Milwaukee’s ‘Collective Jam’ plans to Unite Voters Before 2024 Election

As the November 5th election approaches, Milwaukee’s diverse communities are rallying together to empower and educate voters. The upcoming “Collective Jam” event symbolizes a unified front of multicultural organizations determined to highlight the significance of every vote, especially in a swing state where election outcomes can hinge on a margin of less than 25,000 votes.

A Coalition for Change

The Collective Jam brings together a formidable alliance of local social justice organizations, including Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, Black Leaders Organizing for Communities (BLOC), the African American Roundtable (AART), and Voces De La Frontera and Hmong American Women’s Association, Inc. This coalition aims to address the historical fluctuations in voter turnout among Milwaukee’s Black and Hispanic communities by fostering engagement and providing essential resources.

Event Details and Agenda

• Sunday, November 3rd (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.): Voces De La Frontera will kick off the events at Arlington Heights Park, located at 3429 W Pierce Street, as part of OtoñoFest MKE. This family-friendly festival will feature community speakers and voter education resources tailored for Hispanic and Latino voters.
• Monday, November 4th (10 a.m. – 11 a.m.): A press conference will be held at Milwaukee City Hall to address the media and public about the critical importance of voter participation in this election.
• Monday, November 4th (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.): All participating organizations, except Voces De La Frontera, will disperse throughout the city to distribute voter education materials and community care resources.
  • BLOC & Metcalfe Park Community Bridges Site: Metcalfe Park Rising, 3401 W Center Street.
  • HAWA & AART Site: Hmong Town Market, 8340 W Appleton Avenue.

The Importance of Voter Turnout

Milwaukee’s demographic landscape is rich and varied, with Black residents comprising approximately 38-39% of the city’s population—the largest racial group. However, voter turnout within this community has seen significant shifts:

• 2008: A peak turnout of 70% during President Obama’s first campaign.
• 2012: An even higher turnout of 77%, marking a period of strong political engagement.
• 2016: A sharp decline to around 47%, contributing to decreased representation.
• 2020: A historic low of 43%, underscoring the need for renewed outreach and mobilization.

Similarly, the Hispanic and Latino communities, while substantial in number, have faced challenges in voter participation. Together with Black voters, they represent over 40% of Milwaukee’s electorate. Recent trends suggest potential shifts in voting patterns, making engagement efforts like the Collective Jam even more critical.

The organizers encourage residents to participate in the Collective Jam events, support their communities, and make their voices heard. As the coalition emphasizes, this is more than an election—it’s a collective movement toward empowerment and representation.