Erika Brown, spokesperson for Robinson’s family and director of the Sade’s Voice Foundation, stated that Sheena, Sade’s mother, “has been thrust into a nightmare — one marked by anger, disappointment and profound grief.” (Baylor Spears | Wisconsin Examiner). Img source: Wisconsinexaminer.com
May 17, 2024 Story by: Editor
Lawmakers, activists, and concerned individuals are once again emphasizing the urgency of passing legislation to establish a task force addressing the plight of missing and murdered Black women and girls in Wisconsin.
Inspired by a similar initiative focusing on missing and murdered Indigenous women within the Department of Justice, the proposed task force aims to delve into the various factors contributing to violence against Black women and girls.
Although the state Assembly approved a bill to establish this task force back in February, it has yet to receive a vote in the Senate, prompting calls for action. The envisioned task force would comprise 17 members, including state legislators, representatives from select law enforcement and legal organizations, and advocates for Black women and girls’ services.
During a press conference at the Capitol, Representative Shelia Stubbs urged the Senate to convene and vote on the bill, emphasizing the critical need for its enactment. Despite previous attempts by Senate Democrats to bring the bill to the floor, it remained unaddressed during recent sessions.
Advocates at the press conference highlighted the stories of missing and murdered Black women and girls, such as Lasheky Hill, Joniah Walker, and Sade Carleena Robinson, underscoring the urgency of addressing the escalating violence.
According to a 2022 investigation by The Guardian, the homicide rate for Black women and girls surged by 33% nationwide in 2020, with Wisconsin experiencing a doubling of its rate, earning the dubious distinction of having the highest homicide rate for this demographic.
Erika Brown, representing Robinson’s family and the Sade’s Voice Foundation, stressed the importance of the task force in addressing the underlying causes of violence against women of color and implementing preventive measures through data collection and collaborative efforts.
Tanesha Howard, mother of Joniah Walker, emphasized the necessity of the task force in providing crucial support to affected families, citing her own struggles in receiving adequate assistance during her daughter’s disappearance.
However, Senate Republicans seem hesitant to reconvene and address the issue, with Senator Duey Stroebel suggesting that the Wisconsin Attorney General, Josh Kaul, consider establishing the task force under the Department of Justice’s purview.
In response, Stubbs reiterated the urgency of the situation, urging swift action from whichever authority is capable of initiating the task force, without further delays or bureaucratic hurdles. Source: Wisconsin Examiner
