Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution establishes a Truth and Reconciliation Work Group and authorizes the Equal Opportunities Commission and Work Group to solicit donations from third parties. A member of the Equal Opportunities Commission would staff the Work Group. Expenditure of any donations received would require an appropriation through an amendment to the 2022 budget or inclusion in a future budget subject to Council approval. The proposed resolution makes no appropriations for this activity.
Title
Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Process for the City of Madison.
Body
DRAFTER’S ANALYSIS: This resolution establishes a Truth and Reconciliation Work Group appointed by the Equal Opportunities Commission and charged with producing a report and recommendations to the Common Council regarding the creation of a truth and reconciliation process that engages Black residents and organizations in a Citywide effort to address and repair the harms perpetuated on Black individuals and communities. The resolution also authorizes members of the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Work Group to solicit donations from third parties for the purpose of facilitating and supporting the work of the Workgroup.
Title
Establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Process for the City of Madison.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison was incorporated in 1856, and, WHEREAS, Madison has been home to Black residents since at least 1839; and,
WHEREAS, in 1900, Madison’s Black population was 69 people, divided into only 19 households, most of them transplanted from Milwaukee or migrated from southern states. This small community was instrumental in welcoming other African Americans who moved to Madison during the period because hotels and most landlords would not house Black people: and,
WHEREAS, in local writer Muriel Simms’s book, SETTLIN’ Stories of Madison’s Early African American Families, the author stated that “early African Americans came to Madison to find work or a...
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