Politics as Unusual

While the COVID-19 pandemic presents itself primarily as a health crisis, it has also been a crisis in governance as well. In politics the ability to interact with the people that you represent is of the utmost importance. As a politician you literally represent the people who are facing this crisis. This makes it your responsibility both to educate your constituency as to the ins and outs of an issue, while also advocating the views of that community while in office.

This exhibit focuses on the ways in which Milwaukee's Common Council and Mayor's Office have dealt with the pandemic through the documents these offices produced. I will lay out the items in this exhibit to tell a story; a timeline of information that will plot the ups and downs we have experienced during this pandemic. Also included in the exhibit is an oral history with Alderman Russell Stamper II who represents the 15th district of Milwaukee. The 15th district is one of the few overwhelmingly African American districts in this city. The constituency is roughly 90% African American. I work as the legislative assistant to this district and have known Alderman Russell Stamper II since 3rd grade. I have also been an employee of the city of MILWAUKEE for the last 20 years. Both positions have allowed me great access and the ability to accurately paint the picture of Milwaukee during this pandemic.