Features:
It’s OK to Ask for Help
The psychological damage inflicted by the COVID-19 crisis is finally becoming clear, as new evidence shows symptoms of depression and anxiety have surged since the outbreak disrupted daily life. Yet Black Americans, who have disproportionately suffered from the novel coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, are shouldering an ever heavier mental health burden as a racial justice movement has ripped open centuries-old wounds of systemic racism.
Racial Health Disparities Since 1619
The prepared list of interview questions was useless. Seeking reasons why African American people are disproportionately losing the battle against COVID-19, instead unearthed a mind-shaking truth about Black health since the first enslaved Africans arrived on the muddy shores of Jamestown 400 years ago.
Rev. Joseph Baring: From Soldier of War to Soldier for Christ
At 75, Rev. Joseph B. Baring Jr., is keeping the gold in his golden years. Don’t let the golden age fool you. A traditional age requirement by his church’s denomination, however, has led to Baring stepping down as head pastor of St. Paul AME Church, the city’s oldest Black congregation in Dane County.
UMOJA Inside:
Health & Wellness
UW-Madison Physician Builds Awareness for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
As a gastroenterologist, Dr. Lisa M. Jones is working hard to prevent colorectal cancer.
Health & Wellness
Old. Chronically ill. Black. People who fit this description are more likely to die from COVID-19 than any other group in the country.
Health & Wellness
When Black Women Put Self First it is Political Warfare
E Em HTPU (Greetings, may peace be upon you).
Community Profile & Events
Dane County Earmarks $2 Million for Urban League to Purchase South Side Business Hub
Untapped potential for economic development on Madison’s south side is a step closer to being on full display.
Community Profile & Events
Black Veterans Honored as ‘Trailblazers’ with Beloit Street Designation
A group of Black veterans were honored on Sept. 26 in Beloit with a street designation recognizing their role as vanguards for people of color now serving in the military.
Community Profile & Events
Mt Zion Celebrates Being Debt Free
Mt. Zion Baptist Church had the audacity to hope.
Community Profile & Events
Urban League of Racine and Kenosha Hosts Voter Registration Block Party
The Urban League of Racine and Kenosha held a block party on Sept. 26 to promote increased voter turnout on Election Day.
Community Profile & Events
Kids Bring Hope to the Future with ‘Black Lives Matter’ March
Age has no limits when fighting for racial justice and equality.
Community Profile & Events
Book Recommendations to Help Children Understand Why Black Lives Matter
While images of protestors appear on home televisions and across social media, parents and caregivers are seeking ways to help them hold children through this wave of racialized violence that is exacerbated by the tensions and vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Profile & Events
As an undergraduate at Northern Illinois University in 1967, Freida High recalls spending months in a contemporary art class studying painters and sculptors, all of them white. Finally, toward the end of the semester, she politely raised her hand.
Elections
Recalling an Era When Being Black Meant You Paid to Vote
Virginia Latimer keeps the voter registration card tucked in her wallet like a sweet note from a first love. The edges are tattered slightly and the writing is faded. The treasured document is a symbol of triumph for the 79-year-old Wisconsin resident who was raised in a time when voter intimidation went unchecked.
Elections
Between Two Worlds: Black Women and the Fight for Voting Rights
Was there ever a time when your voice wasn’t being heard?
Elections
Mail-in voting versus absentee voting:
As coronavirus rates continue to spike in many areas across the U.S., most states are making it easier to vote by mail in local elections as well as the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 3. But each state has its own rules for mail-in or absentee voting. Many are still in the process of deciding how to handle voting during the pandemic. And with different terms getting thrown around, it can be difficult to figure out what all of the different options actually mean.
Elections
Deep Wounds of Jim Crow Endure
Johnny Miller turns 70 on Nov. 1. The Milwaukee activist won’t have time for a big shindig to celebrate the milestone because his dedication to making sure Black and Brown voters have equal access to the ballot box comes first.
Elections
Step One: Voter Registration Choose one: I checked MyVote.wi.gov, and my voter registration is up-to-date.I have a current WI ID, and will register to vote at https://MyVote.wi.gov by October 14.I will register to vote with proof of address at Democracy in the Park September 26 or October 3.I will register to vote by mail, with [...]
Elections
Ballot Drop-Off Sites in Dane County
Voters wishing to return their absentee ballots in person may do so at one of our ballot Drop-off sites. Ballot Drop-Off Sites with a Witness Available. A poll worker wearing a high visibility vest will be present outside the following locations to accept your absentee ballot and to serve as your witness, if needed, at [...]
Elections
Drive-Up/Walk-Up In-Person Absentee Voting Locations
Dates and hours will be added as locations are confirmed. The following locations may be used as in-person absentee voting locations for the November Election.
Elections
Here’s What You Need to Know So Your Vote is Counted Confirm the envelope from your clerk contains your ballot and the envelope you’ll use to return your ballot. 1 — Read and follow the instructions on your ballot. Mistakes may prevent your votes from being counted. 2 — You must vote your ballot in [...]
Thanksgiving
Gratitude Journaling Through a Pandemic
This has been a rough year. The COVID-19 pandemic has people living in isolation. Unarmed Black Americans are being killed by police. And the nation is holding its collective breaths, while awaiting the outcome of the presidential election.
UMOJA Shorts
UMOJA SHORTS — October/November 2020
James C. Graham Jr., former CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison The Urban League of Greater Madison (UGLM) announced former CEO James C. Graham, Jr., passed away. According to the Sept. 4 release, James collapsed while on his way to dinner celebrating his wedding anniversary. He served as CEO of UGLM from 1977 [...]
Feature
The psychological damage inflicted by the COVID-19 crisis is finally becoming clear, as new evidence shows symptoms of depression and anxiety have surged since the outbreak disrupted daily life. Yet Black Americans, who have disproportionately suffered from the novel coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout, are shouldering an ever heavier mental health burden as a racial justice movement has ripped open centuries-old wounds of systemic racism.
Feature
Racial Health Disparities Since 1619
The prepared list of interview questions was useless. Seeking reasons why African American people are disproportionately losing the battle against COVID-19, instead unearthed a mind-shaking truth about Black health since the first enslaved Africans arrived on the muddy shores of Jamestown 400 years ago.
Feature
Rev. Joseph Baring: From Soldier of War to Soldier for Christ
At 75, Rev. Joseph B. Baring Jr., is keeping the gold in his golden years. Don’t let the golden age fool you. A traditional age requirement by his church’s denomination, however, has led to Baring stepping down as head pastor of St. Paul AME Church, the city’s oldest Black congregation in Dane County.