Hey Sis: Let’s Talk About What’s Happening to Our Black Women in Milwaukee
Milwaukee has a problem
Sis, let’s be real for a second. We love our city, but we can’t keep ignore what’s going on right in front of us. Black women and girls in Milwaukee are going through it. And when I say going through it, I’m talking about dealing with violence, neglect, and being ignored by the very systems that are supposed to protect us. That’s not just heartbreaking; it’s maddening and mind boggling. So, let’s break it down because this is a conversation we need to have.
The Reality for Black Women in Milwaukee
Here’s what’s real, sis. Black women in Milwaukee face violence and neglect at rates that would make anybody’s head spin. In 2023 alone, 21 women were killed under abusive circumstances, and 17 of them were Black (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). That’s 81%. Is it resonating with you yet? That’s not just a number—that’s us, our sisters, our daughters, our mothers.
And it don’t stop there. When we speak up, the system hits us with skepticism. They question our stories, downplay our pain, and make excuses for our abusers. Courts hand out weak sentences that does nothing but keep the cycle of abuse spinning (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). And let’s not even start on the financial stress, housing struggles, and trauma that keep piling on. It’s all a lot—too much, honestly.
It’s Not Just Us, but It’s Definitely Us
Let me put it this way: systemic neglect is a problem for women everywhere, but when it comes to Black women, it’s on a whole different level. Check this:
- Black Women: We’re out here carrying the heaviest load. From battling systemic racism in schools, workplaces, and justice systems to shouldering the weight of family and community, Black women face a constant uphill battle (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). The neglect isn’t just about the justice system—it’s about being invisible in a society that owes us visibility and respect.
- Latina Women: They’re struggling too, often navigating cultural and language barriers that compound their experiences. But their issues don’t intersect as sharply with the deeply entrenched systemic racism that Black women face daily (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023).
- White Women: They’ve got their issues, sure. But the systems in place tend to serve them better, giving them easier access to protection, resources, and justice (Urban Milwaukee, 2023).
- Asian Women and Others: Their struggles are real, but they’re often erased from the broader conversation, leaving them without platforms or spaces to share their experiences fully (Milwaukee Courier, 2023).
See what I’m saying? This isn’t just a problem; it’s a crisis. And when you zoom in on Milwaukee, it’s even more in your face.
Urban vs. Rural: Same Struggle, Different Scale
Now, let’s look statewide for a minute. Milwaukee’s got the highest rates of systemic neglect for Black women compared to rural areas. Why? Because we’re packed into an urban environment where resources are stretched thin, and systemic racism hits harder (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). The overcrowding in Milwaukee means fewer resources for more people. Over-policing doesn’t help either—it criminalizes our communities instead of protecting them.
In the rural areas, it’s a little quieter—but make no mistake, the neglect is still there. It just looks different. In rural spaces, Black women might face isolation, with even fewer culturally relevant resources and less visible support systems (Milwaukee Courier, 2023). Either way, sis, the struggle is real no matter where you are.
The Real Issue: Where Are the Resources?
Here’s the thing, sis: there aren’t enough resources where they’re needed most. Legal advocacy, trauma recovery programs, community support—they’re either underfunded or nonexistent. Let me break it down for you:
- Legal Advocacy: Imagine needing someone to fight for you in court but being met with legal systems that prioritize their own convenience over your justice. Black women often can’t afford quality representation, and public defenders are stretched too thin to give cases the attention they deserve (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023). Without strong legal advocacy, survivors face their abusers in courtrooms that don’t even see them as victims.
- Trauma Recovery: Healing isn’t optional—it’s necessary. But where are the spaces for us to heal? Most trauma recovery programs aren’t built with Black women in mind. They don’t reflect our experiences, our pain, or our resilience (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). Culturally relevant healing spaces are rare, and when they exist, they’re often out of reach due to costs or location.
- Community Programs: We need programs that uplift us, connect us, and help us thrive. But funding for these programs is minimal at best. Community centers that should be hubs of support are underfunded, understaffed, and often focus on broader community needs without centering Black women specifically (Milwaukee Courier, 2023).
This is where the Victim Retribution Network (VRN) comes in. The vision is clear: to fight for our sisters and make sure the resources meet the need.
A Path Forward: Reclaiming Our Power
Sis, we’re not just talking about surviving—we’re talking about thriving. That’s what the VRN is all about. Here’s the plan:
- Advocacy: We’re pushing for tougher laws and stronger protections that actually serve us. This means advocating for mandatory victim notifications, harsher penalties for abusers, and systemic changes that center survivors’ voices (Urban Milwaukee, 2023). We’re done with crumbs; we want the whole loaf.
- Healing: Healing is our birthright, and the VRN is here to create spaces for that. Through programs like mindfulness workshops, expressive writing sessions, and yoga tailored to the experiences of Black women, we’re making sure survivors have what they need to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity (Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service, 2023).
- Community Love: Programs like Clean Streets aren’t just about picking up trash—they’re about reclaiming our neighborhoods. They’re about taking pride in where we live, connecting with our neighbors, and building the village that’s been torn apart by neglect and systemic failures (Milwaukee Courier, 2023).
Sis, Let’s Keep It Real
The social contract? You know, that unspoken agreement that we’re supposed to protect and support each other? It’s been broken for Black women in Milwaukee. But here’s the thing: we’re not waiting for anyone to fix it for us. We’re stepping up and making it happen ourselves.
The Victim Retribution Network is just the beginning. It’s the first step in reclaiming what’s ours—justice, safety, and healing. And sis, we need you to be part of this. Whether it’s sharing this message, volunteering, or just being there for another sister in need, your presence matters.
Closing Thoughts
We’re not just surviving the storm— we’re building after it. And what we’re building is stronger, bolder, and more powerful than anything that tried to tear us down. This is about more than fixing the system. It’s about rewriting the rules. For us. By us.
Are you ready to join the movement? Let’s do this—together. Leave your information in the contact section and I'll be sure to reach out to you soon.
With Love & Purpose
E 💜
Sources Cited
Urban Milwaukee - Women of Color Face Elevated Rates of Domestic Abuse and Homicide: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2023/08/05/women-of-color-face-elevated-rates-of-domestic-abuse-homicide/
Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service - Milwaukee a Dangerous City for Women of Color: https://milwaukeenns.org/2023/08/03/milwaukee-a-dangerous-city-for-women-of-color-new-data-shows/
Milwaukee Courier - Trauma and Systemic Inequities as Root Causes of Domestic Violence: https://milwaukeecourieronline.com/index.php/2023/11/04/new-data-shows-trauma-and-systemic-inequities-as-root-causes-of-domestic-violence/