Equity vs. Equality

press release: Racism and racial disparities have been a persistent and stubborn reality in our communities and our nation. In Dane County, the unemployment rate for African Americans is four times higher than that of whites. 41% of blacks live in poverty, compared to 10% for whites. And African American adults are eight times more likely to be arrested than whites. Black youth are 15 times more likely.

Now, five community leaders have come together to initiate a community-wide effort to address these concerns. They are Percy Brown (Director of Equity and Student Achievement, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District), Charles Foulke (Middleton Chief of Police), Rev. Miranda Hassett (Rector, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church), Rev. James Iliff (Pastor, Middleton Community United Church of Christ), and Al Ripp (Executive Director, Middleton Outreach Ministry).

The response of our community to these issues began on October 12 when the Middleton Public Library sponsored a community panel discussion to address issues raised in the book Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson. It was the featured book in this year’s “Go Big Read” program, co-sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Madison Public Library. Panel members at the October 12 event included Brown, Foulke, Urban League CEO Ruben Anthony, Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney, and Dane County Judge Josann Reynolds.

As a follow-up to this event, a community workshop has been planned. “Equity vs. Equality: an examination of racial inequities that exist in Dane County. It will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 am to noon, in the courtroom in the Middleton Police Station, 7341 Donna Drive, Middleton, Wisconsin. It will be co-led by Brown and Laura Love, Director of Secondary Education, MCPASD.

By using national and local history, participants will explore the roots of racism in America and learn how it has manifested itself through time and continues today. Through presentations, videos, and discussion, participants will examine current instances of racial inequities in Dane County, get a glimpse at work being done in the MCPASD to address these issues, and begin to identify additional opportunities to address racial inequities in our schools and community.

Registration forms are available at the Middleton Outreach Ministry office (3502 Parmenter Street) or the Middleton Public Library (7425 Hubbard Avenue). You may also register online at http://equity-vs-equality.eventbrite.com. The cost of for the event is $10. Scholarships are available to those who need them. To have a registration form sent to you, to apply for a scholarship, or to have your questions answered, contact Jim Iliff at jiliff1955@gmail.com.