builds on the insights of his critical report, The Harder We Run: The State of Black Buffalo in 1990 and the Present, which underscores how systemic barriers have historically limited progress for Black communities. Read the full report here: The Harder We Run. https://lnkd.in/gaDJGx_8 Dr. Taylor’s pursuit of funding, including a recent $100 million grant application to the MacArthur Foundation reflects his determination to secure resources for lasting change. As he rightly says, “We are not only being robbed of our lives, we are being robbed of our happiness.” We are proud to celebrate Dr. Taylor’s profound contributions and partner with him in amplifying the impact of urban empowerment across the Great Lakes region. 👉 Read more about Dr. Taylor’s vision here: UB Spectrum Article https://lnkd.in/gkayPUTc #UrbanEmpowerment #SocialEquity #CommunityLeadership #TheHarderWeRun #GLUE #Buffalo #GreatLakes

🔍 Analyzing Election Turnout in the Great Lakes Urban Areas As part of our mission at Great Lakes Urban Empowerment, we’re delving into election turnout across key Great Lakes cities to understand civic engagement trends and identify opportunities to empower our communities. We’re starting this journey with an analysis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 📊 Key Milwaukee County Data Highlights: • In 2020, Joe Biden set the record for the highest presidential vote count in Milwaukee County, with 317,251 votes. • Hillary Clinton previously held the record in 2016 with 288,822 votes. • As of 2024 (with 97% of data counted), Kamala Harris is estimated to receive around 319,380 votes, potentially setting a new record for the county. The chart illustrates the voting patterns across recent elections, reflecting the growing engagement in Milwaukee. This increase in turnout has significant implications not only for Milwaukee but for other urban centers in the Great Lakes region. As we continue our analysis, we look forward to examining the impacts of these patterns on the socio-political landscape and the opportunities they may present for strengthening civic participation. Stay tuned as we consider how the evolving turnout data shapes the future for our Great Lakes cities. #GreatLakesUrbanEmpowerment #CivicEngagement #Election2024 #Milwaukee #GreatLakes

We recommend the following Postindustrial Media article from our colleague John Austin who offers a “recipe for heartland economic rebirth and…America’s revival.”

Keep an eye on City of Pittsburgh!

Today, I shared an important article highlighting the urgent need for national attention on the crisis of missing and murdered Black women and girls, exemplified by the tragic case of Sade Robinson. Despite efforts by Wisconsin lawmakers and her family, systemic barriers continue to hinder progress. We must demand data, resources, and legislation to protect these vulnerable women across the U.S. Let’s work together to create meaningful change. Drawing on reporting from David Clarey’s, “Mother of Sade Robinson, state lawmakers advocate for Black women and girls,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 22, 2024. #JusticeForSadeRobinson #MMBWG #BlackWomenMatter #PolicyChange #EndViolence #GreatLakesUrbanEmpowerment

🎉 Congratulations to Spencer Overton and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies 🎉 The Great Lakes Urban Empowerment (GLUE) team is excited to congratulate Spencer Overton on receiving the 2024 Louis E. Martin Great American Award! His visionary leadership has not only strengthened the Joint Center but has also been a beacon of inspiration for us at GLUE. Spencer’s dedication to advancing racial equity and empowering Black communities has guided our own mission and efforts. We also celebrate the Joint Center’s decades of impactful work, which has been instrumental in shaping policies that break down barriers and create opportunities for Black Americans. Here’s to Spencer, the Joint Center and our collective continued success in driving change and creating a more equitable future for all! 💪🏾 Press Release: https://lnkd.in/dHy6T74f #Leadership #Equity #CommunityEmpowerment #BlackThinkTank #GLUE #SpencerOverton #JointCenter #BlackLeadership #PolicySolutions