Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
Commending the achievements and community contributions of Umoja publisher and editor Milele Chikasa Anana, and honoring Umoja Magazine on the celebration of its 25th anniversary.
Body
WHEREAS, in the many roles she has taken on throughout her life, from civil rights activist to advocate for social change, and from founder, editor and publisher of Umoja Magazine to mother and grandmother, Milele Chikasa Anana, has made countless contributions to the Madison community having a lasting impact on all that know her; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Chikasa Anana served as the City of Madison's first Affirmative Action Division Director, she is also recognized as being the first African-American to serve on a Wisconsin school board. Her achievements offer inspiration to girls, women and communities of color to achieve their full potential; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure as Affirmative Action Division Director, Ms. Chikasa Anana founded the Minority Affairs Committee (currently known as the Multicultural Affairs Committee) which works to increase cultural awareness and promote the importance of diversity within the City of Madison, by creating an environment that assures the recruitment and retention of diverse employees; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, Ms. Chikasa Anana spearheaded the utilization of the Madison Municipal Building Lobby to display Black History Month exhibits. This space is now formally known as the Madison Municipal Building ARTspace and continues to host local art exhibits year round; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Chikasa Anana founded Umoja Magazine in January of 1990. This publication is dedicated to sharing positive and encouraging news, and spreading the word about achievements, events, celebrations and special occasions within the African American community; and
WHEREAS, in 2015, Umoja celebrates its 25th year of publication, making it the longest running magazine to primarily serve the African American community in Wisconsin; and
WHEREAS, by using original artwork as cover designs, Umoja has helped to increase awareness of Black artists and their work, while also sharing the stories of struggle and victory within the Black community that are told by each piece; and
WHEREAS, in honor of Umoja's 25th year of publication, Umoja cover artwork will be displayed in the Madison Municipal Building ARTspace during the months of May and June of 2015;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,that the Madison Common Council and I, Paul R. Soglin, the Mayor of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, do hereby recognize the dedicated service and outstanding achievements of Milele Chikasa Anana, as well as the 25 years of positive and enlightening contributions made to our community through the articles, announcements and artwork published in Umoja Magazine.