The Urban League of Greater Madison Hosts Fireside Chat on Race

MADISON (March 11, 2024) - The Urban League of Greater Madison's (Madison, WI) Black Business Hub recently hosted a poignant discussion featuring Dr. Richard Harris, who shared his experiences with racial discrimination and his efforts to preserve South Madison as a safe haven for Black families.

During the chat hosted by Dr. Ruben Anthony, President and CEO of the Urban League, Harris recounted his upbringing in 1930s Madison, where he learned valuable lessons from his father about compassion and from his mother, a member of the Women of South Madison, about fighting racial discrimination. Harris fondly remembered the strength of the Black women in his community who stood up against injustice.

Harris also reflected on the urban renewal projects that swept through neighborhoods like "the Bush" (Greenbush), displacing diverse communities, including Black families, with inadequate compensation. His activism intensified when he learned of plans to close racially diverse schools in South Madison, fearing a repeat of history where developers would seize the opportunity to gentrify the area.

Working alongside Sandy Solberg, Harris mobilized opposition to the school closings, ultimately succeeding in keeping two of the three schools open. He emphasized the ongoing need to confront racist situations and lauded the Urban League for its role in empowering Black individuals economically, enabling them to navigate and challenge systemic injustices effectively.

To read more about this event, see the original article here.