Representative Darrin Madison

06/19/2026

161 years ago, hundreds of thousands of enslaved Black people finally learned they were free. Today, we celebrate the lives, sacrifices, resilience, and dreams that carried us to this moment.

Juneteenth is a celebration of Black joy, Black resistance, and Black possibility. It is a reminder that some of the most beautiful, transformative, and revolutionary things in this country exist because Black people dared to imagine that a better world was possible even when the present told them otherwise!

As we honor our ancestors, may we continue striving to be their wildest dreams. May we build communities rooted in dignity, justice, and opportunity, and leave behind a world that is freer for all people than the one we inherited.

Juneteenth should be celebratory. It should also remind us that freedom is not a destination but a constant pursuit. While emancipation marked a historic victory, the struggle for full liberation, equal opportunity, and justice continues for Black communities and other communities of color across this nation.

And for those who need the reminder: Black history is American history. That is why the colors of the Juneteenth flag (pictured) mirror the colors of the American flag. Our story is inseparable from the story of this country.

As Maya Angelou said, “I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.”

When we break barriers, achieve the impossible, speak truth to power, and fight for what is right, we do so carrying generations with us. We embody the hopes, dreams, and sacrifices of those who came before us and the aspirations of those who will come after us.

Happy Juneteenth. May we never stop imagining and building a freer future for all.

06/19/2026

Here's everything you need to know about Milwaukee's Juneteenth celebrations on Thursday and Friday.

06/19/2026

Join community members this Wednesday, June 24th for Milwaukee DSA's "Power to the People" rally and public hearing to replace We Energies with a public utility -- one that prioritizes people over profits!

We aren’t approaching an energy crisis - we’re in one. Wisconsin households’ bills are getting higher every year and many Milwaukee families are energy burdened, with mounting issues from our outdated fossil-fuel energy infrastructure and unreliable service. Investor-owned utilities receive a guaranteed profit and continue to raise rates and invest in fossil fuels at a time when our health, environment, and entire planet can not afford it. It does not have to be this way.

81 municipalities all across Wisconsin already have public municipal power which leads to cheaper energy rates and more reliable service. These public power utilities currently provide 11% of Wisconsin’s energy and power over 300,000 homes and businesses. Milwaukee can also prioritize our workers, community, and environment over corporate profits by opting into public power!

Join Milwaukee DSA this Wednesday, June 24th at 8:30 am for an outdoor rally under the City Hall clock tower (200 E Wells Street)! Folks will then head inside to attend the public hearing at 9:00 am in room 301B of City Hall. The public hearing will include time for public comment so that you can weigh in.

Want to get more involved in the fight for public power in Milwaukee? Join the “Power to the People” campaign at www.powertothepeoplemke.org

And sign their petition in support of public utilities today! actionnetwork.org/petitions/power-to-the-people

06/17/2026

Senator Dora Drake: "The countless stories of our ancestors throughout our history vary because the black experience has never been as simple as our history textbooks attempt to make it.”

In the run up to Juneteenth, the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus led a celebration of Black liberation and joy at the Capitol -- with a clear acknowledgment of the hard work ahead. Thanks to everyone who joined and shared their stories.

(And we'll see you Friday at Milwaukee's Juneteenth, one of the biggest and longest running celebrations!)

06/16/2026

Were excited for you all to join us tomorrow for our Annual Juneteenth Celebration at 12:00 PM in the Wisconsin State Capitol Rotunda.

This year’s theme, “What freedom looks like, yesterday, today, and tomorrow,” honors the history, resilience, and achievements of Black communities in Wisconsin. Our featured keynote speaker Camden Hargrove, Alder for the City of Menomonie and the first Black, openly trans man elected to public office in Wisconsin.

Come reflect, celebrate, and envision a brighter, more equitable tomorrow with us. All are welcome!

06/15/2026

Solidarity with nurses at St. Mary's in Madison who overwhelmingly voted to unionize with SEIU Wisconsin!! ✊🏿🌹

Nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital voted to unionize with 89% in favor to join Wisconsin’s largest health care union. The vote was held on June 11 with 511 (89%) in favor of unionizing and 63 (11%)…

06/15/2026

Reminder: our most recent e-newsletter will be our last until after the November 3rd general election, due to campaigning restrictions.

It's a helpful summary of our work, both looking back and forward, and we strongly recommend it if you're interested in our work!

Newsletter link here: https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?u=8c2dba74c145a5aff89251c3e&id=f7d354f0de

ALSO: we're rebuilding our list! Please sign up for future updates here: https://legis.wisconsin.gov/assembly/10/madison/news-updates/e-update/

NOTE: this e-newsletter is a reprint of our recent print newsletter. It will be our final e-newsletter until after the Tuesday, November 3rd election.

06/09/2026

Presenting students at Lake Bluff Elementary an official citation for their hard work building community with learners elsewhere in the country. And shared one of my favorite quotes, from the recently departed Assata Shakur.

06/09/2026

I had the absolute pleasure of presenting Lake Bluff Elementary students in Shorewood with an official legislative citation for their amazing work building community, making connections with fellow learners in other parts of the country, and learning how to shape a better future.

It also gave me a chance to share a favorite quote, from the great Assata Shakur (who passed just last year):

“It is our duty to fight for our freedom.
It is our duty to win.
We must love each other and support each other.
We have nothing to lose but our chains.”

06/08/2026

Looking for the ultimate kickoff to summer? 🕶️

Come through to the MKELove Summer Kickback on Saturday, June 13th! Created by youth, for youth, this event is all about setting up Milwaukee’s young people for a safe, fun, and opportunity-filled summer.

There will be good music, snacks, activities, wellness resources, and the official MKELove Field Guide to help you navigate the city all summer long.

👇 Tag a friend you want to go with and pull up!
📍 Kosciuszko Community Center (2201 S. 7th St)
⏰ June 13th, 11 AM – 3 PM
💵 Free admission!

*RSVP here*: https://bit.ly/KickbackRSVP