MILWAUKEE – Today, members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus gathered to demand their Black History Month Resolution to be scheduled on the floor for debate. This request comes following the Republican Assembly Leadership request to remove names from their annual resolution. Following their press conference the members of the caucus are providing the following statement:
“The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus stands united in our commitment to honoring Black History and Black Wisconsinites’ contributions to it.
We believe it is our duty to ensure that these stories are told accurately and completely. Efforts to erase or diminish the names and legacies of Black leaders dishonor not only their memory but also the progress our communities have fought so hard to achieve.
It is unacceptable that our caucus is expected to only provide names that have the blessing of Republican Assembly Leadership in order for it to pass. A standard that is never reciprocated when this body decided to honor the life of Charlie Kirk despite multiple quotes that disparaged Black History and the legacy of our ancestors.
If legislative colleagues do not want to recognize the contributions of Black Wisconsinites that we select, they should communicate their disputes publicly rather than behind closed doors.
We are demanding that our resolution be scheduled to the floor, so we can celebrate the rich history and ongoing impact of Black Wisconsinites on our history. We call on our legislative colleagues to join us in this effort. Let us come together to embrace the true spirit of Black History Month—by acknowledging the full breadth of Black excellence and by refusing to allow any part of this history to be silenced.”
