White Wisconsin lawmaker drops Black History Month proposal

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By TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press

MADISON (AP) — A white Wisconsin lawmaker faced with criticism for drawing up a Black History Month resolution honoring white abolitionists abruptly dropped the proposal Tuesday, saying he wants to preserve his relationship with black legislators.

State Rep. Scott Allen, a Waukesha Republican, said in a statement that “it is possible that I made incorrect assumptions.” He said he would instead like to help sponsor a separate resolution that black lawmakers authored.

“The proposed resolution concentrated on the character of individuals involved in an important effort in American and Black history, the operation of the Underground Railroad,” Allen said. “The resolution was judged as inappropriate by many because it was authored by a white-skinned man and because it recognized some white-skinned individuals. More important than content, however, are the feelings of the African-American caucus and our relationship as legislative colleagues.”

The Wisconsin Legislature has usually recognized Black History Month, which runs through February, by adopting a resolution in both the Assembly and Senate. In recent years, black lawmakers have accused their white counterparts of trying to control whom the resolution recognizes. Republicans control both houses and none of them is black.

Allen introduced his resolution in December, proposing the state honor four slaves and six white Wisconsin abolitionists who helped slaves find freedom through the Underground Railroad. Black lawmakers saw the proposal as an attempt to co-opt a celebration of their culture and history.

Milwaukee Democratic Rep. David Crowley, chairman of the black caucus, said it was “mind-boggling” that Allen never consulted with any black lawmakers before he introduced his resolution. Sen. Lena Taylor, another black Democrat from Milwaukee, sent Allen an email addressing him as a slave master.

“Thank you Massa Allen for pickin’ whose we should honuh suh. We sho ain’t capable of thinkin’ fo ourselves, suh,” Taylor wrote.

The black caucus’ resolution honors 14 black people, including the late NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

Allen said he decided to drop his proposal after speaking with several members of the black caucus over the past few weeks. He said at a news conference Tuesday that it was clear his resolution hurt them.

“I honor those feelings, I respect and understand those feelings,” he said.

Neither Crowley nor Taylor immediately returned messages The Associated Press left at the state Capitol offices Tuesday afternoon.