A Statement

The death of George Floyd and countless others over centuries in our nation’s history have created a moment in time where, despite the gains made by the American Civil Rights movement, we are bearing witness to our country’s systemic problems of racism and injustice. The frustration, pain and uncertainty that people feel is understandable and justified.

The stories of the past provide lessons and pathways to building a better future for all. Creating access to history is not enough as we must adopt an active role in serving and supporting our communities and stand by them in the fight against racism and injustice. The Society is committed to working with our communities and holding conversations about how history has changed and shaped our world and the need to change systems that have been biased against and caused the oppression of people of color.

The Wisconsin Historical Society recognizes that these tragedies in our communities have brought forth people’s needs to express their frustrations, struggles and opinions and we want to share  158 Resources to Understand Racism in America from our colleagues at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture as an additional resource to help guide our dialogue moving forward.

For other resources click on the links below.

• Wisconsin Historical Society Black History Resources
• 200 Nights of Freedom
• March on Milwaukee: Curricular Materials and Resources
• 200 Nights of Freedom: Teaching the Open Housing Marches
• Race, Migration and the Roots of Resistance in the Cream City
• Round Table with Erica Metcalfe and Patrick Jones
• Democracy in Troubled Times: The Movement Continues