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2025 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 5
February 17, 2025 - Introduced by Representatives TAYLOR, ARNEY, HAYWOOD,
STUBBS, MOORE OMOKUNDE, MADISON, GOODWIN, RIVERA-WAGNER, ALLEN,
ANDERSON, ANDRACA, BARE, BILLINGS, BROWN, CLANCY, CRUZ, DESMIDT,
DESANTO, DOYLE, EMERSON, FITZGERALD, GUNDRUM, HONG, HYSELL, J.
JACOBSON, JOERS, JOHNSON, KIRSCH, MAYADEV, MCCARVILLE, MCGUIRE,
MIRESSE, NEUBAUER, ORTIZ-VELEZ, PALMERI, PHELPS, PRADO, ROE, SHEEHAN,
SINICKI, SNODGRASS, SPAUDE, STROUD, SUBECK, TENORIO, UDELL and VINING,
cosponsored by Senators DRAKE, L. JOHNSON, CARPENTER, DASSLER-ALFHEIM,
HABUSH SINYKIN, HESSELBEIN, KEYESKI, LARSON, PFAFF, RATCLIFF, ROYS,
SMITH, SPREITZER, WALL and WIRCH. Referred to Committee on Rules.
***AUTHORS SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month.
Whereas, Black History Month provides a deliberate opportunity to reflect on
the common humanity underlying all people and to raise awareness and foster
respect for the heritage and contributions of people of African descent; and
Whereas, this year marks over 400 years since the arrival of enslaved Africans
in Virginia. The existence of Africans in North America can be traced back to 1525,
and through 1866 the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade is estimated to have ensnared
more than 12 million African people, with an estimated 10 million surviving the
unconscionable Middle Passage, landing in North America, the Caribbean, and
South America; and
Whereas, Wisconsin history first references African descendants in a speech
given in 1725 by a chief of the Illinois Indians, in which he said, Xa negro belonging
to Monsieur de BoisbriantY at Green Bay; and
Whereas, on February 12, 1926, noted Harvard scholar and historian Dr.
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Carter G. Woodson founded XNegro History Week,Y and since then the United
States has recognized first Negro History Week and then Black History Month and
celebrated the ethnic and racial diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation;
and
Whereas, both enslaved and free people of African descent have participated
in every aspect of America[s effort to secure, protect, and advance the cause of
freedom and civil rights, and have stories that are an inspiration to all citizens, that
reflect the triumph of the human spirit, and that offer the hopes of everyday people
to rise above both prejudice and circumstance and to build lives of dignity; and
Whereas, people of African descent or African Americans have made
measurable differences in their respective industries, such as:
1. Elisterine Clayton — a 100-year-old Milwaukee resident who, along with
her husband Powell Clayton, was a part of building the historic Halyard Park
community. Halyard Park is one of the longest-standing African-American middle
class residential neighborhoods within Milwaukee. Elisterine owned and operated
a series of grocery stores in underserved communities and ensured that residents
had access to healthy food options within their neighborhoods. She was a part of a
pioneering group that brought Black-owned banks, medical practices, and
businesses to the Bronzeville area.
2. Paul Higginbotham — the first African-American judge to serve on the
Wisconsin Court of Appeals. He was appointed to the court by Governor James
Doyle in 2003 and was subsequently elected to the court in 2005.
3. Marcia Anderson — a retired senior officer of the United States Army
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Reserve from Beloit, Wisconsin. The first African-American woman to become a
major general in the United States Army Reserve.
4. Dr. William Rogers — a historian and educator, who was an integral part of
the formation of the Black Radio Network, was an African studies educator, and
made significant contributions to the study of Black life, civil rights, and social
justice.
5. Anthony McGahee — a celebrated gospel musician, choir director, and
pillar of Milwaukee[s artistic and musical community. As the leader of XAnthony
McGahee and Praise Motivated,Y he has spent over 27 years inspiring audiences
with soul-stirring performances and a commitment to musical excellence.
McGahee is also a proud member of the renowned gospel group XRicky Dillard and
New G.Y Through his music ministry, he has not only uplifted congregations but
also created opportunities for local artists, mentored emerging talent, and brought
national attention to Milwaukee[s vibrant gospel music scene. His work continues
to leave a lasting impact on the city[s cultural landscape.
6. Shakita LaGrant-McClain — the executive director of the Milwaukee
County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), oversees a $400
million budget and more than 700 employees. She began her tenure with DHHS in
2009 and has held various roles, including program coordinator for the Disability
Resource Center. In May 2020, she was appointed interim director of DHHS and
the Department on Aging, focusing on improving service accessibility. Her
leadership emphasizes racial equity and community connection, exemplified by
initiatives like building 120 homes in the King Park area to promote BIPOC
homeownership.
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7. Victor and Dawn Barnett — the co-executive directors of the Running
Rebels Community Organization in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1980, at the age of
19, Victor founded Running Rebels to provide local youth with positive alternatives
to gang involvement, crime, and violence. He began by organizing basketball games
to engage and mentor young people, steering them toward constructive activities.
Dawn Barnett joined the organization in 1996 after learning about Victor[s work
and feeling compelled to contribute. She left her job in restaurant management to
become a community organizer with Running Rebels. Dawn and Victor later
married and have since worked together to expand the organization[s reach and
impact. Under their leadership, Running Rebels has grown to serve over 2,500
youth annually, offering programs that include mentoring, education, and
community service.
8. Dr. Samuel Coleman — a dedicated educator and advocate for equity,
currently serving as the assistant superintendent of instruction for the Oshkosh
Area School District in Wisconsin. Born and raised on Milwaukee[s North Side, Dr.
Coleman has devoted over 14 years to better public education and the roles of
government, focusing on advancing equity through advocacy, policy analysis,
strategic planning, and leadership development.
9. Gloria Rogers — a dedicated community leader and advocate in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. She has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving
the lives of residents in her community. Gloria[s work focuses on promoting social
justice, education, and economic development. She has collaborated with local
organizations to address issues such as affordable housing, access to quality
education, and workforce development. Her commitment to service has made a
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significant impact on the Milwaukee community, fostering positive change and
empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
10. Minnie L. Sims — a cherished elder in the Milwaukee community, known
for her steadfast dedication to service, mentorship, and faith. Throughout her life,
Ms. Sims has been a beacon of wisdom, guiding and inspiring those around her with
her kindheartedness and resilience. She has contributed greatly to her community
through decades of active involvement in church ministries, local initiatives, and
mentorship programs, particularly those supporting youth and families.
11. Dr. Jeanette Mitchell — a passionate developer of leaders in the Greater
Milwaukee Community. She founded the African American Leadership Alliance ]
Milwaukee (AALAM), the African American Leadership Program (AALP), and the
Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI). She worked for decades in the corporate
sector for AT&T, the nonprofit sector for the Helen Bader Foundation (currently
Bader Philanthropies), and as an elected official on the Milwaukee School Board,
where she served for eight years, including three terms as president.
12. Fred Reed — a key member of the NAACP Youth Council Commandos,
Reed was instrumental in the first Black Voter Registration Campaign in
Milwaukee. Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with five Wisconsin
governors and countless federal, state, and local leaders to advance civil rights,
workforce development education, and financial literacy. Notably he has made
national history and played several roles such as in shaping the framework for
Wisconsin[s Americans with Disabilities Act, and he worked for 25 years in the
Department of Financial Institutions. Reed has been honored with numerous
awards, including the ACLU[s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Milwaukee
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Times Black Excellence Award, for his unwavering dedication to justice, equality,
and community empowerment.
13. Anna Mae Robertson, — a pioneering World War II veteran, served in the
6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-female African-American
unit deployed overseas during the war. Born in Osceola, Arkansas, she enlisted in
the Women[s Army Corps in 1943 and was stationed in Europe, where her battalion
cleared a crucial backlog of mail for soldiers, processing over 17 million pieces in
record time. Robertson also worked as a hospital aide while overseas. After
returning to the United States in 1946, she lived in Milwaukee, working as a
nurse[s aide and later as a homemaker for her eight children. For decades, the
contributions of the 6888th were overlooked, but in 2022, Robertson was awarded
the Congressional Gold Medal alongside her fellow battalion members. Her legacy
continues to inspire, especially through her granddaughters, who have followed her
nursing path.
14. Dr. Dora L. Clayton-Jones — a pioneering pediatric nurse practitioner
and esteemed academic leader who has dedicated over 25 years to improving health
care for youth, particularly those with sickle cell disease. She made history as the
first African-American pediatric nurse practitioner in Wisconsin to be inducted into
the Academy of Nursing and the first to achieve tenure at Marquette University. A
passionate advocate for health equity, Dr. Clayton-Jones actively contributes to
research through the Delta Research and Educational Foundation[s 22 Researchers
workgroup and works to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities.
Initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., in 2017, she mentors others and
leads by example, creating opportunities for future generations of leaders. Her
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commitment to service and scholarship, combined with her dedication to patient
care, has earned her numerous accolades and continues to inspire her colleagues
and the broader community; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the Wisconsin
Legislature recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month and extends
appreciation to the above-named persons for their contributions to the state of
Wisconsin, the country, and their fellow citizens.
(END)
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