Wisconsin 2025 Regular Session Status: Passed Assembly Bipartisan · 45 D · 2 R cosponsors

AJR 5 — Relating to: proclaiming February 2025 as Black History Month.

Last action — Report correctly enrolled on 3-21-2025

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the Assembly. Introduced February 17, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · high confidence

  • Passed Assembly

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 62 sponsors

    1 primary, 61 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (45 D · 2 R) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Assembly Joint Resolution 5

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

126 added · 168 removed

Plain-language change summary

The 2025 Assembly Joint Resolution 5 proclaims February 2025 as Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions and heritage of people of African descent. Significant changes include the addition of historical context regarding the impact of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and the recognition of the long history of African descendants in Wisconsin. This matters because it enhances awareness of the often-overlooked experiences and contributions of African Americans, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for diversity in our society.

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- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 5 February 17, 2025 - Introduced by RepresentativesAYLOR, ARNEY , HAYWOOD , S TUBBS, MOORE OMOKUNDE , MADISON, GOODWIN , RIVERA-WAGNER , LLEN , A NDERSON , ANDRACA , BARE, BILLING, BROWN , CLANCY , CRUZ, DESMIDT , D ESANTO , DOYLE, EMERSON , F ITZGERALD, GUNDRUM , H ONG, H YSELL, J.
Assembly Joint Resolution 5 ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION Relating to:
JACOBSON , JOERS, JOHNSON , K IRSCH, MAYADEV, M CCARVILLE , MCG UIRE, M IRESSE, NEUBAUER, ORTIZ-ELEZ, PALMERI, HELPS , RADO , OE, SHEEHAN , S INICK, NODGRASS , PAUDE , TROUD , UBECK , ENORIO, UDELL and VINING, cosponsored by Senators RAKE, L.
OHNSON , ARPENTER , ASSLER-ALFHEIM , H ABUSH SINYKIN, HESSELBEIN, KEYESKI, LARSON, PFAFF, RATCLIFF, ROYS, S MITH, PREITZER, WALLand W IRCH.
Referred to Committee on Rules.
Relating to:
and Whereas, Wisconsin history first references African descendants in a speech given in 1725 by a chief of the Illinois Indians, in which he said, “a negro belonging to Monsieur de Boisbriant” at Green Bay;
and Whereas, Wisconsin history first references African descendants in a speech given in 1725 by a chief of the Illinois Indians, in which he said, Xa negro belonging to Monsieur de BoisbriantY at Green Bay;
- 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj Carter G.
Carter G.
Woodson founded “Negro History Week,” and since then the United States has recognized first Negro History Week and then Black History Month and celebrated the ethnic and racial diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation;
Woodson founded XNegro History Week,Y and since then the United States has recognized first Negro History Week and then Black History Month and celebrated the ethnic and racial diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation;
and Whereas, both enslaved and free people of African descent have participated in every aspect of America’s effort to secure, protect, and advance the cause of freedom and civil rights, and have stories that are an inspiration to all citizens, that reflect the triumph of the human spirit, and that offer the hopes of everyday people to rise above both prejudice and circumstance and to build lives of dignity;
and Whereas, both enslaved and free people of African descent have participated in every aspect of America[s effort to secure, protect, and advance the cause of freedom and civil rights, and have stories that are an inspiration to all citizens, that reflect the triumph of the human spirit, and that offer the hopes of everyday people to rise above both prejudice and circumstance and to build lives of dignity;
and Whereas, people of African descent or African Americans have made measurable differences in their respective industries, such as:
and Assembly Joint Resolution 5 - 4- Whereas, people of African descent or African Americans have made measurable differences in their respective industries, such as:
Marcia Anderson — a retired senior officer of the United States Army - 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj Reserve from Beloit, Wisconsin.
Marcia Anderson — a retired senior officer of the United States Army Reserve from Beloit, Wisconsin.
Anthony McGahee — a celebrated gospel musician, choir director, and pillar of Milwaukee’s artistic and musical community.
Anthony McGahee — a celebrated gospel musician, choir director, and pillar of Milwaukee[s artistic and musical community.
As the leader of “Anthony McGahee and Praise Motivated,” he has spent over 27 years inspiring audiences with soul-stirring performances and a commitment to musical excellence.
As the leader of XAnthony McGahee and Praise Motivated,Y he has spent over 27 years inspiring audiences with soul-stirring performances and a commitment to musical excellence.
McGahee is also a proud member of the renowned gospel group “Ricky Dillard and New G.” Through his music ministry, he has not only uplifted congregations but also created opportunities for local artists, mentored emerging talent, and brought national attention to Milwaukee’s vibrant gospel music scene.
McGahee is also a proud member of the renowned gospel group XRicky Dillard and New G.Y Through his music ministry, he has not only uplifted congregations but also created opportunities for local artists, mentored emerging talent, and brought national attention to Milwaukee[s vibrant gospel music scene.
His work continues to leave a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
His work continues to leave a lasting impact on the city[s cultural landscape.
- 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj 7.
7.
Dawn Barnett joined the organization in 1996 after learning about Victor’s work and feeling compelled to contribute.
Dawn Barnett joined the organization in 1996 after learning about Victor[s work and feeling compelled to contribute.
Dawn and Victor later married and have since worked together to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
Dawn and Victor later married and have since worked together to expand the organization[s reach and impact.
Dr.
Samuel Coleman — a dedicated educator and advocate for equity, currently serving as the assistant superintendent of instruction for the Oshkosh Area School District in Wisconsin.
Born and raised on Milwaukee’s North Side, Dr.
Coleman has devoted over 14 years to better public education and the roles of government, focusing on advancing equity through advocacy, policy analysis, strategic planning, and leadership development.
9.
She has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents in her community.
She has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents in her Assembly Joint Resolution 5 - 4- community.
Gloria’s work focuses on promoting social justice, education, and economic development.
Gloria[s work focuses on promoting social justice, education, and economic development.
Her commitment to service has made a - 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj significant impact on the Milwaukee community, fostering positive change and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Her commitment to service has made a significant impact on the Milwaukee community, fostering positive change and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
10.
9.
Sims — a cherished elder in the Milwaukee community, known for her steadfast dedication to service, mentorship, and faith.
Harmon — a cherished elder in the Milwaukee community, known for her steadfast dedication to service, mentorship, and faith.
Sims has been a beacon of wisdom, guiding and inspiring those around her with her kindheartedness and resilience.
Harmon has been a beacon of wisdom, guiding and inspiring those around her with her kindheartedness and resilience.
11.
10.
She founded the African American Leadership Alliance – Milwaukee (AALAM), the African American Leadership Program (AALP), and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI).
She founded the African American Leadership Alliance ] Milwaukee (AALAM), the African American Leadership Program (AALP), and the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI).
12.
11.
Notably he has made national history and played several roles such as in shaping the framework for Wisconsin’s Americans with Disabilities Act, and he worked for 25 years in the Department of Financial Institutions.
Notably he has made national history and played several roles such as in shaping the framework for Wisconsin[s Americans with Disabilities Act, and he worked for 25 years in the Department of Financial Institutions.
Reed has been honored with numerous awards, including the ACLU’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Milwaukee - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj Times Black Excellence Award, for his unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment.
Reed has been honored with numerous awards, including the ACLU[s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award, for his unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and community empowerment.
13.
12.
Born in Osceola, Arkansas, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1943 and was stationed in Europe, where her battalion cleared a crucial backlog of mail for soldiers, processing over 17 million pieces in record time.
Born in Osceola, Arkansas, she enlisted in the Women[s Army Corps in 1943 and was stationed in Europe, where her battalion cleared a crucial backlog of mail for soldiers, processing over 17 million pieces in record time.
After returning to the United States in 1946, she lived in Milwaukee, working as a nurse’s aide and later as a homemaker for her eight children.
After returning to the United States in 1946, she lived in Milwaukee, working as a nurse[s aide and later as a homemaker for her eight children.
14.
13.
Clayton-Jones actively contributes to research through the Delta Research and Educational Foundation’s 22 Researchers workgroup and works to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities.
Clayton-Jones actively contributes to research through the Delta Research and Educational Foundation[s 22 Researchers workgroup and works to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities.
Her - 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj commitment to service and scholarship, combined with her dedication to patient care, has earned her numerous accolades and continues to inspire her colleagues and the broader community;
Her commitment to service and scholarship, Assembly Joint Resolution 5 - 4- combined with her dedication to patient care, has earned her numerous accolades and continues to inspire her colleagues and the broader community;
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(END )
Senator Mary Felzkowski Representative Robin J.
Vos President of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly Edward A.
Blazel Date Assembly Chief Clerk
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Action History

  1. Report correctly enrolled on 3-21-2025

  2. Received from Senate concurred in

  3. Ordered immediately messaged

  4. Concurred in

  5. Placed on calendar 3-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

  6. Available for scheduling

  7. Read and referred to committee on Senate Organization

  8. Received from Assembly

  9. Ordered immediately messaged

  10. Adopted

  11. Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 adopted

  12. Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Haywood

  13. Withdrawn from committee on Rules and placed on calendar 2-19-2025 pursuant to Assembly Rule 42 (3)(c)

  14. Read and referred to Committee on Rules

  15. Introduced by Representatives Taylor, Arney, Haywood, Stubbs, Moore Omokunde, Madison, Goodwin, Rivera-Wagner, Allen, Anderson, Andraca, Bare, Billings, Brown, Clancy, Cruz, DeSmidt, DeSanto, Doyle, Emerson, Fitzgerald, Gundrum, Hong, Hysell, J. Jacobson, Joers, Johnson, Kirsch, Mayadev, McCarville, McGuire, Miresse, Neubauer, Ortiz-Velez, Palmeri, Phelps, Prado, Roe, Sheehan, Sinicki, Snodgrass, Spaude, Stroud, Subeck, Tenorio, Udell and Vining; cosponsored by Senators Drake, L. Johnson, Carpenter, Dassler-Alfheim, Habush Sinykin, Hesselbein, Keyeski, Larson, Pfaff, Ratcliff, Roys, Smith, Spreitzer, Wall and Wirch

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 61 co-sponsors · 70 not signed on · 12 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (61)

Not signed on (70)

70 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 70 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Senate Amendment 1 rejected

Passed 18 Yea · 15 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 18000
Democrat 01200
Unaffiliated 0300
Total 181500
% of votes cast 55%45%0%0%
How each member voted (33)
Member Party Vote
JOHNSON — Nay
DASSLER-ALFHEI — Nay
HABUSH SINYKIN — Nay
Carpenter, Tim Democrat Nay
Drake, Dora Democrat Nay
Hesselbein, Dianne Democrat Nay
Keyeski, Sarah Democrat Nay
Larson, Chris Democrat Nay
Pfaff, Brad Democrat Nay
Ratcliff, Melissa Democrat Nay
Roys, Kelda Democrat Nay
Smith, Jeff Democrat Nay
Spreitzer, Mark Democrat Nay
Wall, Jamie Democrat Nay
Wirch, Robert Democrat Nay
Bradley, Julian Republican Yea
Cabral-Guevara, Rachael Republican Yea
Felzkowski, Mary Republican Yea
Feyen, Dan Republican Yea
Hutton, Rob Republican Yea
Jacque, André Republican Yea
Jagler, John Republican Yea
James, Jesse Republican Yea
Kapenga, Chris Republican Yea
LeMahieu, Devin Republican Yea
Marklein, Howard Republican Yea
Nass, Steve Republican Yea
Quinn, Romaine Republican Yea
Stafsholt, Rob Republican Yea
Testin, Patrick Republican Yea
Tomczyk, Cory Republican Yea
Wanggaard, Van Republican Yea
Wimberger, Eric Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Read a third time and passed

Passed 54 Yea · 43 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 53000
Democrat 04102
Unaffiliated 1200
Total 544302
% of votes cast 55%43%0%2%
How each member voted (99)
Member Party Vote
JOHNSON — Nay
MOORE OMOKUNDE — Nay
SPEAKER — Yea
Anderson, Clinton Democrat Nay
Andraca, Deb Democrat Nay
Arney, Margaret Democrat Nay
Bare, Mike Democrat Nay
Billings, Jill Democrat Nay
Brown, Brienne Democrat Nay
Clancy, Ryan Democrat Nay
Cruz, Angelina Democrat Nay
DeSanto, Karen Democrat Nay
DeSmidt, Ben Democrat Nay
Doyle, Steve Democrat Nay
Emerson, Jodi Democrat Nay
Fitzgerald, Joan Democrat Nay
Goodwin, Russell Democrat Nay
Haywood, Kalan Democrat Nay
Hong, Francesca Democrat Nay
Hysell, Andrew Democrat Nay
Jacobson, Jenna Democrat Nay
Joers, Alex Democrat Nay
Kirsch, Karen Democrat Nay
Madison, Darrin Democrat Nay
Mayadev, Renuka Democrat Nay
McCarville, Maureen Democrat Nay
McGuire, Tip Democrat Nay
Miresse, Vincent Democrat Nay
Neubauer, Greta Democrat Nay
Ortiz-Velez, Sylvia Democrat Not Voting
Palmeri, Lori Democrat Nay
Phelps, Christian Democrat Nay
Prado, Priscilla Democrat Nay
Rivera-Wagner, Amaad Democrat Nay
Roe, Ann Democrat Nay
Sheehan, Joe Democrat Nay
Sinicki, Christine Democrat Nay
Snodgrass, Lee Democrat Nay
Spaude, Ryan Democrat Nay
Stroud, Angela Democrat Nay
Stubbs, Shelia Democrat Not Voting
Subeck, Lisa Democrat Nay
Taylor, Sequanna Democrat Nay
Tenorio, Angelito Democrat Nay
Udell, Randy Democrat Nay
Vining, Robyn Democrat Nay
Allen, Scott Republican Yea
Armstrong, David Republican Yea
August, Tyler Republican Yea
Behnke, Elijah Republican Yea
Born, Mark Republican Yea
Brill, Lindee Republican Yea
Brooks, Robert Republican Yea
Callahan, Calvin Republican Yea
Dallman, Alex Republican Yea
Dittrich, Barbara Republican Yea
Donovan, Bob Republican Yea
Duchow, Cindi Republican Yea
Franklin, Benjamin Republican Yea
Goeben, Joy Republican Yea
Green, Chanz Republican Yea
Gundrum, Rick Republican Yea
Gustafson, Nate Republican Yea
Hurd, Karen Republican Yea
Jacobson, Brent Republican Yea
Kaufert, Dean Republican Yea
Kitchens, Joel Republican Yea
Knodl, Daniel Republican Yea
Kreibich, Rob Republican Yea
Krug, Scott Republican Yea
Kurtz, Tony Republican Yea
Maxey, Dave Republican Yea
Melotik, Paul Republican Yea
Moses, Clint Republican Yea
Murphy, David Republican Yea
Mursau, Jeffrey Republican Yea
Nedweski, Amanda Republican Yea
Neylon, Adam Republican Yea
Novak, Todd Republican Yea
O'Connor, Jerry Republican Yea
Penterman, William Republican Yea
Petersen, Kevin Republican Yea
Piwowarczyk, Jim Republican Yea
Pronschinske, Treig Republican Yea
Rodriguez, Jessie Republican Yea
Snyder, Patrick Republican Yea
Sortwell, Shae Republican Yea
Spiros, John Republican Yea
Steffen, David Republican Yea
Summerfield, Rob Republican Yea
Swearingen, Rob Republican Yea
Tittl, Paul Republican Yea
Tranel, Travis Republican Yea
Tucker, Duke Republican Yea
Tusler, Ron Republican Yea
VanderMeer, Nancy Republican Yea
Wichgers, Chuck Republican Yea
Wittke, Robert Republican Yea
Zimmerman, Shannon Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

What does AJR 5 do?
Assembly Joint Resolution 5
Who sponsors AJR 5?
AJR 5 is sponsored by Moore Omokunde, Drake, Carpenter, Dassler-Alfheim, Habush Sinykin, Hesselbein, Keyeski, Larson, Pfaff, Ratcliff, Roys, Smith, Spreitzer, Wall, Wirch, Taylor, Sequanna (Democrat), Arney, Margaret (Democrat), Haywood, Kalan (Democrat), Stubbs, Shelia (Democrat), Madison, Darrin (Democrat), Goodwin, Russell (Democrat), Rivera-Wagner, Amaad (Democrat), Allen, Scott (Republican), Anderson, Clinton (Democrat), Andraca, Deb (Democrat), Bare, Mike (Democrat), Billings, Jill (Democrat), Brown, Brienne (Democrat), Clancy, Ryan (Democrat), Cruz, Angelina (Democrat), DeSmidt, Ben (Democrat), DeSanto, Karen (Democrat), Doyle, Steve (Democrat), Emerson, Jodi (Democrat), Fitzgerald, Joan (Democrat), Gundrum, Rick (Republican), Hong, Francesca (Democrat), Hysell, Andrew (Democrat), Jacobson, Jenna (Democrat), Joers, Alex (Democrat), Johnson, Tara (Democrat), Kirsch, Karen (Democrat), Mayadev, Renuka (Democrat), McCarville, Maureen (Democrat), McGuire, Tip (Democrat), Miresse, Vincent (Democrat), Neubauer, Greta (Democrat), Ortiz-Velez, Sylvia (Democrat), Palmeri, Lori (Democrat), Phelps, Christian (Democrat), Prado, Priscilla (Democrat), Roe, Ann (Democrat), Sheehan, Joe (Democrat), Sinicki, Christine (Democrat), Snodgrass, Lee (Democrat), Spaude, Ryan (Democrat), Stroud, Angela (Democrat), Subeck, Lisa (Democrat), Tenorio, Angelito (Democrat), Udell, Randy (Democrat), and Vining, Robyn (Democrat).
What is the current status of AJR 5?
This bill has passed the Assembly. Introduced February 17, 2025. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track AJR 5?
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