Dane Co. Board officially recognizes Juneteenth and Pride Month

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – On Thursday, the Dane County Board of Supervisors passed resolutions to officially recognize Juneteenth and Pride Month.

According to a press release, this year marks 160 years of Juneteenth nationwide and 36 years of community celebrations in Dane County.

The theme for local celebrations is “Black Resilience.”

“Juneteenth is not just a celebration—it’s a demand. A demand that we confront the delayed promise of freedom and the systems that continue to harm Black communities,” said Supervisor April Kigeya (Dist. 15).

Juneteenth symbolizes the formal end to slavery in the United States. The board said the resolution acknowledges the ongoing struggle for liberation for Black Americans who face inequities in education, economic opportunity, health care and the criminal justice system.

“This resolution and our ongoing actions reflect our commitment to face the continued need to break down barriers and make Dane County more equitable and inclusive for all,” said County Board Chair Patrick Miles.

The board also recognized Pride Month, saying this affirms Dane County’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion.

This year’s theme for Wisconsin’s Pride celebration is “Remember. Resist. Rejoice.”

“Just like lesbians had gay men’s backs during AIDS, the real flex for the entire LGBTQ+ movement is to unite for trans rights now. When we stand together, validating everyone’s lived experience under that same Pride flag, we’re not just honoring our past struggles, we’re building a future that slaps for everyone,” said Supervisor Rick Rose (Dist. 16).

LGBTQI+ identifying past members of the board include Dick Wagner, Tammy Baldwin and Mark Pocan.

Policy and Advocacy Director of Fair Wisconsin Sean O’Brien also spoke in support of the resolution.

“Pride started as a riot led by trans women of color, and this year, Pride will continue as a protest where we celebrate the joy and beauty of our community and recommit ourselves to fighting for a world where everyone can live free of harassment and discrimination,” said O’Brien.

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