The State of Black Civic Engagement in Madison
We are under construction.
We – the Black people of Madison, WI who want systemic change, but need community support. Who want representation, but need the will to run. Who want to be engaged civically, but need a guide on how to start.
While Black people make up only 7% of Madison’s total population, our representation in local government is notable. Madison’s 20-member Common Council has five Black Alders and Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) 7-member Board of Education has four Black members, inclusive of President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. Black people are running and claiming elected positions more than ever, and organizations dedicated to the advancement of Black people, exist all over the city, so where does the disconnect lie?
I sat down with six community leaders to gain perspective on “The State of Black Civic Engagement in Madison”. They offered unique perspectives, insight, and all left me with similar takeaways. Takeaways that built upon one another and all boiled down to three key missing elements.
Understanding, access, and unity.
First, an understanding of local government and the power of your vote are crucial to getting and remaining civically engaged. Norman Davis, Director of Civil Rights for the City of Madison, highlights “positional power” and states that Black people must understand their own to begin getting involved. He shared the attention he showed MMSD when his children were enrolled. By using his “positional power” he got informed, connected with elected officials, and exercised his rights for years.
Candace McDowell, Founder/Director Emerita of UW- Madison’s Multicultural Student Center and Voter Ambassador/poll worker since retiring 15 years ago, adds that this lack of understanding is fueled by historical distrust. She continues that while valid, this distrust cannot stop us from honoring the sacrifices of our ancestors. It should encourage us to build upon a greater historical legacy of standing up despite systematic oppression. As a Voter Ambassador she helps deliver voter education and understanding to the Black community. She empowers them to find their own ways to become civically engaged. Mrs. McDowell is also a long-time active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and has served as a member of the Political and Social Action Committee for the Madison Alumnae Chapter for many years.
Second, access bars Black people from entering “the room”, “having a seat at the table”, and every innuendo that illustrates the absence of Black voices. In addition, “if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”. John Milton, Multicultural Service Coordinator and Black Student Union Advisor at LaFollette High School, offered this as a response to, “What would you say to first-time Black voters in Madison who may be apprehensive to participate in local government?” He continued that it is vital to ensure you are heard by your local government and it goes further than just voting.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Dane County Branch President, Greg Jones, adds that access can also be interrupted by good-old fashion voter suppression. Stricter ID laws, redistricting, job requirements, and more work in tandem to sever Black access to the government. While participation is important to gain access, we must be weary of the real systems working against our participation.
Lastly, unity. Frances Huntley-Cooper, lifetime member of the NAACP, active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the first Black elected Mayor in Wisconsin for the City of Fitchburg, believes Black civic engagement in Madison has increased, but unity within the community is still missing. Unity on the ground floor.
All six interviewees touched on this very point, highlighting the strides Black people and organizations in Madison have made individually. What more could we accomplish if we did it together? If we shed the labels and showed up as individuals focused on one common goal. Ready to volunteer our time to collective action.
Dane County’s Director of the Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion, Wesley Sparkman, shared fun memories about his experience in public service. Director Sparkman noted that volunteer service is a necessary part of civic engagement. In reflecting on his undergraduate community service as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Sparkman shared that volunteering and being engaged in the community helps to build character. Sparkman described how public service provides avenues to express the values of social justice and freedom.
