Tell us the story of where you live

Fifty years ago youths from the NAACP Youth Council played a critical role in the fight for fair housing in the city of Milwaukee.

It was Father James Groppi who started listening to the youths.

Now, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel would like to provide Milwaukee-area young people with a platform to be heard. We also want experts to take what they hear and provide solutions.

We know that safe neighborhoods and affordable housing can have a profound impact on a child’s quality of life. So we are asking you to tell your story with the phrase: “Where I live …”

What do you see? What do you hear? What makes your neighborhood different? Is it safe? Talk from your experiences.

Tell your story through essays, poetry, photos, plays, etc. Don’t be afraid to be creative.

We will highlight your stories on our website and at an event in March at Marquette University, where you are all invited to voice your concerns to a panel of experts, city leaders, nonprofits, youth leaders and others.

It’s not just limited to youths in the central city. We also want to hear from youths all over the greater Milwaukee area.

The goal is to bring your voices together; be heard and put your ideas to action.

You can submit your “Where I live …” to jcausey@jrn.com.

The 50-Year Ache project was produced by the Journal Sentinel news staff with no influence from fellowship, event or advertising supporters.