Divestment and Race in Kenosha

The nation is reeling. Recent protests sparked by tragic and inexcusable police shootings of unarmed Black men are consequences of centuries old racism, enforced too often by the violence and oppression of institutions like police forces. This seemingly unrelenting violence against Black and Brown communities is inextricably tied to existing unmitigated economic hardship, long-term unmet needs, and community divestment. Wisconsin is neither immune nor innocent of such circumstances, as recent events in Kenosha, Wisconsin have demonstrated.

Beginning the work of better understanding the inequities and challenges faced by residents in Kenosha and elsewhere is one of many things we need to do as Wisconsinites moving forward. Like judicial dissents we know that this will not likely shift the conversation today, but to paraphrase the words of late Supreme Court Justice Ginsberg, we are writing not for today but for tomorrow. We hope this brief profile of Kenosha County will contribute to the conversation of what policies, and actions our leaders and communities must take to get to a better and more racially equitable Wisconsin in the future.