MILWAUKEE – Today the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution by Supervisors Sheldon A. Wasserman and Liz Sumner repudiating the history of discriminatory housing covenants in Milwaukee County.
“It should not surprise anyone that, like many other communities, Milwaukee County has a history of racist housing policies that excluded many communities of color from fair and equal access to housing,” said Supervisor Sumner. “Today we are acknowledging that terrible history and recognizing the need for all governments – including Milwaukee County – to advance fair housing policies.”
The resolution acknowledges the damage caused by discriminatory covenants to the Milwaukee community and calls on all residents to recognize that these covenants are abhorrent and entirely unenforceable.
“I want to thank all my colleagues who recognize the importance of this resolution, and, even more so, members of the community who have contacted the Board to urge our approval of this item,” said Supervisor Wasserman. “I extend a special thanks to my constituent, Charlotte Supple, who was a tireless advocate for this item.”
The resolution was co-sponsored by Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisors Shawn Rolland, Deanna Alexander, Felesia A. Martin, Kathleen Vincent, Peter Burgelis, Steve F. Taylor, Willie Johnson Jr., Ryan Clancy, Dyango Zerpa, Steven Shea, Patti Logsdon, and Juan Miguel Martinez.
This resolution is a part of an ongoing effort led by Bay Bridge Wisconsin, a Whitefish Bay-based community organization, to engage with municipalities across the state to acknowledge the history of discriminatory covenants. The organization hopes that these resolutions will facilitate conversations and action to help desegregate communities.
This resolution now heads to the desk of County Executive David Crowley.
