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“See What We See: Stories of Environmental Stewardship in Lindsay Heights”

April 8, 2024 @ 6:00 pm

“See What We See: Stories of Environmental Stewardship in Lindsay Heights”

Lindsay Heights Through the Lens of Community Stewardship- The Photovoice Exhibition

Our first photovoice exhibition, “See What We See: Stories of Environmental Stewardship in Lindsay Heights,” debuted vibrantly at the Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda on a memorable evening filled with passion, community, and stewardship. It was a celebration of victories, resilience, beauty and the rich history of Lindsay Heights as well is its active and committed residents and resident leaders.

We were honored that our Mayor Cavalier Johnson visited the exhibition and shared his thoughts and suggestions with the photovoice team. The opening ceremony was filled with city officials, representatives from local environmental, community and faith groups, academic representatives, Lindsay Heights residents and community members.

The Photovoice Exhibition Opening Ceremony

  • Date & Venue: Monday, April 8, 2024, Milwaukee City Hall Rotunda
  • Time: 6 PM onwards
  • Special Guest: Mayor Cavalier Johnson
  • Distinguished guests: 
    • Alderman Russel Stamper, Alderman District 15
    • Antonio Butts, Executive Director, Walnut Way Conservation Corp.
    • Mary Miss, Founder, City as Living Laboratory, Milwaukee WaterMarks project
  • Emcee: Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd warmly guided the evening’s program
  • Welcome speech: Dulmini Jayawardana, who spearheaded and facilitated this initiative as part of her community-engaged research and practice
  • Photovoice participants—the storytellers remarks
    • Maria Beltran, Ramona Curry, Geneva Jones, Christal West, Jarvis West

Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd’s Opening Remarks

Pastor Teresa Thomas-Boyd, one of the photovoice storytellers, opened the event by acknowledging indigenous peoples as the traditional stewards of the land. Reflecting on Lindsay Heights’ history, she highlighted the transformative efforts of Walnut Way Conservation Corp., which started about 20 years ago, for their intentional commitment to making Lindsay Heights a great neighborhood in Milwaukee. Walnut Way’s strength, she explained, lies in involving resilient residents and empowering them as responsible caretakers of their environment.

“And now in 2024, as we invite you to see what we see, we all have eyes and so we see things differently. But today, you’re going to view from the environmental stewards that walk around our Lindsay Heights neighborhood every day.”

She also shared insights about Dulmini’s experiences, emphasizing both the positive and challenging aspects:

“Dulmini learned a lot about culture while she worked with Lindsay Heights residents. I’m only saying that because sometimes we want to say it was all good, but some of it was rough, and we need to be truthful about when we are going through that. We still come out with victory. And this is your victory. This is your victory, Dulmini.”

Dulmini Jayawardana’s Welcome

Dulmini warmly welcomed distinguished guests and community members. She emphasized the collaborative journey:

“The true heroes of this project are the photovoice storytellers. Thank you for your unwavering commitment throughout this project. Thank you for welcoming me to your neighborhood, your community, and entrusting me with your personal and communal experiences. Together we have embarked on a path of discovery and expression, culminating in the vibrant collection of images and narratives you see tonight.”

Voices from Our Leaders

Alderman Russel Stamper expressed pride and gratitude:

He thanked the photovoice team for the vision this project brings to Lindsay Heights and instilling more belief in the neighborhood.“You guys are making Lindsay Heights a great neighborhood. We’re going to continue to grow. We’re continuing to develop, continue make history in the city of Milwaukee.”

He specifically recognized Erick Shambarger, Director of Environmental Sustainability at the City’s ECO, commending his efforts to make Lindsay Heights Milwaukee’s first eco-neighborhood.

Reflections from Our Partners

Mary Miss (WaterMarks Project) was profoundly moved:

She said when she was conceptualizing WaterMarks, she aimed to create a ripple effect and that this photovoice project beautifully embodies that vision.

“I really could not believe my eyes. I had no idea the extent of this project. You are not just a photovoice; you’re the voice of this project.”

Antonio Butts (Walnut Way Conservation Corps.) thanked the photovoice team for its hard work:

“Everything that happens is coming from the hearts and minds of the people that you see here. There’s nothing manufactured about it. Believe me, this couldn’t happen without you all. You are the heart of everything.”

Remarks from Lindsay Heights Photovoice Team Members

Maria Beltran, Photovoice storyteller

Maria passionately shared her personal journey:

“I’m a homeowner in Lindsay Heights for over 32 years—I plan to live there another 32” She talked about lead contamination that has caused irreparable damage to the brains and bodies of her family and neighbors. Yet, she remains hopeful for a day free from suffering.

She said that all photovoice team members worked hard and no matter what, we worked as a family. She said, “We yelled at each other. We cried with one another, but it was all bittersweet moments to make this all possible.”

Ramona Curry, Photovoice Storyteller

Ramona deeply expressed her desire for change and a cleaner future. She shared a poem showcasing how the photovoice team sees the toxic environments in Lindsay Heights:

“It’s disheartening to see litter, garbage, boarded-up houses, abandoned buildings, neglect, gun violence and too many alcohol stores”.

“So, imagine if you will, you are a child, and this is where you live. What would be their impression? Would there be hope or disparity? Awareness will bring them hope.”

Christal West, Photovoice Storyteller

Christal spoke from the heart:

She chose Lindsay Heights for its diversity and beauty. She asked exhibition attendees to see beyond the trash; embrace the beauty of Lindsay Heights and that is photovoice is doing.

“You will see a piece of our souls in these pictures. You all are encapsulated in this beautiful art. This is no longer just a strange place within the neighborhood. This is your neighborhood.”

Jarvis West, Storyteller

Jarvis West invited everyone to actively participate to embrace what environmental stewards have done in Lindsay Heights:

“We chose to participate in photovoice because we want you to see some of the beauty and unspoken words that we see when walking, riding, or relaxing here at home. I hope that this project will intrigue some of you to take a good look at what has been done here and what can be achieved by becoming an environmental steward. Come on this journey with us to cherish and reap the benefits of this breathing, safe, beautiful, harmonious, legacy piece called Lindsay Heights.”

Geneva Jones, Storyteller

Geneva emphasized that Lindsay Heights is rich with resident activists including many of the photovoice participants, who are actively pursuing the well-being of the community and the collaborative efforts behind photovoice:

She said this project was a grassroots effort that didn’t follow a predefined script but adapted to the situations we faced as a team.

“We all completed the project without losing anyone as we believed that everyone brought something important to the table”.

We completed this project together, valuing each member’s important contribution.”

Gratitude & Closing Remarks

Special thanks to:

  • Milwaukee City Hall & Mayor Cavalier Johnson
  • Alderman Russel Stamper & Antonio Butts, Walnut Way
  • Mary Miss (City as Living Laboratory, WaterMarks)
  • City as Living Laboratory and WaterMarks
  • Michael Timm for capturing the event
  • All Lindsay Heights Photovoice Storytellers and Residents
  • Funders & Supporters who made this photovoice exhibition possible

This exhibition is more than just photos; it’s a vibrant call-to-action inviting all to engage deeply with the issues shaping Lindsay Heights.

“Together, we’ve created more than a project—We hope that we’ve sparked a movement.”
— Dulmini Jayawardana

 

View the Opening Ceremony Program (PDF)

 

 

Details

  • Date: April 8, 2024
  • Time:
    6:00 pm