Today – Friday, March 31 is not just any other Friday. Today represents so much for a great number of residents of Milwaukee.
We kicked off the day by recognizing Transgender Day of Visibility with a special flag raising ceremony, during which I joined Mayor Cavalier Johnson as we raised the transgender flag above the City Hall complex. Transgender Day of Visibility seeks to celebrate the lives and contributions of Transgender people, while also drawing attention to the discrimination and violence the community faces. At a time in which the Trans community is facing a variety of anti-trans legislation and hate across the country, we must take it upon ourselves to uplift Trans voices and let this community know that we love and appreciate them.
Today we also recognize César E. Chávez Day to celebrate the legacy of labor rights activist César Chávez. I was honored to join Common Council President José G. Pérez at the city’s annual Chávez Day celebration this afternoon. Born to a Mexican-American family, Chávez spent much of his life fighting against racial and economic discrimination by striving for better working conditions and benefits for hardworking Americans. He led countless voter registration drives, organized sit-in protests and hunger strikes, and co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which has since turned into one of the largest farm labor unions in America, among many other accomplishments.
As both the first Latina and the first openly LGBTQ+ alderperson elected to the Common Council, it warms my heart that our city and its leaders can proudly support two vitally important days side by side. It shows that at its core, Milwaukee is truly a diverse and welcoming city that uplifts ALL of its residents.
