The Wisconsin Black Legislative Caucus kicked off Black History Month with a ceremony full of speeches and performances on Monday. Usually held at the Wisconsin State Capitol Building, this year it was a virtual event broadcast live on the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus Facebook Page.
“Each year, Black History Month provides an opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate Black culture and the stories of Black leaders and the resilience that has helped build our state and country,” said Gov. Tony Evers
“It is an opportunity to reflect upon, acknowledge, and own the reality of our history and the systemic issues that prevail today and renew our commitment as a state government that we have long failed to keep,” he added. “We know there is much work left to do and we have to do it together, folks.”
Shelia Stubbs, chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus, served as host of the event.
“We all stand on the shoulders of our ancestors and those who paved the way for us to be here today. When times get tough, and hope seems to be lost, I invite you to remember whose shoulders you stand on,” Stubbs said. “To remember the strength and determination that it took for our ancestors to survive, and how Black communities took care of one another when they faced violence from everywhere else. Our fight for justice and equity is a long and hard battle, but one that we will never waiver in.
“As we begin Black history month and continue to grapple with our present struggles, we can use this time of celebration, learning, community building, and reflection to revitalize ourselves and our communities,” she added. “We can uplift our elders, empower our youth, and find collective strength and healing. I hope that this event today begins that process.”
The event opened with a prayer by Dr. Apostle Bishop Godfrey Stubbs and a Libation Ceremony by Dr. Iyi-Eweka. Entertainment throughout the program was provided by Vanessa “DJ Ace” McDowell, soloists Payton Wade and Prenicia Clifton and spoken-word artist Janiya Williams.
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes thanked Evers for being at the event and noted that they have had more Black members in the state Legislature than ever before.
“Because of our ancestry, we stand strong, we stand firm, we stand committed … and we ain’t going anywhere. We know that being in the Legislature during these immense challenges,” Barnes said. “All of these things that we’ve been striving for so long – so many Black people in our state and in our country. We grapple with multiple crises and the inequity that these crises underscore and exacerbate. But, I remain hopeful. I would never have run for office if I wasn’t hopeful. If I didn’t think things could change, I wouldn’t have run.
“I always try to remind myself and anybody else about the fact that we can’t do this on our own. It takes us working together,” he added. “It takes a collective body to get over these large humps that we have been experiencing.”
Barnes said that history informs us that change is possible if we are “clearheaded in our pursuit for justice.”
“We keep up that resolve to keep on fighting another day because there are so many people who are dependent on us to get this right,” Barnes said. “We know that change is possible but only if we follow in the lessons and the footsteps of so many people who came before us.”
When we advance the cause of Black Americans, Barnes added, we advance the cause for the whole society.
“The cause of advancing the lives and livelihoods of African Americans benefits us all. So let’s get this done,” he said. “Let’s make sure that we are promoting equity in all of the work that we do.”
Cabinet members Dawn Crim, DSPS Secretary, and Kevin Carr, DOC Secretary, talked about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion as we kick off Black History Month.
“Equity, diversity, and inclusion is top of mind for me and the leaders of my agency. Since my arrival, we’ve been focused on how to build a more inclusive workforce and how to ensure that a variety of perspectives are being taken into consideration as we do the important work of all of our boards, committees and councils that the agency oversees,” Crim said.
“I’ve been meeting with stakeholders to talk about the importance of bringing in those perspectives to the work that we do every day at the agency,” she added. “In order for state government to do its best work on behalf of its citizens, it is important that this work is done bringing all perspectives to the table.”
From a historical perspective, Carr said, the incidents of 2020 related to George Floyd, Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor, and so many others are a reminder of the racial injustices that exist in our country.
“While not always intentional, systemic racism exists and we must all recognize that as truth,” Carr said. “The ongoing health crisis has further amplified racial and ethnic disparity. I believe that we are standing in a unique moment in time where awakening is taking place amongst all races. This creates a window of opportunity for us to have real and lasting change.
“We must seize this moment and do our part to ensure that we are entering this new era with hope. Every year, we celebrate Black History Month in February. It serves as a reminder to learn from the lessons of the past and focus on the future,” he added. “It also reminds us that equity work is not easy and the problems of today will not be solved tomorrow. I know that there is a lot of work to be done, but I’m confident our state and our agency will be up to the task.”
Other speakers at the Black History Month event kickoff included State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor and members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus including Rep. Bowen, Rep. Baldeh, Rep. Drake, Rep. Haywood, Sen. Johnson and Rep. Moore Omokunde.
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