Madison to end Black History Month with film screening, stamp unveiling

MADISON, Wis. (WMDX) – With Black History Month wrapping up this week, Madison’s Department of Civil Rights and the Dane County Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion are holding a special film presentation and Black Heritage Stamp unveiling on Thursday, February 29. The free event will be at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, and will start at 6PM.

The event will start with a presentation and unveiling of the new Black Heritage Stamp, honoring former New York judge Constance Baker Motley. Motley served in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York starting in 1966, and became the court’s chief judge in 1982. Motley was the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge, and the first Black woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. 

After the presentation will be a screening of the film “Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance.” The documentary showcases nearly 40 of Madison’s most prolific Black leaders and trailblazers in a variety of fields, as they define what is happening in Madison and what it means to the city’s future. Some of the local leaders showcased in the film include former MMSD Superintendent Carlton Jenkins, Urban League of Greater Madison CEO Dr. Ruben Anthony, Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes, and Madison Alders Barbara McKinney and Jael Currie. 

After the film, filmmaker Dr. Chuck Taylor will hold a Q&A session to talk about the film, and current and historical topics. 

“We are privileged to have award winning documentarian, retired professor, and author, Dr. Taylor with us for this insightful film and discussion,” says Norman Davis, Director of Madison’s Department of Civil Rights. 

The event begins at 6PM on Thursday evening, with the film screening starting at 7PM. The event is free, and attendees should park at the Monona Terrace Parking Ramp off John Nolen. There is a flat rate of $5 to park in the ramp after 5PM.