Statement of Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on the Death of Milele Chikasa Anana

I join thousands of Madisonians in mourning the passing of Milele Chikasa Anana. To call her a Madison community leader almost seems like an understatement.

For nearly three decades, she served as editor and publisher of UMOJA Magazine, which she launched in 1990 to celebrate the accomplishments and joys of African Americans in Madison. In a world that too often does not hear all voices, Ms. Milele made sure that the stories of Madison’s Black community were told.

UMOJA focused on positive black news and that is what Ms. Milele was, a positive example and a trailblazer for all of us. She was the first African American to serve on a Wisconsin school board, and the City’s first African American affirmative action officer. She also served as interim director of the Madison Equal Opportunities Commission, worked with the Black Chamber of Commerce to develop a directory of black-owned businesses and to start Black Restaurant Week. She was also an active member of the Madison Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. In 2009, she received the City of Madison’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award for her service to our community.

Ms. Milele described herself as a general hell-raiser, and she was. She was also a leader, an incredible example of determination, and a wonderful role model. Although I mourn her passing, I hope we can celebrate her life and publicly appreciate the many gifts she gave this community.