-Assembly 2026Joint LEGISLATUREResolution LRB-2007/15 CMH:wljENROLLED ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 5Relating Februaryto: 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.

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, “aXa negro belonging to Monsieur de Boisbriant”BoisbriantY at Green Bay;

- 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj Carter G.

Woodson founded “NegroXNegro History Week,”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’sAmerica[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 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.

Anthony McGahee — a celebrated gospel musician, choir director, and pillar of Milwaukee’sMilwaukee[s artistic and musical community.

As the leader of “AnthonyXAnthony McGahee and Praise Motivated,”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 “RickyXRicky Dillard and New G.”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’sMilwaukee[s vibrant gospel music scene.

His work continues to leave a lasting impact on the city’scity[s cultural landscape.

- 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-2007/1 CMH:wlj 7.

Dawn Barnett joined the organization in 1996 after learning about Victor’sVictor[s work and feeling compelled to contribute.

Dawn and Victor later married and have since worked together to expand the organization’sorganization[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 Assembly Joint Resolution 5 - 4- community.

Gloria’sGloria[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.

10.9.

SimsHarmon — a cherished elder in the Milwaukee community, known for her steadfast dedication to service, mentorship, and faith.

SimsHarmon 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).

12.11.

Notably he has made national history and played several roles such as in shaping the framework for Wisconsin’sWisconsin[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’sACLU[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.

13.12.

Born in Osceola, Arkansas, she enlisted in the Women’sWomen[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’snurse[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’sFoundation[s 22 Researchers workgroup and works to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities.

Her -commitment 2026to Legislatureservice -and 7scholarship, -Assembly LRB-2007/1Joint CMH:wljResolution commitment5 to- service4- and scholarship, combined with her dedication to patient care, has earned her numerous accolades and continues to inspire her colleagues and the broader community;