It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Hi Everyone.

We've been reminded several times since the start of the pandemic that this is not a sprint, but a marathon.

We weren't certain when it started just how long it would last, but it's evident, and has been for a while, that we'll be dealing with the direct and indirect impacts of the Coronavirus for quite some time.

Four weeks ago today, George Floyd was murdered. The nation is openly challenged to confront white supremacy and root out systemic racism.  

There's a sense of emergency, that steps must be taken now lest this moment pass. At the same time, it's apparent needed changes in policy and consciousness will not happen overnight. 

It's a marathon, or perhaps more aptly, a relay race, one to which we're all called to participate.

Knowing we are committed to the long haul, here is an update on both topics.
 
Black Lives Matter 
 
Last week Common Council voted to move forward with a three-person alder committee to speed up the process of hiring an independent monitor and selecting a civlilian oversight board.  The final report of Madison Police Department Policy & Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee makes it clear that truly independent oversight and community control is necessary moving forward.
 
From Madison Magazine: 20 Madison-based organizations that focus on black empowerment.

City Leaders Advance a Proposal to Support Wealth Creation in Communities of Color.

City Leaders Propose Program to Assist with Downtown Business Recovery.

City of Madison & Madison's Central Business Improvement District State Street Mural Gallery Updates.
 

COVID-19 Updates
  
For information on Madison's responses visit the City's Coronavirus Website. There you will find links to City Service Updates, Resources for Businesses, and much more.
 
Another key site is Public Health Madison and Dane County and their Data Dashboard.
 
Public Health regularly publishes COVID-19 updates. Subscribe to the City's COVID-19 email updates and/or text alerts here.
 
Public Health's recommendations and guidance for ways to stay safe and healthy. Their FAQ page has additional information for common questions and ways to help.

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: Free COVID-19 Community Testing Site - open at least until Aug. 7.  (I got tested last week. You should, too!)

From Public Health Madison & Dane County: Help Break the Chain of COVID-19 Transmission--Your Actions Affect Others

Also From PHMDC: 2020 Emergency Order #5 (Phase 2 of Forward Dane now in effect)

From PHMDC: RACE & COVID-19 Dane County Data and Inequities Evident in Dane County COVID-19 Data

I share this information so that we may all be equipped for the challenges we face. We are confronted with two deadly viruses, and we are obligated, each of us, to respond accordingly.

Stay healthy, look out for each other, and please practice physical distancing whenever you're outside your home. Using a face mask is advised in indoor shared spaces, and in outdoor spaces without at least 6 feet between you and those not in your household or closed circle.

"I wear a mask because if the experts are correct, I could prevent someone from getting sick and dying. If the experts are wrong, the most I'm out is the inconvenience of wearing a piece of fabric on my face." ...borrowed from @shityoushouldcareabout on Instagram

Lastly, if you're interested in learning more about white supremacy from slavery to the present challenges around policing and mass incarceration, a great place to start is in watching Ava DuVernay's documentary film, 13th.

Listen. Learn. Speak out.

Be safe. Be well. Be kind.

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