Celebrating Black History Month: In Wisconsin, Forward is the Only Way We Know

Press Release

Every February, we join together as one community to honor and recognize the importance of black history in our shared American story. We remember the struggles of African Americans in the face of adversity and we celebrate their often neglected accomplishments throughout our history.

In Wisconsin, African American history dates back to 1746. Nearly a century later, in 1846, as Wisconsin was preparing to become a state, leading citizens drafted a constitution that would have allowed African Americans to vote. It was rejected by voters -- all of them white, by definition. But in 1866, when Ezekiel Gillespie, a leader in Milwaukee's black community, sued for the right to vote and carried his case to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, African Americans were given the right to cast ballots in the Badger State.

This is an important accomplishment that should be celebrated every day. It is a significant part of our state history that should enlighten our efforts to work together advancing our Wisconsin values. Unfortunately, 148 years after Ezekiel Gillespie won the right to vote for African Americans there are some in Wisconsin who are intent on making it harder for people to exercise this basic right. In fact, Wisconsin has been ground zero in efforts to restrict voting rights. Voter identification legislation enacted by Governor Scott Walker and the conservative state legislature has twice been ruled unconstitutional and is under review. This is a strong reminder that while we have a rich history of progress in Wisconsin, we must renew our commitment to protecting the gains we have made.

Fortunately, we all have a shared responsibility to decide how our collective history is written. Last month, on MLK Day, I had the honor of joining others in the Milwaukee community to honor and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a day spent highlighting the value of public service, working together to give something back, serving others, and advancing our common good.

Through his life's work, Dr. King taught us the power of character and courage. The power of working towards something bigger than ourselves. And the power and strength we gain as a community when we commit ourselves to the idea that we are all in it together. In fact, African American history is best defined by having advanced these same ideals and made America a stronger country as a result.

So as we celebrate Black History Month in Wisconsin and across America, let us take the time to remember all the triumphs. But let us also take the time to rededicate ourselves to writing a history of progress that we can proudly pass on to future generations. A history that tells the unique American story of leaving to the next generation a country that is more equal, not less.

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