MADISON, Wis. — Black History Month kicked off Wednesday at the state Capitol as lawmakers announced several celebratory events throughout February.
From recognizing the trailblazers who came before them to the next generation of leaders, members of Wisconsin’s Legislative Black Caucus hope the month presents an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Our history as Black people in this country did not begin when we arrived in chains,” State Rep. Supreme Moore Omokunde, D-Milwaukee, said. “Many people get Black History Month wrong. That now we will do some work in one month out of the year. We will take 28, maybe 29, days to do some Black work out of the entire year. No, Black History Month is a celebration of the work you have done all year.”
State Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, who is just the fifth African-American, and only the second African-American woman to serve in the Wisconsin Senate, said it is important that history is both accurate and built upon.
“Since my office created it in 2007, the intent to highlight the accomplishments and the contributions of African Americans has been our goal,” Taylor explained. “American history is what our chairwoman said. American history is Black history.”
Lawmakers in the Black caucus will take turns hosting several events every week throughout February focused on topics ranging from education to justice reform.