MEET RICK
A Milwaukee Son
Rick is the son of working class parents, his mother having worked as a housekeeper for over 30 years. He grew up in the Franklin Heights, Lapham Park and Westlawn neighborhoods and is a product of Milwaukee Public Schools, graduating from Riverside University High School. He received a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is also a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) and the Associates in Commercial Real Estate (ACRE) Program. Rick and his husband, Javon, live on the northside of Milwaukee with their dog, Chewie.
In the Community
For over a decade Rick has been an active leader and organizer in Milwaukee fighting for and creating youth programming, affordable housing, quality healthcare, justice reform, worker’s rights, racial equity, environmental sustainability and community-centered economic development. Rick has years of experience in local government administering resources to local businesses and changing systems and polices for racial equity. He's is a proud member of AFSME Local 47 Labor Union and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and serves on the boards of several local community organizations.
An Innovative Leader
Rick has always been a forward thinking organizer. In 2016 he led organizing efforts to create a home repair grant program for his neighborhood that has since provided repairs to over 60 Harambee homes. The same year he joined an effort to create a community owned credit union to meet unmet financial needs. In 2019, Rick co-founded MKE Black, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black-owned businesses and culture with events, resources and its business directory.
Guided by strong values
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Rick's faith leads him to believe that basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare and education are human rights. He also passionately believes in the rights and dignity of all people and proudly stands against racism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, and all forms of oppression. Finally, he believes that workers and residents should have real power in their workplaces and communities, instead of being subjected to by those with the most money.
Why I’m running:
“I’m running because I live in one of the worst places to be a Black male and our communities need elected officials who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo, call out the power disparities at play in our policies, and still work to create innovative solutions. I have shown that I can be that.”
- Rick Banks
