MADISON, Wis. — In honor of Black History Month, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and Vice Chair Felesia Martin released the following statements:

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Vice Chair Felesia Martin:

“Each February, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month and honor the Black luminaries who have helped make Wisconsin a stronger and more equitable state. From Vel Phillips, who became the first woman and first African American to win election to statewide office, to Donna Burkett and Manonia Evans, a Black lesbian couple from Milwaukee who were early leaders in the nationwide fight for LGBTQ+ marriage equality, Black Wisconsinites have made invaluable contributions to our state and nation—and they continue to do so every day.

“As we celebrate our history this month, we honor the generations of Black Wisconsinites who came before us and vow to continue their work to combat racial inequities and move our state forward for the generations to come.”

Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler:

“Today, on the first day of Black History Month, we pay tribute to the Black leaders and trailblazers who have shaped our state. The history of Wisconsin and of our nation cannot be told without mentioning the innumerable contributions of Black Wisconsinites. From business and government to science and the arts, Black Wisconsinites have moved our state forward in every field of endeavor, and Black leaders with Wisconsin ties—including Vice President Kamala Harris, who lived in Wisconsin for part of her childhood, are advancing our nation. Black leaders in every part of Wisconsin are continuing to make history today.

“We are proud of what progress has been made toward advancing racial equity in Wisconsin, but our state has enormous work to do in order to close some of the most searing racial disparities in the nation.  As we celebrate Black History month, WisDems recommits to uplifting Black voices, stories, leaders, and communities, supporting efforts to address racial inequities, and building a more equal and just state.”

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