As Kenosha residents, we felt a growing disconnect between our diverse community and the Kenosha Police Department. Our Kenosha youth and Kenosha Police Department have been greatly affected by local and nationwide police interactions with minorities. Hard truths about America’s justice system start with the massive imbalance of racial wealth, incarceration of black males, and policy making that creates economic disparities.

The disconnect between our diverse community and the police department has cost the city of Kenosha considerably financially and has been heavy emotionally on residents. It costs us so much to remain divided. Fear, anxiety, and distrust should not be the words that describe the state of mind of a young minority boy or girl when they are describing police, school teachers, and business owners.

Stereotypes amongst cultures and political ideologies make it hard for our community to see the true crisis. Many young black males cannot identify themselves in law enforcement, public schools, or the legal system.

When we provide respectable, well-paying professions to the dynamic of a low-income family, we exponentially increase the quality of life of that entire family while further increasing the interdependence of our community.

We have a strong need for a more diverse police force, teaching staff, and business opportunities for members of our community.

We believe the first step for minorities and individuals from low income families is economic stability through employment and education.

Emmie Louise Spears retired from Kenosha Medical Hospital located downtown Kenosha and was the mother of Second Baptist Church for over 30 years where she also taught Sunday school. She had 4 kids, 8 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and too many to count God’s kids. She always made sure that no kid or adult was left without anything. She often was shopping for clothes or food to bring to families in need. Christmas and Thanksgiving were her favorite holidays. She invited everyone to eat, including the neighborhood. Christmas time for her seemed to never end! She would shop all year long making sure she had what she needed to spread the love on Christmas day! She was a very special person to many and touched the hearts of all! She had a way of dealing with kids in her way, she knew how to treat kids who were shy and sensitive and help them build confidence, she help other kids that may have been disruptive and aggressive learn how to be respectful and less aggressive, she brought out the smiles in them and her laugh would light up the room.

Sharon Kay Spears

Sharon Kay Spears is my mother, and my grandmother had her on November 30th, 1962. She was the mother of only one child. She was very active in school and her community. She spent most of her time doing gymnastics in her backyard and at the CYC/ Boys and Girls Club. She always brought energy to any room she stepped in. She was also given the name Candy Girl because anytime anyone would ask for candy she always had some. She taught many kids how to do flips and how to properly use a trampoline, especially since she was the only one in the neighborhood with one. One thing about her: IF SHE HAD IT, YOU HAD IT TOO! She was one of those people when you brought her name up it was nothing but good things. Later on in life, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lost the ability to do what she loved, which was being active in people’s life, helping them with anything they needed and teaching gymnastics. She later lost her ability to walk due to fractures in both her legs, caused by negligence at a rehabilitation center and being left unsupervised. She didn’t give up — she continued to spread love and joy in any way she could until she passed away on February 22, 2005, due to MS & pneumonia.

Board Members

Board Members

PRESIDENT/CEO

Ray Langston

Owner

Kenosha Beauty Supply

BOARD SECRETARY

Jessina Johnson

VA Purchasing Agent

BOARD TREASURY

Katelynn Nehls

Recruiter Specialist

FUNDRAISER COMMITTEE CHAIR

Reina Northern

Marketing Lead Management Rep

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Kenny Harper 

Owner

Harper Insurance & Financial Literacy Group

Sponsor A kid’s Bike

Sponsoring a bike for a child isn’t just about providing transportation; it’s about promoting a healthy, active, and engaged lifestyle. It encourages physical activity, mental well-being, independence, socialization, and environmental responsibility. The message it conveys to children is one of empowerment, fun, and freedom while also promoting valuable life skills like responsibility, safety, and community connection.

Get Involved

Are you interested in volunteering at or participating in our events, sponsoring or donating items, or joining one of our committees? We’d love to hear from you!