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Flier Underscores Milwaukee Racist Legacy |
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 .:: By Robert Miranda ::. l 07.05.05A racist flier threatening violence against Milwaukee’s African-American people, who attend Summerfest this year, illustrates once again the deep-rooted racism that still thrives in the town I call New Selma. The racist flier was distributed in New Selma’s Riverwest neighborhood, an area in Milwaukee known for its diversity of cultures. Racism is still this city’s greatest problem. In many ways, New Selma’s local government poli1cies - born out of racism - have helped to generate a lot of the hostility towards Milwaukee’s Black community. To ignore an entire segment of the population is like ignoring your legs. You won't get very far without your legs. And because New Selma’s Black community has been left out of many major economic development projects, it is the city that has been lumbering along slowly and lethargically. Indeed, many of New Selma’s people have been lulled into a false sense that everything is okay in the city. Racism here is not about being confronted with signs that read "Whites Only" and not being served at some diner’s lunch counter. Racism in New Selma is more subtle and equally insidious. It's found in its images; it's found in the language. Seldom are we confronted with such overt racist attacks and when we are, appropriate responses are made. The proactive reaction by the folks in Riverwest is exactly the kind of constructive response needed. Such responses are also needed when dealing with the economic policy of this city as well. The “Red Lining” practices of insurance agencies and the lack of initiatives for real economic development in the central city provide stark examples of this incurable cancer which continues to fester in our city. Because city leaders have been reluctant to call upon the corporate community to account for their continued indifference towards communities of color—specifically the Black community—poverty and social dysfunction continue to plague these communities. The racist flier that circulated in Riverwest stated, “We walk amongst our brethren, blending in with no sign but our ultra-white skin, and a glow in our eyes which says we will NOT be beaten down.” It continues to express that the white supremacists who will be at Summerfest without their uniforms. This insidious message should not be taken lightly. This is a threat to human life and as such, must be treated as a crime against humanity. • Miranda, is a national award-winning columnist, Latino community activist and columnist for the Milwaukee Spanish Journal. Email at: rmiranda@wi.rr.com |
