There's a new leader in one of Milwaukee's oldest buildings and he's looking to tackle some of the city's toughest problems.
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Ashanti Hamilton is no stranger to city hall, he's been an alderman for a dozen of years. The Milwaukee native gave TODAY’TMJ4's a rare look at his life growing up in the city, and the challenges he faced to get where he is today.
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"I walked this way to school, my wife lived right there,” he said.
A walk through the old neighborhood near First and Burleigh streets renews memories of a caring community for Ashanti Hamilton.
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"When I couldn't eat at home, I could eat here. I could eat at Mrs. LeFleore's house right here. I could eat at Mrs. Jackson's house right there," Hamilton said.
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The oldest of six children, Hamilton's mother was just 16 years old when she had him.
"She had some struggles. You know, she struggled with addiction," said Hamilton. "She's been clean for some time now. She's been holding down a job but it took her a long time to get there."
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He credits his grandfather for being a stabilizing force in his life.
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Benson: Clearly your roots here had an impact?
Hamilton: Absolutely. This was my orientation to life.
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Hamilton knows his story can inspire other kids facing similar long odds.
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"We have to give them the fortitude and the resilience to overcome that, because it builds a sense of character."
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His boyhood home is now gone, but not friends like Torre Johnson.
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"Mr. Hamilton, we call him Mr. Hamilton, said Johnson with a laugh.
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They haven't forgotten him.
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"The only thing I like about him like - love about him, is that he got out and he keeps coming back," said Johnson.
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Education was his escape. He graduated from Riverside High School in 1991 and later taught there.
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Benson: What happened here for you?
Hamilton: It changed the trajectory of my life.
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Hamilton found a sense a purpose in these hallways. He credits Mr. Thomas Wild, a teacher and mentor for raising expectations and giving him responsibilities to grow and be accountable.
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"And just opened my eyes about the world that's out there, that's much bigger than my neighborhood. Much bigger than the problems I was facing in my house,” he said.
The problems are still big but now Hamilton has a bigger voice, "it's fast pace but it's good,” he added.
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After 12 years in the Common Council he's moved up to President, a high profile power broker position, "I do have the bully pulpit."
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Hamilton is more visible these days, appearing at events with the mayor and police chief, rolling out a new summer safety plan.
His list of concerns include crime, jobs, education, and finding a way to improve all of them.
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"To present a plan that ties public safety to education, and then education to economic development," said Hamilton.
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Which begs the question. Does this father of five daughters want to be mayor some day?
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Hamilton: Right now I'm focused on doing this job, the best that I can.
Benson: Is that a yes or a no?
Hamilton: That's a (pause) I'm not closing that door. I'm dedicated to this job.
Hamilton graduated from Marquette University and has law degree from the Thurgood Marshall Law School at Texas Southern University.
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