KENOSHA — Ahead of Joe Biden's visit to Kenosha on Thursday, some of the neighbors in the downtown area continued to put politics aside to focus on healing within the community.
Biden's visit comes after the eighth consecutive night of peace in Kenosha and on the first day following the cancellation of the city's overnight curfew.
"There were no riots when President Trump was here which is good because my husband and I have been praying for peace, not for violence or riots," said Sirena Cruz as she painted a mural on the front of her family's church.
Cruz said murals painted on boarded-up shops and businesses spread joy and a message of hope. They also represent the community's togetherness.
President Trump visited Tuesday, two days before Biden. Now, many community members growing through the devastation that occurred during riots following the Kenosha Police shooting of Jacob Blake on Aug. 23. Some say national politics don't play a role in helping the neighborhoods here heal.
"It’s politicized. That’s the first problem. Trump comes and then Biden comes. This is just a campaign issue," said local resident artist The Skrauss.
He said he hopes the systemic and physical healing of the City of Kenosha will happen locally.
"It’s the community responsibility and were asking the president and president hopefuls to weigh in on a situation that’s really none of their control," said The Skrauss.
Kenosha Resident T.W. said the visits from Trump and Biden are fair.
Still, he too thinks most of the healing will be done within the community of Kenosha, as the national spotlight comes and eventually fades.
"Trump came, he needed to, He’s the president. Joe Biden has a big base out here, he needs to come," he said.
"I think we have a lot more work to do, obviously, no matter what race, political problem but I really believe that the black lives matter movement did a remarkable job these last few days," said T.W.
Biden is expected to meet with the family of Jacob Blake privately during his trip to Wisconsin.
He will then attend a community meeting with business leaders and local members of law enforcement.
The democratic presidential nominee will also attend an event in the Milwaukee-area, according to his team.
