On the night of September 28, a public meeting was held to discuss the potential opening of a youth detention center. There was a diverse crowd, but none that were in relation to the group of people whose lives would be impacted by their decision. The group of people I am referring to is African American males and females, ranging from the age of 17 and under. In this blog I will be discussing the reaction from the crowd, the concerns from the community and the perspective from both an African American male and female under the age of 24. 

Reaction from the crowd - As fierce as a lion’s roar

I will briefly touch on the events of the meeting, as it was already profoundly discussed in Ryeshia Farmer’s “Not Our Backyard.“ The plea from the crowd was almost overwhelming as they repeated questions in hopes for a more therapeutic response, only to be met by lack of empathy from peers who also look like them. And while being backed by people who have never seemed to make decisions with our best interest at heart. The microphone was passed between Secretary of State Kevin A. Carr and Senator Lena Taylor, but we only heard the agenda of their counterparts. At no point in the meeting were the concerns of the people truly responded to with integrity, respect and direct knowledge concerning the area, demographic and safety. 

One of the locations suggested would be on the Northwest Side—the Brown Deer area to be exact. When discussing the concern of devaluing property, (with a state government that is notorious for red lining, while keeping wealth clustered and Wisconsin segregated) the crowd was met with the concept of bringing the youth “closer to home.” The officials did not take into account the fact that both businesses and people are moving out of the area. What community will it be for the youth to come back to? A community deteriorating from the bounds of an economic decline that does not have a voice on decisions that directly affect them. 

The crowd asked questions on the treatment of the youth and their yearning for other options. They were combated with hostility and gaslighting, referring to the increase in youth crime, while using the story of a Black man from the community to attempt to soften the hearts of his people. 

At the end it was evident that the decision was made. We were given the runaround, as we left the meeting with just as many (if not more) questions as we started with. 

To whom it may concern - a done deal

Frustration. So much passion, but not enough understanding to realize that youth should attend a meeting discussing the fates of their future.

“The decision is already made.”

There was a battle being fought that no one could understand the depths of except for the only people who were not attending. I sat and wondered about the alternative methods that they might present, but quickly realized this was their only option. Do they not realize what it means to be a product of your environment? How would it feel to be brought back into a community that is both arguing about your presence in fear for their wealth and community, and with a government whose only intent is to expand the range of their agenda?

Everyone tells us what we need and who we are. If we had the chance to speak, we’d tell our story. Growing up, there was never enough food in the fridge, but our parents broke their backs to clothe their children and forgot the most important thing was their time. If we could speak, we would say that in our community, we listen to the music and the media that tells us who we are, and who we will never be (this is who is raising us). If we were given the chance to speak, we’d say that if we were given the same opportunities as everyone else we’d be the face of the next black wall street.  

A view from the frontline - perspective of a Black man

“It made me aware of a war I didn’t know we were fighting. We think our only war is in the streets and with the police, but they are having wars in public meetings and in courtrooms that we aren’t invited to.” 

Instead of building more jails, they should build more programs for the youth. Build up the community and attempt to make a change that way first, before reaching the point of building a detention center. The black speakers were talking as the face of their counterparts. 

It reminded me of Kyrie Irving and the Kanye West situation; the way they were silenced is the way they tried to silence the crowd.

There is no greater gift 

When leaving, a woman stopped the only two African American youth there to tell us not to be defeated. She told us that our efforts did not go unnoticed and to continue lifting up our voices until they are heard. In that moment, it felt like she was heaven sent. She kept the fire inside of us alive. That same message is what I’d like to gift to you all.

Sierra Lyle participates in the African American Roundtable’s youth engagement activities and is very active in her community.