Civil Rights 2023

Features:

Vel in Milwaukee
There’s an image that resurfaces in my spirit about this time of year as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  It shows racism and discrimination in its rawest form.
Dr. Jonathan Overby has been the voice of the of the state of Wisconsin’s oldest official Tribute & Ceremony honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since 1980. 
Donzaleigh Abernathy’s voice changes tone when she mentions her Uncle Martin. 
They cursed her. Hurled racial epithets. Spit in her face. And broke the jaw of a fellow freedom fighter.

Calling all artists!

Put your artwork on a UMOJA cover! Works selected will fit the monthly editorial topic and reflect the county’s unique stories, history, and people.

UMOJA Inside:


Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington Descendant Finds His Ancestral Calling

His hands have touched the hands that have touched Frederick Douglass. Kenneth B. Morris Jr.  is just one person removed from slavery and from the force of character that overcame that state of wretchedness to achieve greatness.



Urban League of Greater Madison’s MLK Youth Recognition Honors Student Demonstrating Leadership, Intelligence and Community Engagement

Nearly 500 youth, their families and community leaders visited the Urban League of Greater Madison for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast in a COVID-safe event.



39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast Award Winners

Badger Ridge Middle School Bassirou SeckaDeonte PhilipsNaomi LoydNuhanin GuntaRiley HansonWilliam TurnerDeandre SmithJahmall WardKairi SorensonRenia BuckleySamantha Garcia SierraYustin Cortez Black Hawk Middle School Bineta NdoyeChristabel OlubiJacquelyn BoakaiNaomi GlassRayaan AlhassanTaejon Cannon Central Heights Middle School Aisha KunjoDaysia WatsonJaMari ThomasKaleb GilmanKellen Russel Cherokee Middle School Antoine LondonEva QuarmFatima ArteagaKortney D. Moore Jr.Paulina Da Costa CorreaSkylar Watson Glacial Drumlin [...]



Civil Rights 2023 — Let Freedom Ring

Vel in Milwaukee



UMOJA Publisher/Editor: A Journalist’s Silent Unsung Civil Rights Era ContributionUMOJA Publisher/Editor:

There’s an image that resurfaces in my spirit about this time of year as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  It shows racism and discrimination in its rawest form.



Dr. Jonathan Overby: 

Dr. Jonathan Overby has been the voice of the of the state of Wisconsin’s oldest official Tribute & Ceremony honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since 1980. 



Rosa Thompson’s Black Girl Magic: 

If they [Black girls] can feel comfortable in their own skin at an age where they’re growing so much, then that sets them up for success in all other areas.”



Recognizing Excellence at Women in Focus’ Annual ‘I Have a Dream’ Scholarship Gala

Sitting was optional. It seems nearly everyone who attended this year’s Women in Focus 37th “I Have a Dream” Scholarship Ball and Silent Auction held beaming conversations, took numerous selfies, or shook their groove thing on the dance floor.



Donzaleigh Abernathy Shares Memories of Two Civil Rights Pillars She Loved and Shared with the World

Donzaleigh Abernathy’s voice changes tone when she mentions her Uncle Martin. 



Drucilla Byars: 

They cursed her. Hurled racial epithets. Spit in her face. And broke the jaw of a fellow freedom fighter.



The Artist and His Audacity to Paint

Everyone has a story to tell. Life and its partner, circumstance, can cause one to move towards self-defeat or grab hold of a dream and make either come true.



Dr. Ed Holmes: 

On a Saturday evening last July, Dr. Ed Holmes observed the crowd in Overture Center for the Arts lobby and smiled to himself, his heart full.



Gospel Carols Still Going Strong

The year 2022 wrapped up on a sweet note with the final strains of “Gospel Carols Choir 13”, held Dec. 17, at High Point Church in Madison.



Songs of Freedom, Social Justice, Civil Rights and Hope

Music and singing played a crucial role in inspiring, mobilizing, and giving voice to the civil rights movement.



FREEDOM SONGS

Songs of Freedom, Social Justice, Civil Rights and Hope



My Country Tis of Thee. Sweet Land of Liberty, of Thee We Sing…?

I have had the honor of directing the MLK Coalition Choir in Madison for the past 30 years. 



UMOJA Shorts — Civil Rights 2023

SPONSORED BY: U.S. Postal Service Honors the Late Civil Rights Leader Rep. John Lewis with a Stamp NPR Civil rights giant and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who spent decades fighting for racial justice, will be honored with a postage stamp next year. The U.S. Postal Service said the stamp "celebrates the life and legacy" [...]



Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals 10th Anniversary:

It was the hottest ticket in town. The who’s who of Madison celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals.