Community Journal / McCallum 2002

Election 2002

Latest Press Release
African American Teens & Young Adults For McCallum

Anyone traveling near Villard Avenue and 35 Street may have noticed the buzz around the Team McCallum headquarters. The campaign headquarters located at 3520 West Villard Avenue is unique for a number of reasons: Because it's a GOP space in a predominately Democratic Party place. Because most faces seen going in and out of the headquarters are young and African American.

The Team McCallum campaign boasts of having some 40 or more youth ages 10 to 16 on board, while the majority of the campaign's "foot patrol," are between 18 and 30. What that means is that Governor Scott McCallum has been able to capture the imagination and hearts of youth and young people here in Milwaukee's African American community.

Not many people realize the mark our young people are making. According to Barbara White, Team McCallum Campaign Consultant, "these young people are making their mark on the political canvas. This is democracy at its best.

"They know what time it is - - they know what is at stake, and they are about the business of power, access, and economic development. "Young adults and youth learn the art of politics and earn dollars in exchange for their hard work and efforts with the Team McCallum campaign.
Just how motivated are the young adults and youth who work for Governor McCallum?
Community leader Reuben Harpole spoke with two young people immediately following a Community Brainstorming Conference, and asked them if they knew what politics is. One young man, Patrick chimed in, "politics is about economics."

Reuben agreed and explained that politics must certainly glean economic and social reward for those who work in the political sphere. Meanwhile, more than sixty "foot patrol" also known as "The Dream Team" converged on St. Matthew's C.M.E. Church last Saturday for the candidate's forum sponsored by the Community Brainstorming Conference. His supporters met Governor McCallum with a standing ovation as he entered the basement where the candidate's forum was held.

"Doyle was a "no-show," at the Community Brainstorming Conference.

"This was the only forum held here where all four candidates could answer our questions and concerns. When McCallum comes across the plate on November 5, he and his party will remember - - to never take our vote for granted again, " said Karen Murphy-Smith.

This excitement has been translated into a rap song, and political commercial featuring youth and young adults that was released this week, and can be heard on area radio stations.
Five young people in the commercial inform their peers about Governor Scott McCallum's signing and Executive Order banning racial profiling or DWB Driving While Black or Brown; that he earmarked grants to the Northcott Neighborhood House for the fix-up and repair program; and how Govern McCallum appointed African American student Tommy Jones, Jr. to the UWM Board of Regents.

According to campaign coordinator Karen Murphy-Smith, "They (young people), have turned this campaign up a full notch. Our governor calls our people The Dream Team.

"This is the first time that a Wisconsin Governor has actively campaigned for the African American vote. These young people dropped 30,000 pieces of literature in only three days.
"They're absolutely awesome! One thing is for sure, Team McCallum is on fire… "