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This workshop was informative, REALLY interesting, well put together, and very relevant. It was great!
–Community-based educator/organizer, IN

I also work in the music industry and one of my main concerns is the faults in the industry at the current time. The presenters were right on key with my views and really grasped my attention and actually gave me insight and hope knowing that there are others out there who are not blind to the problems we are and will face.
–University/college student, IL

Really gave us wonderful resources and ideas for using hip hop as a teaching tool.
–University/college faculty, MA

"I just [wanted}] to let you know that I enjoyed every minute of this weekend's event. There was a feeling there that I don't find that much. I can't express the inspiration I got from all those young artists doing their thing.
-Michael/Artist Milwaukee, WI

This is a letter written to the editor of the Journal Sentinel regarding the following article: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=775390 that appeared today on www.jsonine.com

Graffiti: Art or Vandalism

The writing is on the wall when a city becomes so close minded that it cannot distinguish art and humanity from vandalism and chaos. From ancient African hiroglyphs to the walls of La Michoacana Resturant graffiti has provided a creative form of cultural expression for people throughout the world. As a supporter of True Skool Inc, I am proud of its efforts to engage and teach young people how to use the art form responsibly. For years they have tried to educate youth, parents, law enforcement, and policy makers about the distinction between vandalism and graffiti art. Fortunately for young people in DC, policy makers have listened. After a year long pilot, the city has launched a $100,000 initiative to partner with teens to design and paint murals throughout the city. The DC Commission for Arts and Humanities along with the Department of Public Works will commission 12 murals over the next year to be painted by teens to cover tags and other forms of vandalism. Creativity is not a crime and I invite Milwaukee to listen to leaders of True Skool and give art a chance.

Milwaukee UP: TRUE Skool creates new youth programs, community ties
OnMilwaukee.com article 2.23.2011

88.9 RadioMilwaukee's "Make a Difference Campaign" (September 2010)

This past summer, I spent the bulk of my time trying to get young people to do something that's pretty hard for just about anybody -- to be interviewed and feel comfortable. By the end, I felt like I'd made some progress in my approach, but because of the alien nature of the interviewing context, I've conceded that there will always be at least a seed of tension going into an interview.

For my second interview at TRUE Skool, I could sense that apprehension in Sierra. She was certainly down for the interview, but there was a bit of mic-shyness that shaped the beginning of our conversation. After talking about her background with art and her approach to making art and how TRUE Skool had exposed her to new art-making experiences, we decided to look at her art.

Back in February, I took a trip to TRUE Skool as part of our Make Milwaukee campaign. It was my first time in their space and a wonderful introduction to what they do — I was overwhelmed by all the teens bustling around, making art, learning to DJ, and generally creating. I met a lot of young people on that trip, but there was one kid who definitely stood out. Miguel. Notably, he explained to me the Japanese influences on his art and so generously sung a snatch of the song “War” that acted as the intro to the audio piece I made for their Urban Arts Program. When I went back to True Skool for a gallery night, this time for the Make A Difference campaign, the environment was almost identical. Buzzing. And again, I caught Miguel for an interview. This time, we had a much more in depth conversation, focusing on what he’s learned from the professional artists who have worked with him at True Skool. Click to listen to and read the entire interview with Miguel.

In response to the recent coverage of TRUE Skool and the attack by a south side Alderman, TRUE Skool has issued our own press release with facts, data and other important information regarding our work in the community and the TRUTH about what we do.

THANK YOU TO ALL THE HUNDREDS OF EMAILS, FACEBOOK MSGS, FINANCIAL DONATIONS AND CONTACT TO THE CITY AND ALDERMEN ON OUR BEHALF. WE BELIEVE IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THEY CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND SHOULD NEVER BE "HUNG FROM THE LIGHT POLES" AS THE ALDERMAN SUGGESTS.

TRUE SKOOL FACT SHEET
Check out a one page fact sheet about TRUE Skool's mission, programs, and outcomes.

Alderman Donovan along with members of the MPD attended TRUE Skool's Adopt a Community Kick-Off event Friday July 17th, 2009 where TRUE Skool painted a community mural, removed over 40 incidents of illegal graffiti in the Chavez Neighborhood and picked up over 100 bags of garbage.

TRUE Skool represented in RadioMilwaukee's "MAKE MILWAUKEE" arts campaign (February 2010)!

Adam Carr interviewing Urban Arts Instructor, Jasmine Barmore, and Urban Arts student, Bobby Sanchez, on 2.17.10.

Adam interviewing, Larry, the Security Guard across the street from the mural.

Adam interviews Alex & Mijo of Motion Disorderz (TRUE Skool's Breakdancing instructors)

Video from the 2007 Common Ground Conference
Presenter is Sarah Patterson-Executive Director

Check out the article in Shepherd Express
that discusses T.R.U.E. Skool's positive use of Graffiti Art w/Romke de Haan...

Milwaukee UP: TRUE Skool creates new youth programs, community ties OnMilwaukee.com article 2.23.2011

Milwaukee UP: TRUE Skool creates new youth programs, community ties
OnMilwaukee.com article 2.23.2011