Black History is Now
I’m Dr. Cass Bowers, Executive Director of All in Wisconsin, and I have the honor of leading Wisconsin's political movement and communications work. Black History Month isn’t just about remembering—it’s about reclaiming our power and reinforcing the truth: our multiracial democracy has always depended on Black communities' leadership, resilience, and contributions.
But let’s be clear—our history, narratives, and progress are under attack. From book bans and attacks on DEI to politicians trying to divide us by race and class, there’s a coordinated effort to silence our voices and dismantle the progress we’ve fought for and won.
I want us to focus on one thing this Black History Month: Building Community Power Together. Because when we come together—Black, Indigenous, marginalized communities, urban and rural, working-class and middle-class—we are unstoppable, and our history has always been intertwined.
Black History is Wisconsin’s History
Vel R. Phillips
From Ezekiel Gillespie, who fought for Black voting rights in the 1860s, to Vel Phillips, who led the charge for fair housing in Milwaukee, Black Wisconsinites have always been at the forefront of democracy and justice. Today, Black organizers, educators, and leaders continue that fight—whether in our unions, schools, or the ballot box.
But here’s the thing: When those in power attack Black communities —they use racism as a tool to divide us all. They try to pit white working-class people against Black communities to distract from the fact that wealthy elites and corporations are rigging the rules against all of us.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has become a dog whistle weaponized to rally white nationalists against Black folks, and this isn’t something that we have to dispute. We know that when they gut DEI programs, when they ban Black History in schools when they push voter suppression laws—it’s not just about Black folks. It’s about weakening our collective power. But don’t be fooled. It is a direct attack on the lives of Black Americans.
This Black History Month, we must reject the divide-and-conquer tactics and demand justice, safety, freedom, and joy across race and place.
Why this Moment is Political
This isn’t just a time for celebration—it’s a time for action.
DEI, Diversity, CRT, and Woke is coded language used to shield racist attacks against Black communities. The lack of cultural awareness and use of dog whistles, no matter who uses them, strengthen the racist systems that separate Wisconsin families and threaten Black Wisconsinites at work, in school, in the community, and throughout Wisconsin.
Attacks on our schools → They don’t just ban Black history—they’re coming for public education as a whole.
Book Bans
Removal of DEI professional in the UW System
Cops back in Milwaukee Public Schools
Attacks on our right to vote → They know that when we, the people, come together across race and place, we have the power to elect leaders who work for all of us, not just the wealthy few.
Wisconsin has strict voter photo ID requirements that limit access to voting.
Attacks on economic justice → While they spread lies about “woke” policies, they’re blocking the wages, healthcare, and housing protections that working families—Black, Brown, and white—need to thrive.
They want us distracted and divided. But we see through the game.
When we fight for Black history, we’re fighting for the true history of this country. When we demand policies that uplift Black communities, we fight for policies that strengthen our communities.
How We Build Power This Black History Month
Starting this month, let’s commit to action:
1️⃣ Reclaim Our Narrative – Share the stories of Black Wisconsinites who have led the way for economic, racial, and social justice. Don’t let them erase us.
2️⃣ Organize Across Race & Class – Support Black movements that unite working people, whether fighting for workers’ rights, public education, or voting access.
3️⃣ Show Up & Speak Out – Let's ensure our voices are heard from school board meetings to city councils. The best way to honor Black history is to keep making it.
Black history isn’t just about the past but the future we’re building together. We can reject division, reclaim our power, and build a Wisconsin where everyone— can thrive, no matter where you live in the state, what you look like, or who you love.
So tell me—how will you take action this Black History Month?
