Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) has been deeply alarmed by recent white supremacist actions in Charlottesville and around the country. For some of us it has been a wake-up call, and for others, unfortunately, it was no surprise at all. White supremacy is part of the foundation of this nation and it continues on in every community, including Madison.
Nancy Vue from Freedom Inc. discusses their work to build community and unity against racism in Madison.
We see its impact in the numbers in the Race to Equity Report and in countless other daily decisions that benefit some to the detriment of others. Make no mistake, white supremacy, and other forms of institutional racism, harm us all. And they will not go away on their own.
In light of this, last week we held an event as part of Forward Fest to showcase the work of CSW member groups to end white supremacy and systemic racism, in the hopes of getting more people involved in these efforts.
Following the event, presenters were asked to share one action community members could take to advance racial justice. Their list of recommendations follow—we hope we all can find at least one way to make a difference and build a stronger, safer community for all:
Center for Resilient Cities: Check out their upcoming Badger Rock Community Market and Back to School Resource Fair on Thursday, August 31.
Freedom Inc.: Show your support for the Freedom Inc. 2017 Health Day on Saturday, September 16.
Step Up Equity Matters (A project of Sustain Dane): Check out their next session– Step Up: Courageous Conversations on Tuesday, September 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
NAACP of Dane County: Show your support at their 2017 Freedom Fund Dinner on Friday, September 29.
ACLU of Wisconsin Foundation: Support the ACLU’s work to remove symbols that celebrate the confederacy and slavery.
Common Wealth Development: Learn more about the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Project and read a recent interview with Executive Director, Justice Castañeda, in the Capital City Hues.
UNIDOS Wisconsin: Visit their new website (https://www.unidoswi.org/en/) and learn about their work to empower the community to break the cycle of domestic violence, end sexual assault, and promote healthy family systems.
