Esperanza Unida, Inc.
Esperanza Unida, Inc. is a non-profit first organized by Ted Uribe in 1971 to represent Latino workers in worker's and unemployment compensation hearings. The organization flourished under the leadership of Richard Oulahan, who joined the organization in 1973, becoming Executive Director in 1978. Under his leadership the organization gained a very positive reputation in the community for improving the lives of South side Latino families. Oulahan’s mission was to provide un- and under-employed individuals with training for steady, family-supporting jobs, from asbestos removal to car repairs to welding to child care. Along the way, he helped to develop a new job-training model, one that was self-sustaining because the labor done during training not only taught workers new skills, but brought in revenue to Esperanza Unida.
The model was studied and implemented around the country and held up as a success story, even when some of the ventures—such as a restaurant—didn’t work out as planned. Oulahan suffered an aneurysm in 2005, which forced him to retire from leadership at Esperanza Unida. He died at the age of 61 on May 9, 2008 and was honored in a statement by Mayor Tom Barrett: "Rich really was the voice of progressive Milwaukee. His contributions to our community leave a lasting impression of his dedication. Rich will be dearly missed." Robert Miranda became the Executive Director in 2005.
After losing its non-profit status the agency recently (April, 2012) had its non-profit status restored by the IRS.
Esperanza Unida International Building
The Esperanza Unida International Building is located on the city's near south side on the western edge of the Walker's Point neighborhood. The building had been abandoned and fell into disrepair when the organization acquired it from the city in 1990. A number of non-profit organizations serving Milwaukee's South side moved into the building, creating a vibrant focal point for the Latino community. In recent years many long time tenants moved out however, the building is experiencing a rebirth with a number of new tenants that have moved into the building. Robert Miranda, the agency executive director states that "as tenants moved out new tenants have moved in. The building is at 80% capacity. The building's future looks great."
Mural of Peace
The building features Wisconsin's largest mural on the side facing Interstate 43 north. Called the "Mural of Peace," it depicts an eagle and dove with a sunburst rainbow of flags. Artist Reynaldo Hernandez designed the mural, while community volunteers painted the four by eight foot aluminum panels, which make up the 60 by 152 foot image. The mural was completed in 1994. In 2012, Esperanza Unida, Inc. was awarded a grant by the City of Milwaukee to do some repairs to the mural. The agency is moving to begin repairs starting in June 2013. Robert Miranda said, "with this grant we'll be able to apply much needed repairs and bring out the magnificent colors of this great mural."