In Video: Wisconsin parks committee cancels funding for murder victim's memorial
Memorial to Remember Shade Robinson Voted Down by County Committee
A proposal to dedicate a memorial to Shade Robinson, the 19-year-old Milwaukee woman who was killed and dismembebed last April, in Watermont Park has been shot down by the county’s Committee on Parks and Culture. Despite initial enthusiasm from the community, the plan was met with criticism and negative feedback from some community members, leading to the county’s decision to withdraw the proposal.
Family’s Plea for a Compassionate Solution
Initially, the family of Shade Robinson was thrilled with the idea of a memorial dedicated to their loved one. "I thought it was cool at first," said a family member. "I was all for it, obviously, it’s a memorial for Shade." However, as the controversy mounted, the family began to receive negative feedback and criticism, which took a toll on them. "We just didn’t want that," said County Supervisor Juan Miguel Martinez. "We didn’t want Shade’s name to be attached to a controversy over tax dollars."
Parks Director’s Commitment to Memorial
Although the county has declined to fund the memorial, Parks Director Guy Smith is committed to seeing the proposal come to fruition. "We’re still committed to working with the family and the Moi Parks foundation to make this thing happen," he said. "We’re not going to abandon the idea of having a memorial in Watermont Park." The earliest the bench could be installed would be this spring, depending on the success of fundraising efforts.
Community Rallies Around the Family
In the face of the county’s decision, the family has vowed to raise funds privately to establish a memorial in Watermont Park. "We’re still committed to making sure Shade is remembered," said a family spokesperson. "We’re relying on the community to help us get this done." The family is urging the community to get involved and support their efforts to create a lasting tribute to Shade’s memory.
Moving Forward
While the proposal for a county-funded memorial has been declined, the fate of the memorial remains uncertain. The family’s commitment to commemorating Shade’s memory, however, remains unwavering. As the search for a new solution unfolds, one thing is clear: the community will come together to honor Shade’s memory and ensure that her legacy lives on.
