Riverwest ‘character’ Trammell shot, killed
Shop owner known for political, religious signs
Bernell Trammell was a fixture in Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood.
Trammell, 60, ran eXpressions Journal for many years out of an old storefront on East Wright Street. He could often be spotted carrying his handcrafted signs about politics and religion — ready to engage passersby in conversation.
Friends and neighbors said he was always pleasant and happy to talk.
On Friday, they couldn’t fathom what led to a Thursday afternoon shooting that left Trammell dead on the quiet street in front of his building.
Local blogger Adebisi Agoro, 39, spoke with Trammell in his shop just hours before the shooting and documented the encounter in his blog, The God Degree.
“He’s like a Milwaukee character,” Agoro told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Agoro said Trammell had many signs in his shop, supporting causes ranging from the Black Lives Matter movement to President Donald Trump’s reelection campaign.
Videos on the eXpressions Journal YouTube channel show Trammell standing along the street, speaking about religious teachings and encouraging people to “repent.”
“He was a positive guy,” Agoro said. “I didn’t see him being mean or violent at all toward anybody while he was outside with his signs. He’d be on his bike. I’d see him pretty much daily.”
Milwaukee police officials have said little about the case, other than to confirm the fatal shooting, which took place at 12:31 p.m. on the 900 block of East Wright Street, near North Bremen Street.
No suspect was in custody Friday. Milwaukee police encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to call (414) 935-7360 or Milwaukee Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS.
Reggie Moore, director of Milwaukee’s Office of Violence Prevention, said he recently intervened in a dispute be
tween Trammell and a young man. Moore thought the incident was related to a Trump sign that Trammell was carrying.
“He's a Black elder who didn't deserve to die the way that he did,” Moore said.
He added that the way Trammell was killed, “in front of his home and in front of his shop in broad daylight, is extremely troubling.”
Community members have created a memorial with candles, plants and chalk art outside the eXpressions Journal office, 915 E. Wright St. A memorial service is set for next 5:30 p.m. July 31 outside the office.
On Friday evening, Trammell's friends stood around outside the building sharing stories about his life. They remembered him as a teacher and a friend who always helped people in need.
“He was selfless,” said Wisdom Prometheus Grey, an artist and a longtime friend of Trammell's.
A 21-year-old woman named Janette, who asked that her last name not be used, said Trammell supported her after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
The two would walk together, talking about religion and philosophy. Those walks, Janette said, helped her develop strength and balance despite her medical condition.
Trammell also encouraged Janette to speak out about her beliefs — a practice he dedicated his own life to.
“Now that he's not here, I have no choice but to use my voice,” she said.
Prominently displayed outside the window of the eXpressions office Friday was a green cross —one of Trammell's many handpainted signs — with the words: “THUMBS UP BEFORE GUNS UP!”
After the shooting Thursday, Trammell's friends said they found that cross flipped backward, its message hidden from view.