Jessica Rodriguez and Frank Vaisvilas shine a light on communities often ignored in news coverage

Greg Borowski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Frank Vaisvilas, left, conducts an interview.
Frank Vaisvilas, left, conducts an interview.

The idea behind Sunshine Week is that shining a light on a topic helps people better see and understand the world around them, and with this news and information make better decisions as a citizen and family. One of the goals of the national Report for America program is to help local newsrooms cover communities that have historically been ignored.

Two of our corps members, Jessica Rodriguez and Frank Vaisvilas, have been doing this since 2020. Here is what readers have to say:

  • “I was encouraged to contribute by Frank Vaisvilas' article on government rules for membership on tribal rolls.” – John W.

  • “I want to support reporting on Milwaukee central city and Wisconsin Native American, Hmong, Latino, and African-American communities.” – Kathleen D.

  • “I believe in local reporting and especially like Frank Vaisvilas writing and the issues he raises.” – Rita M.

  • “I’m impressed with the work these young women have done.” – Richard R.

Frank’s story on the government rules for tribal rolls explored the blood quantum requirement imposed by the U.S. government in the late 19th century in an effort to limit tribal enrollments by examining the "Indian blood" of one's parents. Read more: When it comes to blood quantum, celebrated Oneida doctor wouldn’t actually be Oneida. Inside the blood quantum dilemma facing First Nations.

Can we count on you to keep stories like this coming?

YES! I want to support Frank’s coverage of Wisconsin Indigenous communities.

One of Jessica’s recent stories focused on a fundraiser to help keep the doors open at a popular bakery on Milwaukee’s south side that has been open since 1973 when its owners emigrated from Mexico. Read more: Here's how a fundraiser may be the last hope for Lopez Bakery in Milwaukee's South Side

Jessica Rodriguez
Jessica Rodriguez

Is reporting like this important to you? Your tax-deductible donations help keep these stories coming.

DONATE: I want more stories and coverage of Latino communities

Thank you for helping us continue to shine a light on these communities.

Greg Borowski is executive editor of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

DONATIONS VIA MAIL: Checks should be made out to: “The GroundTruth Project.” In the subject line of the check please designate where you want the donation directed, including Report for America Green Bay Press Gazette Campaign or Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. The check should be addressed as follows: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Reader donations helped expand reporting on Native, Latino, Hmong communities.