MADISON, WI – Today, Representative Shelia Stubbs and the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus gathered in the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate Juneteenth. The event, titled “Voices of Freedom: Justice in Motion, Leading with Purpose,” featured honorees Mayor of La Crosse Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Racine County Circuit Judge Jamie McClendon. Representative Shelia Stubbs (D-Madison) released the following statement:
“It was an honor to join Chair Senator Dora Drake and my legislative colleagues in the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, as well as esteemed members of the community, for our annual celebration to commemorate the pivotal historical moment of Juneteenth.
I would like to recognize and thank our special guests, including our emcee Camberyn Kelley, Bishop Robert Coleman for providing the invocation, Dr. Ademola Iyi-Eweka for performing the libation, honorees Mayor of La Crosse Shaundel Washington-Spivey and Racine County Circuit Judge Jamie McClendon, Co-Chair of the Milwaukee County Youth Council D’Mario Cockfield, Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, the End Time Ministries International Praise Team for performing Lift Every Voice and Sing and Freedom, and the One City Scholar Drummers for their gift of music.
I would also like to thank all the friends and family who were able to join us in the audience. Being able to see my mother and daughter in the audience gave me the opportunity to reflect on not only the resiliency and strength of our elders, but also on the legacy we are passing on to the next generation.
On Juneteenth, we celebrate freedom. But freedom isn’t free. There is a very real cost to freedom, one that was paid by the valiant struggle of those who came before us.
In this country that our ancestors built, together we are building a resilient community rooted in equity and in liberation. We are shaping our own history, and we are making our ancestors, who gave so much that we could stand here in the Capitol Rotunda, proud. I wish everyone a blessed and joyful Juneteenth holiday.
