MADISON, Wis. — A group consisting of local Black artists, racial justice practitioners, and community leaders have created a new place for Black people in the community to share their perspectives and stories, extending the reach of the Black Thought Project.
The Black Thought Wall, which is set up behind a row of pillars outside of a building behind the Urban League’s Park Street headquarters, serves as a space for Black people to share their perspectives and for non-Black people to “witness, protect and honor” those expressions.
“With this project, we invite Black people to reflect and share publicly their perspectives on who we are, what we value and our visions for the whole of humanity,” a sign posted next to the wall reads. “We invite everyone to honor those perspectives and wisdom for our collective healing and the building of a just society. Witness your reactions, your insights, allow yourself to be changed.”
Leaders from the YWCA and Operation Fresh Start decided to pursue the idea after hearing about the project’s origins in Oakland, California. According to YWCA CEO Vanessa McDowell, Madison is the first city outside of California to have its own Black Thought Wall.
The project launched on Monday after months of planning from organizers. The wall itself took a week to put up.
The entire community is welcome to visit the wall and read the messages written there, but writing messages on the wall is reserved for Black people throughout the community.
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