MILWAUKEE — It was just a few nights ago when Washington Park became the scene of a deadly shooting. There was a different story Friday night. Neighbors here in the Washington Park Neighborhood came together to let kids be kids.
“It's a wonderful feeling know that he can just be a kid,” neighbor, Regina Dokes said.
That's exactly what the Rooted & Rising 4th Annual Block Party is all about. It was a night filled with good eats, face painting, games, dancing and community resources.
"It's something for the little ones that they can go to and just enjoy themselves and be comfortable,” Dokes said.
She wants her grandson to have a fun and safe summer. However, gun violence is getting a little too close for comfort in the neighborhood.
"It's beyond sad that the parks are being infiltrated by crime. It's beyond sad that teenagers are stealing people's cars and driving up and down the streets. And that it’s not even safe for your children to be out in your front yards to play either,” Dokes explained.
The shooting at Washington Park on Wednesday night left a 17-year-old dead. The same age as some of the teens enjoying the block party tonight.
"I love to see children doing good things instead of bad things,” Milwaukee teenager, Rudy Baker
Baker came out to the block party just to hoop with some of the neighborhood kids.
"It's something to get the streets off your mind. Like something to make you succeed in life instead of going down the wrong path,” Baker said.
Baker and Dokes both believe these events are good for the community.
"It takes a village to raise good kids,” Dokes said.
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