In 1996, Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) joined forces with Safe Night Founder Olusegun "Olu" Sijuwade to bring Safe Nights to communities throughout the state of Wisconsin. Leading educational organizations were brought on board including: 4-H Youth Development of the University of Wisconsin Extension, The Alliance for a Drug Free Wisconsin, The Division of Youth Services, Department of Health and Social Service and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Partnerships were formed with media agencies to spread the word: The Wisconsin State Journal, The Racine Journal-Times, The Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, The Green Bay Press Gazette, The Wausau Daily Herald and Z104/WTSO Radio.

On November 15, 1996, over 100 Wisconsin communities - both urban and rural - held Safe Nights with over 10,000 youth participants. These parties took place in barns, school gyms, churches and community centers and had a wide variety of activities - dances, volleyball tournaments, talent shows, just to name a few. Each Safe Night tailored their "learning" part of the evening to issues facing their particular community.

As part of Wisconsin Public Television's "Act Against Violence" campaign, Wisconsin Safe Night was televised live from three different sites - Milwaukee, Madison and Hortonville. Many neighborhoods throughout the state continue to hold safe nights regularly. And, on June 5, 1999, they'll be there to join the celebration.

Visit the Wisconsin Public Television Web site.