Milwaukee introduces first youth commission in nearly 20 years
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As the Milwaukee County board tackles issues affecting today's youth, some new advisors will be lending a hand. They're the members of Milwaukee County's first "youth commission" in nearly 20 years.
"Each of you have incredible strengths, talents and experiences to bring to the table," said Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson of the Milwaukee County Board, 10th district supervisor.
It's the first meeting for the Milwaukee County Youth Commission. First order of business -- the oath of office.
The last time high schoolers sat in these chairs in the Milwaukee County courthouse was when County Executive David Crowley was in high school in 2003, and he was part of it.
"This is a great opportunity for our young people," said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley.
The commission's 20 members will serve to advance the interests of young people in Milwaukee County.
"Having activities for them to do so they don't be out in the streets and causing trouble. I feel like that's one of our main things," said Ka'lyah Mason Davis of district 17.
"What are some of those issues for you? Redlining, mass incarceration, police brutality, school shootings," said Loren Muwonge of district 2.
"When we think about what we have seen in the past two years whether we're talking about the pandemic, whether we're talking about out of school time or whether we're just talking about the amount of violence that we're seeing we need to provide this opportunity for our youth voices to be at the table," said Crowley.
Some students will serve one-year-terms, others two.
"This is a wonderful opportunity not just for Aaron, but for all of the youth," said parent Bridget Lee.
"The night of the interview, I put a lot of extra time in, looking into it, I wanted to, I wanted this position really bad because I think I can make a difference," said Aaron Lee, Youth Commission co-chair.
The youth commission will be getting together twice a month. One will be a committee meeting and one for the entire group.