A day in community
Oh my! I have had the most fantastic day and it’s not even 5pm. If your day has been challenging, I am really sorry. Everybody should feel love and valued, yet so many in our midst are struggling. At times, I cannot escape how completely blessed and grateful that I am to find love when its elusive for so many others.
Let me tell you about my day. I don’t want to name drop but I met with the most amazing activist and dear friend that both inspired me by their commitment to social justice but also ----their brilliance and kindness to all of our communities that are marginalized. I heard so many wonderful ideas around uniting the Willy Street community to support local businesses and social justice causes.
We discussed how some non-profits might not be actively involved in direct, strong activism around social justice issues because they don’t want to “bite the hand that feeds them” meaning …..not risking city and county funding by pissing off government leaders and bodies that fund them. We wondered about the possibilities of creating a facility that would serve as a cafeteria of services under one roof, and rewarding funding around inter-agency collaborations to enhance service delivery and eliminate duplication of services for efficient equitable funding where it's most needed.
We thought of the possibilities of having a regional approach to addressing housing and caring for our houseless neighbors and friends.
They listened as I explained how special interest and other BIG MONEY will flood this election as the “Powers That Be” are terrified of our movements’ platforms and messages of TRUTH and RECONCILIATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, RESPECT and UNITY. Our movement has political leaders on all sides fearful that voters will expect the same from them. We talked about how a movement of the People could counter politics as usual ----and the deluge of money that will be spent to silence our movement. I offered that our campaign would serve to educate voters on our journey to run a true grassroots movement so that folks might understand our appeal for donations---because ultimately, this movement will need your financial support to be successful.
While we drank delicious adaptive cocktails, our conversations around what could be possible to make Madison a city where all can thrive left me inspired and thankful.
Afterwards, I loaded up the affable Duke Ellington (he's not allowed to drive just yet) and we drove to the North Side Festival in the Nightmares/Mallards stadium at Warner Park. On the way in, a gentleman whom I had never met, and his son walked up and said, “I’ve been reading your posts, and you have my vote.” He went on to say that he appreciated that I was the only candidate that he had ever heard –on all levels of government---talk about the horrible racial disparities that plague our city. We embraced and spoke about the need to get the word out about our efforts to everyone in his orbits….inviting all to join our movement.
Inside the Duck Pond, I had so many people stop me to offer their support that at one point, I was overcome with joy and had to sit to the side to watch all of the beautiful children, parents, families, individuals, and organizations that took part in the festival. Not that I need any reinforcement to why I am running to be your next Mayor, but my time and subsequent conversations with newly discovered supporters and decades old friends, left me fired up--- and with all humility….deeply honored to be on this journey.
I should stop here and lament that I need to take more photos of my journey for our upcoming….don’t want to spoil how cool it will be….website. Stay Tune!
Duke Ellington suggested that we next go to the Rooted Farm to Table event at Troy Farm. If you know me at all, you know that I love love..love..love gardening and growing. The event might be over but if you haven’t already fallen in love with Rooted and Troy Gardens, you got to check out https://rootedwi.org/
As I walked the farm and all of its gardens, I saw children and families meandering amongst the beautiful colors, plants and the huge hawk that observed all from the peak of the main tent, I ran into Christopher from Color in the Outdoors https://www.colorintheoutdoors.com/
…and we talked about his amazing, healing work connecting folks of color with their natural environments. That has always been a passion of mine and as Mayor, I will work to support pathways for all to connect with nature.
After listening and talking till my voice started to crack like puberty, I am now home with Duke Ellington. He’s snoring next to me.
Our team knows that we have a long road ahead of us. But for me, this journey to be your next Mayor has put a skip in my step and even more love in my heart. Have a great night! Sending you all my love and best wishes!
