by Barbara White
It was a somber evening at All God’s Children Church where over 200 people came to rally support for Ald. Michael McGee, Jr. who remains in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bail and federal and state charges that are under court seal.

At the rally, a number of community and religious leaders spoke on behalf of McGee and four other individuals who have reportedly been charged with conspiracy to assault a family friend, vote fraud, and allegedly shaking down business owners in his district seeking licenses.

The speakers took to the podium to pray and express support for McGee and the others charged, as well as criticize the double standard as it relates to McGee still being held in jail.

Some community observers believe McGee’s continued imprisonment makes him a "political prisoner" when compared to other lawmakers—particularly those on the state level who have been charged with felonies but did not spend such an extended period of time in jail as McGee is doing.

The community has been encouraged to donate money to a defense fund for McGee. Donations can be made at any US Bank branch.

Pastor Moses Fuller of St. Timothy Church, who has worked with McGee on the community-wide gun buy-back campaign, said no citizen should be treated like McGee.

"We must shake the consciousness of this city," Fuller prayed before the gathering. "In the name of Jesus God, we ask that you shake the conscious of the justice system and let it know we will fight for justice until there is no breath left.

"We understand what they are doing, we understand they are trying to demonize our brother. But in the name of Jesus, we will win."

Minster William Muhammad of the Nation of Islam, who talked of McGee being in trouble for righteousness, equated the embattled lawmaker’s plight to the struggles of Jesus.

"Jesus wasn’t afraid to get his feet muddied; nor was the alderman," Min. Muhammad said. "No, he is not Jesus. But he walks the footsteps of Jesus and when you walk in the footsteps of Jesus, you will be persecuted. Ask Marcus Garvey, Dr. (Martin Luther) King. It is not just the alderman who is on trial here and it was not Jesus who was on trial, it was the trial of those they worked on behalf of."

Min. Muhammad then asked where is the other Black leadership and why haven’t they stepped forward in support of McGee and to fill the void of advocacy left by him?
"We must understand that we cannot serve our people unless we love our people. We cannot fight for our people if we do not love our people," continued the Milwaukee NOI leader. "Those who love our people know we must fight for our brother. The bar is not too high for the righteous. We must assist and free him. And if we have done all we can do, then God will get the victory."

The organizer of the rally, who goes by the name "Brother Earl," said the community must work from an organized structure in support of McGee and the other individuals charged with him. "Our enemy is organized. We must not simply be reactionary.

Taking to the podium again, Pastor Fuller noted that McGee is a member of his church, and that he is compelled to stand by him.

"But look at what the system is doing to him. Why has he been arrested? Why is he still in jail? It makes me angry that all the Black people and our money is going to Iraq.

"As a taxpayer, I am angry that they are treating McGee like a terrorist," Fuller continued. "They do not want anyone Black to stand for something, that if you stand for McGee, you will go down with him. We will demand our brother’s freedom.

"If they can do Mike like this, they can do all of us like that. Whatever money it takes to get him out, we must raise it. Whatever we have to give, we must give it. We are not slaves and we will not be treated like slaves anymore. We must all stand up and now is that time. God Bless you," Fuller said.

As a number of women begin to collect money, Bro. Earl noted that $200,000 is needed. "Whatever it takes, we have to do it."

People continue to arrive to give to the fund. Pastor Fuller challenges people to give by setting the example himself. He reached in his pocket and pulled out another hundred dollars, challenging others to match him. The offering came around several times. Another minister stood and said for every dollar given, he would match it with two dollars.

Bro. Earl updated the gathering on how the money has been spent so far. "The lawyer representing him (McGee) is being paid. God is our source and our mission here tonight is to raise money."

Saying the mission is to make Milwaukee a city the nation can be proud of, Fuller said every minister in this city should be here at the rally. "I understand some are scared, but we must get out there as Jesus did. They (Jesus’ enemies) did not like Jesus either.

Wanda Montgomery, sister to McGee’s wife LaSonya, told the ralliers that her sister is appreciative of all that her husband’s supporters are doing and that she supports them in turn.

Old school gospel songs were sung through out the evening. The mood in the room was still a bit somber. One could sense folks wanted action and they wanted it now. But at the same time, they felt somewhat helpless because they could not understand why McGee was still in jail. Despite their frustrations, they were determined to stick to the plan.

During the rally, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels of Holy Redeemer Church of God in Christ arrived. Many were glad to see him and displayed it openly. Saying he had just returned from being out of town, the Bishop wanted to know what has happened to McGee. The bishop’s arrival seemed to renew the spirit and energy of those assembled in the sanctuary of All God’s Children Church.

There are other events and rallies planned to support the defense fund of Alderman McGee. Those who want to contribute to the fund can do so at any US Bank and donate to the Mike McGee Defense Fund.