In 2020, Crowley became the youngest county executive in the history of Milwaukee County and the first Black leader elected to serve in the role
MILWAUKEE – County Executive David Crowley is celebrating February as Black History Month.
Yesterday at the Milwaukee County Courthouse, County Executive Crowley joined County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson-Bovell and community members for a ceremony honoring and recognizing 100 years of Black History Month. The ceremony featured a keynote address from the Wisconsin Black Historical Society, performances from local artists, and remarks from elected officials and community leaders.
Earlier this week, County Executive Crowley released a video address highlighting the importance of recognizing Black History Month and honoring the impactful contributions of Black Americans that have shaped Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, and the nation as a whole.
Below are excerpts of County Executive Crowley’s video address, which can be viewed HERE.
In 2026, we mark a very powerful milestone, and that’s 100 years of honoring and preserving Black history in America.
So, as we reflect on a century of Black history, we know that we honor the many generations of Black Americans whose leadership, creativity, resilience, and courage built this nation — often in the face of exclusion, violence, and injustice.
But their contributions are not just confined to our past. They are living, they are evolving, and quite frankly, they continue to shape our present and our future because Black history is American history.
And the story of Milwaukee County cannot be told without Black history.
Black leaders, workers, organizers, artists, and public servants have strengthened our neighborhoods, expanded opportunity, and pushed this community toward progress, often when the system was built to not include them in the first place.
Because of that work, Milwaukee County has made meaningful strides toward representation and equity. Today, over half of our department leaders and over 30% of our staff identify as Black.
But we also know that progress is not permanent unless it is also protected.
Because at a time when some seek to erase or diminish Black history, this moment calls on all of us to be clear, committed, and unapologetic in telling the truth about our past and investing in a more equitable future.
Now, our mission remains unchanged: advancing racial equity so Milwaukee County can become the healthiest county in the state. That work continues every day, and you know what? It demands all of us.
So, this Black History Month, I want to encourage everyone to reflect on the last 100 years. I want you to learn from the stories that shaped us, and recommit to building a much better future that is rooted in dignity, opportunity, and justice for all.
Because progress only moves when we move forward together.
