"But here's the thing: I am not sorry for being born and raised in Milwaukee. Milwaukee made me. For every person who tried to cut me down, there were countless more to build me up, from teachers, neighbors and a host of loving family members. I developed layers of thick skin there, cultivated an open mind, a loving heart, work ethic and above all, loyalty – even if to a fault."
The above is from this captivating CNN piece from Milwaukee native Sarah Hoye.
She continues, later in the story:
"Maybe I should have a chip on my shoulder; maybe I should be angry, bitter even. But I'm not. I was born without hate, was taught not to hate, and will die without hate in my heart.
I truly believe, as idealistic as it may sound, that there is hope for a city in pain, and hope for a way forward.
Milwaukee is hurting and has been for some time.
The question is: What will the city and its resilient residents do to heal?"
That question, Sarah, is one we all are discussing, dissecting and developing relationships and solutions around.
Thank you for your insight, passion and hope.
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
