Milwaukee Residents Celebrate And Rally Against Biden Win

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI— Wisconsin residents celebrated and some protested on Saturday the projected win of Democrat Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2020 presidential race.

The mood at Milwaukee's Zeidler Union Square was joyous on Saturday. People held signs up and offered free water and other treats to the crowd of people. The event, Voters Decide Day, was organized by SEIU Healthcare Wisconsin, Fight for $15 Wisconsin and Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Organization.

Democrats Joe Biden and Kamala Harris surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House on Saturday, according to projections from The Associated Press and other news organizations.

Even as the Biden-Harris team was projected the unofficial winner, President Donald Trump continued to contest the counting of mail-in ballots, swelled to record numbers by the coronavirus pandemic, that put them in the lead.

Speakers during the event in Milwaukee included Angela Lang, the executive director of Black Leaders Organizing Communities, Rev. Greg Lewis, a Milwaukee pastor and executive director for Souls to the Polls, and Marcelia Nicholson, Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

Before the event, the following was posted on Facebook.

"We worked hard, turned out big on Nov. 3, and won Wisconsin! Voters have selected Biden to ensure we can care for our families and move us forward to a better future. It’s time we come together, that the will of the people prevails and Biden is sworn in as President.

Join community leaders, canvassers, voters, faith leaders and everyone who put their hearts and souls into the Wisconsin victory for music, speakers and fun. We need to have each others’ backs and stay united as we move ahead in our continued fight for healthcare, fair wages, and justice.

Because the health and safety of our community is our top priority, please make sure to attend only if you are not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms and have not been exposed to someone infected with the virus within the last 14 days. Participants must pledge to adhere to 6ft social distancing rules and wear a mask at all times. These rules will be enforced."

At American Serb Hall in Milwaukee, a Defend Your Vote Rally was also held on Saturday. The event, was hosted by the Republican Party of Milwaukee County and had the following speakers: David Karst, Chair of the RPMC, Dan O'Donnell, WISN Radio Host and other Republican activists. There was a cash bar and food available and people were encouraged to bring an American or Trump flag to show support.

Patch reached out to the Republican Party of Milwaukee County but hasn't heard back as of Monday afternoon.

Beth Dalbey contributed to this report.