MILWAUKEE (April 4, 2019) – During National Public Health Week, County Executive Abele and County Board Vice Chairwoman Nicholson proclaim that racism is a public health crisis in Milwaukee County. Following the lead of the Wisconsin Public Health Association, this important recognition is the first step that will help us deepen our ability to achieve racial equity in the community by building on the progress already underway at Milwaukee County.
In 2016, the County Executive and County Board partnered to create the Office on African American Affairs to serve in an integral role, in recognizing and aiding in the resolution of Milwaukee County’s racial inequities for the benefit of all of its citizenry, and for the region to achieve its full potential.
“It is Milwaukee County’s responsibility to address racism, including seeking solutions to reshape the discourse, actively engaging all citizens in racial justice work,” said Abele. “Local government needs to take a leadership role and we intend to do so.”
The Office on African American Affairs has made significant strides since its inception. For example, all Milwaukee County leaders have been trained on racial equity; with all 4,000 employees slated to be trained in 2019. A new racial equity ambassador program has been launched with nearly 60 employees – from leadership to front-line staff – participate in racial equity action planning for Milwaukee County. The County has been in the process of incorporating a racial equity lens into all its budget decisions.
[For more on this story, written by Chris Abele, click HERE].
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