MKE Co. Exec Crowley talks violence and complex solutions on CBS 58

 

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Amid a record pace for violence in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley joined CBS 58 Morning News anchor Mike Curkov live in studio to discuss the complex solutions he and other Milwaukee leaders are trying to end the violence.

"It's been sad, it's been tragic and it's frustrating when you think about where we are as a community." Crowley said. "We need to make sure that we are coming together. I was born and raised in this city. As a young person, I know what it means and I empathize with many of the young people who live here and don't feel like they have anything to do."

Crowley says he had mentors who supported him and taught him to, not only understand himself, but to love himself and his community.

He has an opportunity to be a mentor to a generation with strong black leadership in many of Milwaukee's institutions. Crowley, Milwaukee mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee Police chief Jeffery Norman, Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas, Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent Dr. Keith Posley, Milwaukee County Board chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson, and Milwaukee Common Council president Jose Perez are all people of color leading in Milwaukee, something the city and county have never seen before.

Crowley believes there is opportunity to make a difference as a group. 

"We understand the things that are happening in many of these communities. We come from these communities." Crowley said Thursday on CBS 58. "I can tell you that I have a monthly meeting with each and every one of them. Right now, we're talking about how we bring everybody together."

"This isn't an easy task when it comes to tackling an issue such as this." he continued. "It's not specific to Milwaukee. We're seeing this type of violence playing out all across this country, all across this globe. We all have a hand when it comes down to, how do we stop this but particularly put our young people in a position to be prosperous."

He believes he himself can be a mentor, but that he and his fellow leaders won't be able to do it alone.

"It's great to be in a position like this because as a young African American man who grew up in this city, yes we can be a beacon of light, we can be that beacon of hope for many young people. But it's going to take more than just me." said Crowley. "It's going to take their family, their friend, their teachers. Everyone around them to really have these types of conversations. But I think it's important that they know that they have so much life ahead of them"

Crowley also understands the views that some people outside Milwaukee County might have right now of the city.

"I want folks to know that right now there is some challenges here in the city and throughout Milwaukee County. Just like there are challenges in many other places throughout this country. But we want you to know that we are a destination. We want people to work, live, and play here." he said. "We have so much to offer so many folks and when you come here, this is a good safe space that you can come to."

Watch the full interview in the video player above.