Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Celebrating February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Madison
Body
WHEREAS, to commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week nearly a century ago; and,
WHEREAS, Black History Month has evolved from celebration of contributions to recognition of ongoing struggles for freedom, justice, and the full humanity of Black people in America and across the African diaspora; and,
WHEREAS, the 2026 theme for Black History Month is "A Century of Black History Commemorations," recognizing the national commemorations of Black history occurring since 1925; and,
WHEREAS, Black communities in Madison and nationwide face renewed threats to safety, dignity, and belonging, including increased immigration enforcement targeting Black immigrants and asylum seekers, the criminalization of protest and mutual aid, attacks on Black history education, and persistent racial violence and police brutality; and,
WHEREAS, Black resistance has always included building sanctuary, protecting community members from state violence, and creating systems of care that honor Black life when government systems fail to do so; and,
WHEREAS, Madison's Black community continues this tradition of resistance through organizing against displacement, demanding accountability for racial disparities in health, housing, and policing, and building power to shape policies that affect Black lives; and,
WHEREAS, we recognize that Black liberation is inseparable from the liberation of all oppressed peoples, and that attacks on immigrant communities, Indigenous sovereignty, and other marginalized groups threaten the collective struggle for justice; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison acknowledges its responsibility to actively oppose policies and practices that harm Black residents, including cooperation with federal immigration enforcement that disproportionately targets Black immigrants and creates fear in Black communities; and,
WHEREAS, true celebration of Black History Month requires material commitment to Black freedom, not merely symbolic recognition, and demands that we confront how local policies and practices perpetuate anti-Black racism; and,
WHEREAS, we honor the legacy of Black resistance by committing to policies that advance housing justice, economic equity, community safety without criminalization, and the right of Black people to thrive in Madison;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Madison Common Council recognize and celebrate February 2026 as Black History Month in the City of Madison and commit to advancing Black liberation through policy and practice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City reaffirms its commitment to being a welcoming community that does not participate in immigration enforcement actions that create fear and harm in Black immigrant communities and other communities of color.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City commits to conducting racial equity analyses on policies affecting housing, public safety, economic development, and community wellbeing to ensure they advance rather than undermine Black liberation.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the City encourages all residents to observe Black History Month by learning about Black resistance movements past and present, supporting Black-led organizations working for justice in Madison, and joining efforts to dismantle anti-Black racism in all its forms.