The 19-year-old Tony Robinson was killed by a Madison police office on March 6.
A proposal to declare March 6 “Tony Terrell Robinson Day” is meeting with resistance on the Common Council.
Ald. Marsha Rummel — who represents the neighborhood where Robinson was killed on March 6 by a Madison police officer — emailed her colleagues on Sunday, asking them to support naming the day after him.
The 19-year-old Robinson was killed after police received reports someone was running in and out of traffic and may have assaulted two people. Officer Matt Kenny responded and entered a home on the 1100 block of Williamson Street. Kenny says that Robinson attacked him inside the home. He drew his gun and fired seven shots at him, killing him.
Robinson, a biracial man, was unarmed at the time, but under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms. His killing sparked numerous protests about police treatment of African Americans and other people of color. It drew national media attention as part of the growing Black Lives Matter movement. Kenny was cleared of wrongdoing by both the Dane County district attorney and the police department. But Robinson’s family is suing the city and Kenny over his death.
In her proposed resolution, Rummel notes the statistical disparities people of color face in this country. “Whereas, while the city of Madison is a wonderful place to live for many, the racial disparities in Madison are alarming,” the proposed resolution states. “More black men are imprisoned per capita than any place else in the country, one in three black children faces expulsion from school, and only 50 percent of young people graduate from high school in time.”
She concludes her proposed resolution, writing: “Now therefore be it Resolved, that the City of Madison declare March 6 to be Tony Terrell Robinson Day, a day to reflect on our community’s progress in addressing the disparities within our City, making Madison a more equitable place for all residents to live, work and play and reaffirming our commitment to racial justice and improving the life chances of people of color in our community.”
Rummel could not be immediately reached for comment.
However, the idea of naming a day after Robinson troubles some of her colleagues.
Ald. Barbara McKinney wrote in response to Rummel’s email that she would rather see the city working on addressing policing procedures and accountability.
“I fear that this action by the Council may have an adverse impact that further divides our city,” wrote McKinney, who is African American. “I fully support initiatives that continue to engage us and challenge us as we wrestle with racial disparities and injustices throughout Madison, but I don't think this resolution is the right course of action.”
Ald. David Ahrens also wrote in opposition, saying “We establish commemorative holidays after people that are extraordinary or heroic. The death of Robinson was tragic but that does not make it heroic or exemplary. Although his death stimulated discussion and self-examination of the city's police department as well as the effects of the city's racial conditions, there are, as yet, no known outcomes from this process. And I doubt that commemorating March 6 will either hasten or improve upon the results. Indeed, it may have the opposite effect.”
And today, city attorney Mike May sent an email to the council. Although it didn’t mention Robinson or Rummel’s proposal, it appeared to suggest that a resolution of this sort could hurt the outcome of the lawsuit against the city.
“We consistently advise city officials and employees not to comment on any matter involving pending litigation where the city is a party,” May writes. “Our office should be consulted on all inquiries. This applies to both employees and elected officials. Statements made publicly may be used against the city in litigation, and may negatively affect the city’s ability to protect its rights.”
