MADISON, WI – Yesterday, Representative Shelia Stubbs held a town hall with over 120 attendees at the Black Business Hub in her district to empower community members to share their policy priorities and concerns around issues impacting the Black Community with the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D – Madison) released the following statement.
“Yesterday evening, I had the opportunity to invite members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus (WLBC) into my district to listen to a wide variety of community voices regarding their policy priorities, concerns, and vision for our state. This was the third stop in the WLBC Town Hall tour across Wisconsin, with two previous town halls in Green Bay and Racine and one upcoming town hall in Milwaukee. Having represented South Madison for almost 20 years, it has been an honor to not only witness but also participate in the growth and revitalization of this vibrant, diverse community. I am proud to continue championing the residents of my district and their most pressing issues. Last night, I welcomed over 120 attendees who came to discuss questions of economic development, academic achievement for our youth, supports for mental health, community violence prevention, health equity, and numerous other topics.
I would like to recognize and thank President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, Dr. Ruben Anthony, for welcoming us into the Black Business Hub, a true jewel in the heart of South Madison that I had the honor of cultivating initial support for as a Dane County Supervisor. Dr. Anthony also graciously led a tour of this beautiful space for WLBC members prior to the town hall. I also want to thank President Camille Carter for representing the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce and all the opportunities and support that they provide for Black-owned businesses and economic growth in our city. I would also like to recognize WEDC Deputy Secretary Sam Rikkers and WisDOT Assistant Deputy Secretary Joel Nilsestuen for their remarks on their agencies’ relationships with the Hub and the importance of building access to resources and economic development within our community. Additionally, I want to thank Founder and CEO Kaleem Caire of One City Schools and the One City Scholar Drummers for providing such wonderful music to welcome in our town hall attendees.
I also want to recognize my colleagues in the WLBC for their attendance and participation in this conversation; my thanks go out to WLBC Chair Senator Dora Drake for including a stop in Madison on the tour and also to WLBC Treasurer Assistant Minority Leader Kalan Haywood, WLBC Secretary Margaret Arney, Senator LaTonya Johnson, and Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde for joining this panel, as well as Former WLBC Chair and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Madison Deputy Mayor Dr. Linda Vakunta, Madison Fire Chief Chris Carbon, Madison Police Department South District Captain Harrison Zanders, Monona Grove School District Superintendent Dr. Tanya Fredrich, Pastor Larry Jackson, Pastor at True Worshippers Church, Reverend Dr. Marcus Allen, President of the African American American Council of Churches in Madison, Bishop Dr. Godfrey Stubbs, Senior Pastor at End Time Ministries International, and so many other community leaders and dignitaries in attendance.
As members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, it is critical that we continue to listen to our local communities and champion their policy priorities in our State Capitol. My heartfelt thanks go out to the people of Madison for truly showing up and being the voice of the community I represent—your engagement with elected officials marks an important step in creating legislation that will make it possible for all Wisconsinites to thrive.”
