MADISON, Wis. — Madison’s Equal Opportunities Commission is forming a new work group of 12-15 volunteers to repair harms done to people of color and initiate a “truth and reconciliation process” for the city.
“Truth and reconciliation is different from other processes because it’s not an adversarial process,” Ald. Brian Benford said. “[It’s] one that is focused on honest reflection of the past and looks at ways to bring people together to explore how certain policies or certain practices in the past have led us to be one of worst cities in the United States to live in as far as racial disparities.”
How the city will go about this process is up to the group. Benford said he imagines the group will put on presentations about racial injustices and help inform policymakers on decisions.
“Before we can truly make progress on issues of social justice and equity, we have to allow ourselves as a city, as a community to pause and to take that deep dive and to reflect,” he said.
For Madison activist Ayomi Obuseh, these first steps have to be followed by action.
“Let’s do something about it,” Obuseh said. “We know that problems exist here; there’s statistics everywhere on the internet talking about the Black community and how frustrating it is to live in Wisconsin, talking about politics and ways to move marginalized groups forward, but it’s time to actually act.”
The three main issues Obuseh wants to see fixed are affordable housing, transportation and jobs—problems that directly affect the entire city.
“Black issues aren’t just Black issues. Everything that affects our community affects everyone, so when you are addressing marginalized groups, you’re really talking about problems that trickle down to everyone,” Obuseh said.
Obuseh said she is excited to see the city moving forward to discuss issues that have impacted the entire Madison community for years.
“Learning about ways in which it affects you and how you can make a difference not only in your own life, but helping so many people by doing a small action is power,” Obuseh said.”And I think that’s really exciting to know about this power that you’ve had this whole time by just taking a small step in the right direction.
Benford said the implementation of this group is necessary to bring a renewed call to action to the city.
“We should all recognize that for Madison to reach its full potential and be the model city that we all hope for, it has to be a city for everybody regardless of your racial background, your zip code or who you are,” Benford said.
Those interested in volunteering in the group can email Ald. Benford at district6@cityofmadison.com or EOC Chair Corinda Rainey-Moore at eoc@cityofmadison.com.
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