July 26th 2024.
Nestled in the vibrant community of West Milwaukee, lies the Sherman Park Grocery - a one-of-a-kind, Black-owned grocery store in the state of Wisconsin. The visionaries behind this establishment are co-owners Maurice “Moe” and Yashica Spears Wince, who recognized the need for a full-scale grocery store in their neighborhood, where a majority of the residents are Black.
Maurice and Yashica's journey towards creating the Sherman Park Grocery began with listening to the voices of their community. Bishop Walter Harvey led resident listening sessions, following the civil unrest that took place six or seven years ago. The couple took note of the concerns and needs expressed by their neighbors and decided to take action. As a result, the store has been warmly welcomed by the community, with the kids lovingly referring to Maurice as "Uncle Moe." Last year, the store marked its one-year anniversary at its current location, and the owners couldn't be prouder.
Both Maurice and Yashica have personal experiences with food and home insecurity while growing up in Milwaukee. These experiences, coupled with the statistics of health issues disproportionately affecting Black Americans, inspired them to create the Sherman Park Grocery. Yashica highlights the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in their community and how their store aims to address these issues by offering fresh and healthy produce. She also emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's body, stating that "you only have one temple, and you have to take care of it."
The Sherman Park Grocery is more than just a place to purchase groceries; it is a beacon of hope and justice for the community. In collaboration with Americans For Prosperity, the store provided $60 gift cards to 100 customers last spring. Maurice speaks passionately about this partnership and how it helped to combat food insecurity in the neighborhood. "Food is justice," he proclaims in an interview with Fox 6 Milwaukee, highlighting the crucial role of fresh fruits and vegetables in promoting health and well-being within the community.
The Winces strongly believe in supporting and uplifting their community by keeping the money circulating within it. One of the ways they do this is through their partnership with UpStart Kitchen, a shared-space kitchen that supports small culinary businesses. Nine of these businesses have their products available at the Sherman Park Grocery, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two entities. Upstart members also support the store by purchasing goods and using the Wince's laundromat, conveniently located in Sherman Park.
The Sherman Park Grocery is a testament to the power of community and the impact that a small business can have on its surroundings. It serves as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, showing that with determination and a vision, anything is possible. As the saying goes, "it takes a village," and the Winces have created a vibrant and thriving village within their community.
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