Sean Kafer

Heavy is the Crown follows Milwaukee community activist and violence interrupter Vaun Mayes as he works alongside individuals and neighborhoods most affected by cycles of violence, systemic neglect, and contested approaches to policing. The film examines what it means to care for a city from the inside out, foregrounding the resilience and forms of care that sustain communities from within.

In the 1960s and '70s, Brady Street became a thriving hub of counterculture—a legacy that persists in Milwaukee today. Like many neighborhoods, Brady Street has faced its share of decline. But by the end of the 20th century, determined community efforts sparked a renaissance, revitalizing the area and transforming it into a diverse urban haven. Longtime resident Julilly Kohler puts it best: "It’s people that make the street. It’s really about people and getting people involved."