Why I serve. My decision to run? My decision to not run for re-election.

 I ran for Alder to give back to a community that nurtured Mike Mckinney. A community that extended  his life from 3 months to one entire year. What mother would not say “ thank you for such a gift”. I ran first for County Board Supervisor against an incombent, losing by less than 40 votes. I came back, in 2015, running for District 1 Alder and elected as the first African American woman elected to the Madison Common Council. Sheri Carter joined me that year. I ran for office to give back to a Madison that Mike loved…and loved him back. 

When  Carmella Glen was elected Alder in 2026, she asked what happened to my fire? We had served together at Madison-area Urban Ministry. The Madison Common Council began to shift in 2020. The inside governance was seeded  and began to grow. That inside governance is stronger than ever. Some have forgotten that they work for “you the people who elected them”. When the issue becomes “what is best for the city”, we must make decisions contrary to your wishes. . but we must include you when answering the question “why”. The disrespect demonstrated at the last Council Meeting was too painful for me to bear. I left the chambers and participated virtually for the final vote. But not before embracing the mother grieving for the lost of her son. 

Alder Pritchett,  please accept my apologies for not being present to stand in your defense for  exercising your freedom to cast your vote.  Our vote was not in alignment, but the right to vote was cast in the historical context of those who marched across the Edmond Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, some dying for such a right. Last month I revisited my Civil Rights History: The National Black Legacy Museum, Atlanta, GA; Jackson, MS; Montgomery, AL; Natchez, MS. Re-experiencing the challenges many endured, suffered and even died to defend the right to cast their vote!

I will serve to complete this term, but I will not seek re-election as the District 20 Alder. 

Madison, let’s begin to take a hard look at how we are crafting our future. 

Alder Barbara Harrington-McKinney