Bobby McQuay Jr.
Bobby McQuay moved to Milwaukee in 1979, from his home in Gary, Indiana. He has been part of the Washington Park neighborhood since then. McQuay graduated from Washington High School and postponed enrolling in college. Instead he bought a property and opened his own business. His business was successful and he gave back to his community by supporting various local events. He always contributed time, energy and money to worthy causes, but he felt like there was more he could do for his community. After taking "Making Connection," a twelve-week course on community development, McQuay found his true calling. He is currently pursuing a degree as a Social Worker in the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
McQuay continues to be a proud and proactive member of the Washington Park community. He works as a community organizer for the Washington Park Partners. McQuay is devoted to seeing his community prosper. He is committed to "bringing the resources to the people and then connecting the people to the resources." He believes that Milwaukee’s central city has a chance to rebound and escape the fate of many inner-city minority communities across the country, which are on the verge of a total collapse. McQuay goes door to door two times a week in order to introduce himself to community members and give them information on upcoming events in the area. He informs them of the services that the Washington Park Partners (WPP) offer. McQuay considers it a success even if he knocks on 70 doors and leaves 150 flyers and only two new people become involved. He believes in the WPP mantra that ‘we are the change’— whether by instituting a food bank, or supporting a clothing bank, or by offering information about job openings to those in need. Bobby McQuay Jr., interviewed by Damir McCurty and Hyrom Stokes, June 2015 |
Bobby McQuay jr. left |