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Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation

TRANSFORMING OUR NEIGHBORHOODS FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

Through Culture.

MLKEDC is a community resource, developer, connector, and organizer. Our root mission is to transform the urban landscape of the historic MLK Village by restoring a culture of confidence into the neighborhoods we love & live. 

OUR MISSION

Anchor 1

“We don’t build homes, we build communities.”
Welford Sanders, Previous Executive Director, MLKEDC.

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25+

Over 25 years of business

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190

Over 190 units developed

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$66M

Over $66 million dollars in development

Gaulien Smith

Gaulin Smith has been a barber for 25 years and believes his purpose, as a barber, extends beyond making people look good. Smith is the owner of Gee’s Clippers and Beauty Salon in Milwaukee. The overwhelming success of the original salon, located on 4327 Fond Du Lac Ave., prompted the opening of a second location on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive and North Ave., but Smith attributes his success as a local businessman to something more than his proficiency in hair styling. 

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“Gee’s Clippers is not a typical barbershop,” said Smith. “I like to be impactful in the community, whichever community my shop is in.” The impact of Gee’s Clippers has drawn high profile athletes from the Milwaukee Brewers and the Milwaukee Bucks to become clients of Smith. 

Pillar of Positive Images:

Community Business Highlights

Anchor 4

The pioneer of Bronzeville:

Ald. Milele Coggs

Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After graduating from Riverside University High School, she attended Fisk University where she graduated, Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and English.

 

Having grown up in a political family, and after gaining a reputation as a renowned youth activist and motivational speaker, and after interning in the office of a Wisconsin State Senator, Alderwoman Coggs was drawn to the study of law and ultimately decided to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison.

Anchor 5

Community Member Highlights

What’s happening in “MLK Village”

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