DNC Panel Courts North Side Milwaukee Volunteers

Carvd N Stone, Inc. hosted a panel featuring 2020 Democratic National Convention organizers to obtain insight on how the DNC will affect the minority communities in Milwaukee.

The Democratic National Convention take place every four years and, this year, it’ll be in Milwaukee from July 13 to July 16 at the Fiserv forum.  The event will attract thousands of people and generate millions of dollars for the city. The DNC panel was hosted by Carvd N Stone at the Silver Spring Neighborhood Center, Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. The panel was free to attend, and was open to the public. Carvd N Stone, which is a Milwaukee media company founded by UW-Milwaukee graduate Nyesha Stone, chose to target youth members with this panel in hope to enlighten young entrepreneurs.

“I say that young people should embrace this as a chance to be on the ground floor of something that can impact your lives,” says Lafayette Crump.

The panel was moderated by Stone, president of Carvd N Stone. DNC organizers featured on the panel were Jorge Neri, Host committee president Liz Gilbert, and DNC Host committee Vice President of diversity, Lafayette Crump.

“Yes, I want you to learn about politics, but I really want you to think about your future … you are sitting directly in front of the people who are bringing a $200 million convention to the city,” said Stone.

The panel started with questions from Stone and ended with an open discussion from the public. Through the questions asked during the panel, DNC organizers were able to explain what the 2020 Democratic National Convention is, how can people get involved, and why it’s important for people of all ethnicities to be engaged. The first question for the panel was “Why should the black and brown communities care about engaging with the DNC?” said Stone.

“If you don’t have people that look like you, talk like you, care like you be a part of this, then we are not showcasing Milwaukee for what it is,” said Liz Gilbert.

The Saturday before the DNC convention, there will be an official welcoming event for the international and national media, and Sunday there will be an official welcoming party for the delegates from all the 50 states and territories. The following days will consist of  official party business including panels, caucus meetings, events, and official campaign work. The Friday following the event they will throw an official thank you event for volunteers.

DNC organizers encourage community members to get involved with the convention in any way that they can. The event will have needs that the north side of Milwaukee can satisfy from businesses to volunteers. DNC host say they will be looking to find 15,000 volunteers to help in multiple areas.

“If the big companies come here and are looking to sign a contract, would you be ready to work?” said Stone.

A public member expressed concerns pertaining to mass incarceration disparities among minorities within the 53206 area code, and they hope the exposure from the DNC can bring attention to that issue as well.

After the panel ended, DNC convention organizers stuck around to network with community members, media outlets, and young entrepreneurs.

“Tell us what you’re interested and not just your products, tell us your ideas.. we have people that put on amazing conventions but they don’t have all the ideas,” said Crump.

If you want more information on how to get involved with the 2020 DNC Convention, go to milwaukee2020.com for more information. On the website, you’ll be able to share information about services and sign up for volunteering.