Summer of Peace Rally

As the culture of violence in Milwaukee continues at an alarming rate, leaders and youth through the city are working to spread a message of non-violence and community empowerment.

The Summer of Peace Citywide Youth Rally will take place on Thursday, July 27 in the Kadish/Kilbourn Park, in the 700-900 blocks of East North Avenue. The event will begin with a peace parade at 11 a.m., and youth will deliver their own message of peace and unity throughout the day through poetry, conscious hip-hop, dance, anti-violence art displays and speeches.

Other activities at the Summer of Peace Rally include a children’s fun area, roller skating demos, peacemaker recognition, live music and food.

Joblessness in Wisconsin

Fewer Wisconsinites are jobless, as initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits in Wisconsin dropped 13% from last year, according to the state Department of Workforce Development.

New unemployment applications, which are used to determine unemployment trends, reportedly fell by 3,560 last week to 7,756 initial filings. Thus far this year, the state has reportedly received 331,874 initial claims for benefits.

With respect to claims for extended unemployment, those have reportedly dropped 7% behind where they were at the same time last year.

National Poetry Slam Team

Milwaukee’s 2006 National Poetry Slam team is packing their bags for the National Poetry Slam in Austin, Texas. The team is anxious to get your suggestions and critique on their new work for the competition against 77 other cities from across the U.S., and parts of Canada and France. As preparation for the upcoming competition, the team--comprised of Darlin Nikki, Nigel Wade, Dan Vaughn and Dasha Kelly--will host the 2006 Summer Slam Showcase and Auction. The event will be held Thursday, July 27 from 7-10 p.m. at Hubbard Street Terrace, 1830 North Hubbard Street. Hear the musical styling of Patrice Downey and be wowed by the poetic performances of the team members. And, then if you’d like to lock in a performance by one or more of the poets for any engagement, bring your checkbook to participate in the auction. For more information, call 228-7554 or email dasha@meccanightclub.com.