KENOSHA ⏤ Since August, a good number of people have heard the name “Daniel Thompson”, some have come to know the journalist, and few have glimpsed my mind and thoughts. However, over time, I’ve realized that this leaves a lot left to be colored in. As a result, I’ve seen some argue points on my … Continue reading First 5 steps ‘Inside the Mind of Daniel Thompson’
County Executive Committee moves amended resolution creating Racial Equity Commission forward
KENOSHA COUNTY ⏤ Tuesday night, the Kenosha County Executive Committee gave its approval to a resolution creating the county’s Racial Equity Commission. https://youtu.be/kp2Hl0w7wdc The Racial Equity Work Group, a work group of county officials and citizens, created the resolution after 90 days of weekly meetings. While there was some discussion, the resolution moved on from … Continue reading County Executive Committee moves amended resolution creating Racial Equity Commission forward
Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis: ‘I am extremely disappointed’
KENOSHA ⏤ Monday afternoon, Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis voiced his extreme disappointment with recent events in the city of Kenosha. Retiring Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis. In particular, Miskinis addressed the public's reaction to KPD officer Rusten Sheskey’s continued employment after he shot Jacob Blake seven times in August 2020. Miskinis previously explained his … Continue reading Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis: ‘I am extremely disappointed’
‘Enough is Enough’: Activists protest police brutality; KCSD releases statement on arrests
KENOSHA ⏤ A peaceful Sunday march and protest eventually ended in Kenosha County deputies placing three notable community leaders under arrest at the Kenosha Public Safety Building. Monday, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department called the arrests "targeted" in a released statement. The department also stated the three were arrested for blocking public access to the … Continue reading ‘Enough is Enough’: Activists protest police brutality; KCSD releases statement on arrests
#HumanityCenteredSaturday: ‘Let’s Be Better Humans’ with Jon Linton in Kenosha
KENOSHA ⏤ I first met and talked to Jon Linton, founder of “Let’s Be Better Humans”, shortly after the police shooting of Jacob Blake in August 2020. At that time, he had recently spent days in Minneapolis, documenting the aftermath after the killing of George Floyd. I had been doing the same work with the … Continue reading #HumanityCenteredSaturday: ‘Let’s Be Better Humans’ with Jon Linton in Kenosha
Inside the Mind of Daniel Thompson: Thoughts on justice, Floyd
KENOSHA ⏤ I decided to record my initial thoughts following the guilty verdicts returned against Derek Chauvin for murdering George Floyd. https://anchor.fm/mind-of-daniel-thompson/episodes/Ep--03---Scattered-Thoughts-on-Justice-evad7e Because I feel like maybe some people are feeling a little in shock by the Chauvin verdict as, historically, this is just the fairytale ending for people of color. Not the one we … Continue reading Inside the Mind of Daniel Thompson: Thoughts on justice, Floyd
Art Scene: A walk through Kenosha Creative Space’s ‘Art + Protest’ exhibit
KENOSHA ⸺ Black lives are still an important topic in conversation and in art in the city of Kenosha ⏤ regardless of who believes they matter or not. Observer founder Daniel Thompson takes a walk through 'Art + Protest' at Kenosha Creative Space. The free exhibit will be open to the public until May 9. … Continue reading Art Scene: A walk through Kenosha Creative Space’s ‘Art + Protest’ exhibit
Observer On The Scene: Wisconsin 7 finish 22-day fast, promise continued push for green energy
KENOSHA ⏤ On Friday, the group known as the Wisconsin 7 finished a 22-day fast to pressure the state Legislature to pass Gov. Tony Evers’ climate justice initiatives in the 2021-2023 state budget. https://youtu.be/sluEELIoBgE As a result, the group joined together to end their fast right where it began on March 4: In front of … Continue reading Observer On The Scene: Wisconsin 7 finish 22-day fast, promise continued push for green energy
Chief Miskinis updates community on efforts to arrest August rioters
KENOSHA ⸺ Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis gave an update on his department’s efforts to arrest those who participated in riots in the city in August 2020. Miskinis also pointed out a fact that is sure to be bitter for some to swallow: Out of the 55 arrested for various crimes so far, Kenoshans make … Continue reading Chief Miskinis updates community on efforts to arrest August rioters
Kenosha coalition to host discussion on racism in faith communities March 25
KENOSHA ⏤ Next week, the Kenosha Coalition for Dismantling Racism will co-lead another “Courageous Conversation” ⏤ this time focusing on racism in faith communities. The panel discussion, held virtually at 6:30 p.m. on March 25, will focus on how racism in faith communities affects attitudes and also behaviors. The coalition and Carthage College are co-sponsoring … Continue reading Kenosha coalition to host discussion on racism in faith communities March 25
#HumanityCenteredSaturday: A leader walks into a barbershop …
Alvin owens serves community with 'collective' https://youtu.be/5XlqV7ARfQ0 KENOSHA ⏤ Known for his amazing haircuts and involvement in local activism supporting communities of color, Alvin D. Owens has done it all. He’s from cut hair in his front yard, worked in public relations, and has been employed in the education field. Regimen Barber Collective A resident … Continue reading #HumanityCenteredSaturday: A leader walks into a barbershop …
#SaturdayMorningMix: A fast, a law enforcement grant and an amazing voice lead local stories
KENOSHA ⏤ Good morning, Kenosha. It's another Saturday, which means another mix of Observer stories from the week. This article sponsored by Valerie Douglas for KUSD School Board https://videopress.com/v/ta74sm1v?autoPlay=true&controls=false&loop=true&muted=true&persistVolume=false&preloadContent=metadata You’re waking up to a beautiful day locally. The sun is coming out. Birds are chirping. It’s another lovely weekend in the city. While you ease into … Continue reading #SaturdayMorningMix: A fast, a law enforcement grant and an amazing voice lead local stories
‘Wisconsin 7’ kick off 22-day fast in Kenosha to support climate initiatives
KENOSHA ⏤ The group now known as the "Wisconsin 7" took their last bites before starting a 22-day fast on Thursday, March 4, to support green energy initiatives. https://www.facebook.com/104994688045055/videos/177779017254443 The group ⏤ led by Grace Lutheran Church Pastor Jonathan Barker ⏤ is fasting to pressure the state Legislature to pass Gov. Tony Evers’ climate justice … Continue reading ‘Wisconsin 7’ kick off 22-day fast in Kenosha to support climate initiatives
Wisconsin 6 to take last bites Thursday at Grace before 22-day fast
https://videopress.com/v/GObqrnpv?autoPlay=true&controls=false&loop=true&muted=true&persistVolume=false&preloadContent=metadata KENOSHA ⏤ While fasting in Biblical context mostly pertained to seeking something from God, the Wisconsin 6 are using it in the hopes of attaining change sought from man. On Thursday, March 4, the group led by Pastor Jonathan Barker will take their last bites of food outside of Grace Lutheran Church. After that, … Continue reading Wisconsin 6 to take last bites Thursday at Grace before 22-day fast
Local leader to take part in ‘Trace the Line’ panel
KENOSHA ⏤ Kenoshan Porche Bennett-Bey will serve as a panelist at an event drawing Midwest leaders together to talk about moving forward in 2021. The event, based around the new film "Trace the Line", takes place on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. The virtual event is free and open to those who pre-register at http://www.wearebravebird.com/conversations. … Continue reading Local leader to take part in ‘Trace the Line’ panel
Tonight’s county meetings (Feb. 3, 2021)
Racial Equity Work Group, Judiciary and Law Enforcement CommitteeKENOSHA COUNTY ⏤ County Board supervisors will hold meetings tonight in two groups ⏤ one focusing on racial equity, the other on law.The Kenosha County Racial Equity Work Group ⏤ led by Dist. 16 Supervisor Jerry Gulley ⏤ will kick off the meetings with its virtual discussion … Continue reading Tonight’s county meetings (Feb. 3, 2021)
‘We need more love in this community’
‘Building Hope’ panelists discuss changing roles in 2020 unrest, hopes for 2021 KENOSHA ⸺ “We need more love in this community.” After an hour-and-a-half-long conversation, Ald. Anthony Kennedy boiled down the vast issues facing the city into a missing component in its core: Love. “You don’t have to like me,” the Dist. 10 alderman said. … Continue reading ‘We need more love in this community’
Tonight’s events: ‘Reaching Out’ debut and Kenosha County Racial Equity Work Group meeting
'Reaching Out' event to share United Way resources Tonight at 5 p.m. the United Way of Kenosha County will be reviewing resources available to the community for its "Reaching Out" virtual series. The first installment of the series debuts at 5 p.m. tonight and is expected to last until 6 p.m. Though only an hour … Continue reading Tonight’s events: ‘Reaching Out’ debut and Kenosha County Racial Equity Work Group meeting
Kenosha County DA will not charge officers in Blake shooting, details evidence
KENOSHA — On Jan. 5, Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley announced KPD officer Rusten Sheskey would not be charged in shooting Jacob Blake in August. Graveley explained his decision in detail, offering new information which arguably changes the circumstances of the Blake situation. Watch the full conference below.
Kenosha announces road closures ahead of Jacob Blake shooting ruling; Evers authorizes 500 National Guard
KENOSHA ⏤ The city has closed portions of local roadways, specifically those surrounding the Kenosha County Courthouse ahead of the impending ruling on the Jacob Blake shooting. Gov. Tony Evers also authorized the National Guard to come and assist local authorities. The announcement is a result of Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley making his decision this … Continue reading Kenosha announces road closures ahead of Jacob Blake shooting ruling; Evers authorizes 500 National Guard