Legislative Black Caucus to Host Black History Month Press Conference

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The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus will host a Black History Month Press Conference on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. The press conference will be held at the State Capitol in the Assembly Parlor.

“Black History is Wisconsin History, full stop. This month is an opportunity to honor the achievements of Black Wisconsinites past and present as we seek a better & more equitable future. I am thankful for all the wonderful events being organized by members of the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, and I look forward to another great Black History Month in Wisconsin,” said Rep. Drake, the Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.

Black history in law

As previously reported by the Wisconsin Law Journal, four years ago, the Wisconsin Association of African-American Lawyers published the histories of 11 pioneering Black Wisconsin lawyers, the State Bar of Wisconsin reported.

But still in 2024, the legal profession as a whole, looks quite different than the general population, and Wisconsin is no exception.

According to the American Bar Association, in 1991, when NALP began tracking race and ethnicity of law firm partners, just over 2% of all partners were lawyers of color.

Fast forward to 2022 and still only 11.4% of all law firm partners were lawyers of color, according to a NALP report.

Also as previously reported, as 2024 begins, litigation ranges from attacks on Diversity, Equity and inclusion to Wisconsin’s gerrymandered maps.

As 2024 Black History Month commenced, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler issued a statement, “Black History Month is not merely an opportunity to reflect on the past, but also a challenge to all to carry forward the work of those who have come before.”

Throughout February, members of the Legislative Black Caucus will be hosting events in Madison and Milwaukee to celebrate Black History Month. In addition, there will also be many community events hosted by several local organizations. Listed below are the events: