The Milwaukee Coalition Against Hate Says 'Put The Guns Down'

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI—A music video preview shows a game at a basketball court in Milwaukee which is interrupted by a man sticking a gun in someone's face during a confrontation. Suddenly a victim lays motionless on the ground after appearing to have been shot. As the vignette plays out, the viewer listens to a hip hop and rap song called Put'em Down (Put the Guns Down).

The video was created by the Milwaukee Coalition Against Hate to educate youth that there is an alternative to violence.

The Milwaukee Coalition Against Hate is comprised of individual citizens, leaders, organizations, and businesses that are focused on stopping racism, prejudice, and inequalities. They also focus on making the community safer.

Tracey Dent, the organization's cofounder, said the violence in the city has always been a concern to him. His own mission is to help people be "the best version of themselves."

The gun violence in Milwaukee continues to escalate. Milwaukee County broke the record for the number of homicides in a year with 174 as of Oct. 26 and that number has continued to increase to over 187 as of Nov. 10.

"We are now surpassing the record homicides. It's not a good feeling and nothing to brag about," Dent told Patch.

Dent said people want to know what can be done. He added the simple fact is what is in place right now is not working.

Police reform?

Dent told Patch everyone's main focus in Milwaukee was on police reform and the protests over suspended Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah.

"I think we need police reform but not less police. It's about police and the community working together," he said.

Dent has been vocal about police appreciation despite pushback from some community members. Dent said police put their lives on the line every single day with little recognition, adding he is tired of hearing the chants of "(Expletive) 12," a term to disparage police.

"Yes, there are bad officers, what industry doesn't have bad people. We have to weed them out. You can't generalize all officers or all people," Dent said.

He added in the era of Black Lives Matter, people are taking "it to the next level."

"If you support the police you are called a sell out or a racist. It is ridiculous," he said.

Dent said the people saying disparaging things about police should go to the families of those who need police to solve the killings of their loved ones.

"Tell them why you are saying '(expletive) 12' and you won't support police trying to give them justice," Dent said.

The question of why

Dent, like others in the community, is sick of hearing about another person being killed in a shooting.

Dent said there is a sense of power and control that comes from holding a firearm.

"They think guns are power. Everyone is scared of a gun especially if it is pointed at them. They are terrified," he said.

He compared it to bullying.

"The bullies are angry and something is going on in their lives. The people who are causing the violence, what is going on to make them act this way?"

Dent said social media also influences violence given the drama unfolding across the internet. He believes it can be like a best friend or a worst enemy.

"Social media turns into a reality show and people search for what drama is going on. What's the beef or has anyone seen someone get killed," he said.

The activist and advocate said violence prevention starts at home. He explained if you know a family member or a friend who is "up to no good" then you should interject. Dent added people need to tell others violence is not worth it and there is another way.

"It is not a win-win situation. If you harm someone the police will be after you or worry about retaliation. If it is retaliation, then you are putting your whole family and friends in jeopardy," he said.

Making the video

The video preview is effective in showing how gun violence hurts everyone. Dent wanted a way to communicate via music to people holding the guns.

"I had a vision about the best way to reach the people causing most of the crime. They listen to a certain type of music. We could maybe reach them that way," Dent said.

Lyrics were written by Quinlan Bishop (Q.B. Speaks), Chris Camacho (Just Chris) who created the song "Go Bucks Go (Bonkers)" and Shawn Matthew. Dent said each artist contributed their own "flavor."

Dent was able to find sponsors to help with the production of the video.

The song and video aim to show how the actions of people not only impact family members, but also the community as a whole. Dent explained the video is about a mother who is part of a Stop the Violence Rally when she hears a gunshot and runs towards the shooting only to realize that her son was killed.

The full music video won't be published until later in November but Dent teases an alternate ending. The alternate ending shows the man not being shot.

Dent told Patch the message is there "is always another way. You don't have to resolve to violence."