Black History Month, announcements, meetings, fun stuff

Hello neighbors,

A couple of weeks ago I highlighted an upcoming talk by the author of the 1619 Project in my weekly update. A constituent berated me for promoting such a divisive topic. While I understand there are some concerns about some of the historical accuracy of the 1619 Project itself, the fact remains that the United States of America was built on the backs of enslaved people, on land stolen from indigenous people. That very real history defines so many of the issues we still see today, in the wealth gap, health disparities, and where people live, even within the confines of the city of Madison.

It is Black History Month this month, and I will unapologetically provide additional resources to inform you so you can choose to engage, learn, and grow. Are you familiar with the origination of Black History Month? Did you know you can access the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture online? Did you know Nehemiah, a Madison-based, Black-led organization provides an outstanding community course, Black History for a New Day?    

Announcements:

• The legislature is currently considering 10 new bills that would impact the voting rights of the people of Wisconsin. Our City Attorney responded with testimony.
• The City has voiced opposition to state legislative efforts to curtail the ability to include electric vehicle (EV) charging in public buildings.
• The Lake Monona Waterfront Design Challenge is underway. The City is seeking members for the ad hoc committee that will select the competition participants and identify a preferred master plan to proceed in the planning process. Nominations for this committee are due by Friday, February 18, noon.
• The Streets Division's drop-off site located at 1501 W. Badger Rd will be closing on March 25, 2022 for a construction project. The site will remain closed until at least the spring of 2023.
• Metro's draft network redesign plan is now available for review. Community engagement meetings are being planned, and a survey will soon be available to provide feedback.
• Have a working laptop you no longer use? Please consider donating it to DANEnet's Digital Equity Project.

Upcoming meetings of interest:

• Urban Design Commission – Wednesday, February 9, 4:30pm: Redevelopment of 3005 University Ave. (Smoky's)
• Transportation Commission – Wednesday, February 9, 5pm: Safe Streets improvements, designed to provide safety improvements to Madison's walking and biking networks.
• Board of Parks Commissioners – Wednesday, February 9, 6:30pm: Glenway Golf Park programming plan presentation
• Landmarks Ordinance Review public engagement meeting – Thursday, February 10, 6:30pm (New Construction meeting)
  • Note: Recordings of prior meetings available.
• Share the Table – Conversations with MPD about Body-Worn Cameras:
  • Thursday, February 10, 6:30-9pm, Memorial Union
  • Thursday, February 17, 6:30-9pm, online
  • Thursday, February 24, 6:30-8pm, MPD training center (Panasonic product presentation)
• The Morgridge Institute for Research presents COVID-19: Next steps to normalcy – Thursday, February 17, 4:30-5:30pm.

Fun stuff:

• The Near West Snow Sculpture Competition is on now! Kids and adults are invited to build their snow sculptures through February 18.
• Madison Ballet's virtual Lift Every Voice premieres Saturday, February 12 at 6pm. The event is free, though donations are encouraged.
• Lady Liberty will be back on Lake Mendota this weekend for the Winter Carnival. Events happening all week long!
• The movie Breaking Trail will be screened at the Arboretum on Sunday, February 13 at 3pm. The film follows Emily Ford as she becomes the first woman and person of color to embark on a thru-hike, or point to point, of the Ice Age Trail in winter. A guided hike will be available from 1-2pm.
• Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Downtown Madison, Inc. on Thursday, February 17 starting with a Lion Dance at 6pm at Lisa Link Peace Park.
• Check out the progress on Camp Randall's reconstruction! Construction will continue through August.

Be well,

Regina Vidaver