MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – People gathered in the state Capitol Rotunda Thursday for Black Advocacy Day, where leaders discussed policy about issues affecting Black Wisconsinites.
The event was hosted by the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus and a group of community partners. The day started with a faith solidarity walk and press conference with members of the Caucus, then featured policy workshops and meetings with state lawmakers.
Guests enjoyed a lunch while hearing from six different panelists. The discussion focused on health and poverty, specifically how environmental conditions impact Black Wisconsin residents.
Milwaukee Pastor Walter Lanier, with Progressive Baptist Church, spoke on the panel for the first time.
“The reality is that I don’t think that anybody thinks otherwise that poverty has a significant implication on all those things because less resources means less access, means less opportunities, means less power,” Lanier said.
He said there is work being done for Black Wisconsinites every day, but there is power when people come together for change.
“It’s significant to be in the capitol in the hallways of power,” Lanier said. “It’s significant for us to be up here together to talk about issues, strategize, to see one another and to see the combine power that we have.”
There was a reception to follow the event at the Madison Concourse Hotel.
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