Like many professional sports franchises, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking to build from the ground up and re-energize a dormant fan base.
Comments by team president Peter Feigin suggest the team has a cultural barrier to break through in order to do so, and the Bucks are committed to be leaders by example in the community to help do that.
Of course, they have quite a bit to overcome, as Feigin had some very harsh words for the city of Milwaukee, according to the Wisconsin State Journal:
“We know we can’t cure the world,” Feigin said. “But we are very determined to get ourselves involved in programs that we can measure a difference in and put our claws into for a long period of time and show a difference.
…
“Very bluntly, Milwaukee is the most segregated, racist place I’ve ever experienced in my life. It just is a place that is antiquated. It is in desperate need of repair and has happened for a long, long time. One of our messages and one of our goals is to lead by example.”
There is no better way to make a difference in the community than having your players and coaches out in the community lending a helping hand and being as involved as possible. The Bucks appear to realize they have some ground to make up here, especially since they feel they have lost a generation of fans over the years. Making up that ground does not happen over night, but Feigin is also aware there is a bit of a cultural barrier the Bucks are faced with dealing with.
Calling your home city the most segregated and racist place you have ever experienced is a strong statement to make, and it’s not going to play well locally, so credit Feigin for not being afraid to speak his mind. He’s now tasked with proving he and his team can make a difference in the community. Ultimately, that’s what is most important.
Aside from winning a championship.
