Artist Statement
My blog site and final project don’t exactly match the description listed previously. This happened for a couple reasons. Initially I had planned on compiling very specific information regarding the founding of the Johnsons Park Neighborhood Association, the beginning of its involvement with community initiatives and the continuing efforts to redevelop the community. I had planned on using comparative statistics on the demographics of this neighborhood with other communities within the city of Milwaukee. I wanted to really narrow down the characteristics that make this community so much different than others. By characteristics I meant things like race, age, employment, and income. In doing so however, I quickly realized that this community was not much different from any other. I realized that what sets the Johnsons Park Neighborhood apart from less successful communities is simply its residents and their compassion for a better quality of life. The fact that the majority of efforts to improve the living situation came from Volunteers exemplifies the ambition and dedication of these people. It was at this point that I decided to focus my project and blog site around the community itself, and why this is a great place to live. On my first tour through the community I was a little apprehensive. First of all, I wasn’t at all familiar with this part of town and to be honest, had no interest. Going off rumors I anticipated a predominantly African American community flooded with gangsters, crime, and threat. I’m not, nor have I ever been, a racist person, that’s just all I had heard about neighborhoods just west of Interstate-43. So leaving my car and venturing into the park was definitely a little exciting. Another point of uncertainty was approaching residents such as the day care service ladies and an elderly man on his back porch. To me, a group of white kids walking around with backpacks and cameras taking pictures of people comes off as a little offensive. I was wrong. The people we encountered didn’t seem to mind at all, in fact they were more than happy to talk with us and pose for pictures. Both groups were knowledgeable of the neighborhood association and its involvement in community initiatives. Both knew of Tony Gipson, a volunteer association leader and organizer, and were extremely proud to live in this part of Milwaukee. As I mentioned during my presentation, there were times while walking through the neighborhood that I literally had to look up at the street signs to make sure I was in the right place. The cleanliness and upkeep of the community was impeccable and actually reminded me of blocks of homes in suburban areas such Mequon or Wauwatosa. I took two additional trips to the community. The second was to attend a community meeting at the Christ Presbyterian Church Annex, the Joy Center. I also visited the Church itself. It was at this point that the reality of the neighborhood came full circle. As I looked around and listened I determined to myself that this was truly an excellent place to live. There were residents in attendance of all races and ethnicities. The crowd was intelligent and engaged, asking numerous questions and adding pertinent feedback on all issues being discussed. They acknowledged my presence as a UWM Service Learner and encouraged my involvement. This is a great place to live because these are great people. JPNA is a unified front against the norms that have for so long worked against the quality of life within inner-city Milwaukee. It is and should be recognized as an example of what individual residents can do to help change their community.
