MILWAUKEE — Wednesday afternoon locals from across the Milwaukee area gathered together to participate in the Workers First Caravan, a national effort to bring attention to issues surrounding the nation.
Pam Fendt, President of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, said there are three main issues that they want legislators to create policy changes around, the public health pandemic the nation is facing, economic issues, and long-standing structural racism.
Cyrstal Ealy attended the rally and said it's time for a change in our country and for systemic racism to end.
"We want to be on jobs and treated like everybody else. We want to be in stores and treated like everyone else," said Ealy.
Members also honored former Washington High School track and basketball coach Ralph Davis while speaking on the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on minorities.
"Our skin color should not determine when we die," said Ealy.
Davis was beloved by many and left a long legacy behind him.
"He cared a lot about the success of his students on and off the court and just being there sometimes is the most important thing for the kids ...it's generations that are going to miss him," said Jerica Watson.
Many teachers and support staff have been working thought the COVID-19 crisis. Amy Mizialko with the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association said she wants guarantees from the government that teachers, support staff, and students can work and learn in safe environments.
"We have to make sure public schools are safe and ready and prepared to meet the public safety needs of families but also of workers," said Mizialko. "We have to say our children are most important and more than the worth of a federal bailout."
