Two years after unrest, Sherman Park Revival Celebration brings community together

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People came out to the second Sherman Park Revival Celebration, with a focus on highlighting the rehabilitation and progress in the community. 

Tomorrow marks two years since the unforgettable night in the Sherman Park neighborhood. The fatal shooting of Sylville Smith, 23, by a former Milwaukee police officer sparked violence and chaos. A number of businesses were vandalized, a BP gas station was also set on fire.

Some people are moving forward.

At the celebration, people shared a meal, children played on bounce houses,  some got to know their neighborhood officers, better.

Mayor Tom Barrett, Alderman Khalif Rainey, and other officials were in attendance.

“People coming together from all over the city, to come restore us and make us whole in this neighborhood, that’s what is reflected here," Alderman Rainey said.

The event was hosted by a number of Milwaukee restaurant organizations, including the Milwaukee Kitchen Cabinet and SURG Restaurant Group, along with other sponsors.

About 300 Townsend School students got free backpacks for back to school.

“A good thing for the kids, they finna get ready to go back to school, some of them don't got anybody to give them nothing," said Eli Jones, a parent who lives in the area.

Mayor Barrett said the celebration is an example of what happens when a community unites.

“I’m happy to report almost all those businesses are either back in operation or on a path to be back in operation."

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