Common Ground Stands with Pastors in Pursuit of Justice
September 15, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This morning Common Ground (CG) leaders are traveling to Chicago to stand in solidarity with Rev. Demetrius Williams of Community Baptist Church and Rev. John Patterson of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church as oral arguments in their racial profiling lawsuit are heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. “We believe all people deserve equal treatment and justice from law enforcement personnel, regardless of the color of our skin, our race, our religion or our immigration status,” stated Deacon Alexander Hardy of Community Baptist Church and CG’s Strategy Team. “We continue to stand united in our fight for justice.”
Oral arguments will begin at approximately 9:30 am, and the proceedings can be heard remotely at https://www.youtube.com/@
Background
On May 1st, 2018 Pastors Williams and Patterson had a rare opportunity to go fishing and find rest and relaxation from their demanding lives as husbands, fathers, pastors, and academics. However, their fishing trip ended with them being treated like criminals. When their 17-foot bass boat trailer got a flat tire, they pulled over and called their insurance company for assistance. “We were there for only 5 minutes when we saw a Sheriff’s squad car pull behind us with flashing lights. We were glad to see that some initial help had arrived. We thought the deputy might put out cones to divert traffic until the tire was changed. However, our initial assumption of assistance quickly changed,“ said Rev. Williams.
“We were offered no assistance; instead, we were asked about guns and drugs. Both driver and passenger were required to provide driver’s licenses. Finally, the boat was slapped with an indelible abandoned vehicle sticker although we had no intention of leaving it,” explained Rev. Patterson. “Instead of offering assistance, we were treated like criminals because we are African-American men. Is it really the standard policy of Waukesha Sheriffs’ Deputies to treat law-abiding citizens in this fashion?”
On August 27, 2018, after several attempts to get clarity on the Sheriff’s standard policy for roadside assistance, Common Ground launched an investigation into possible racial profiling practices by the Waukesha Sheriff’s Department. The case received significant media attention, including a Washington Post article. When the Waukesha Sheriff’s Department refused to even meet with the pastors and CG, CG worked with the pastors to find an attorney and take their case to court.
Rev. Williams introduced the lawsuit on Jan. 19, 2019: “Today, we are here to announce a lawsuit against Deputy Erik H. Michalsen and Waukesha County. We are filing this lawsuit to remedy the unlawful and egregious misconduct of Deputy Michalsen.”
Rev. Patterson continued, “The experience my friend and I had happens to Black and Brown people every day. We want to let people know that we do not have to just take this kind of treatment. We can stand strong with Common Ground; we can push back, and we can use the law to do it.”
Common Ground wants to hear about your experience with a Waukesha County Sheriff’s Deputy or other suburban law enforcement. Email or call at info@commongroundwi.org or 414-751-0755.
Common Ground is a powerful nonprofit alliance of 44 member institutions across greater Milwaukee whose mission is to address critical social issues in creative, non-partisan ways. CG’s members include congregations, schools, non-profits, small businesses, and neighborhood groups.
Contact: Jennifer O’Hear at jennifer.ohear@commongroundwi.
LIVESTREAM: Tuesday, September 15 at 9:30 am oral arguments start. The first case is scheduled for 15 minutes. Williams, et al is the second case. Live stream: https://www.youtube.com/@
Legal Documents: Williams_Patterson_Seventh Circuit Brief & Appendix.pdf
CG Website & Anthem Video: commongroundwi.org