Black History Month Event: Stamp Presentation, Film, Conversation with Dr. Charles Taylor

The City of Madison Department of Civil Rights, in partnership with the Dane County Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion, and Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, invite the public to celebrate the end of Black History Month with a presentation, film viewing and discussion at 6 p.m., Feb. 29, 2024, at Monona Terrace in Madison. 

The event is free and open to the public (subject to venue capacity). 

The event will start with a Black Heritage Stamp presentation and unveiling featuring Civil Rights Pioneer Constance Baker Motley .

“Honoring the service and sacrifice of courageous African American leaders helps ground us in the past so that we can soar in the present,” Department of Civil Rights Director Norman Davis said. 

After the stamp presentation, the Department of Civil Rights will lead a screening of Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance in Monona Terrace’s Lecture Hall. This film, by local filmmaker Dr. Charles Taylor, introduces viewers to nearly 40 of Madison’s most prolific Black leaders and trailblazers in ten different genres as they define what is happening in Madison and what it means to the city’s future.  

The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion will lead a post-screening discussion with Dr. Taylor and a question-and-answer session with the community about timely and historic topics.

“We are privileged to have award winning documentarian, retired professor, and author, Dr. Taylor with us for this insightful film and discussion,” Davis said.

Event timeline

• 6 p.m.: Doors open and Black Heritage Stamp Presentation 
• 7 p.m.: Leaders of Madison's Black Renaissance Film
• Post-screening: Q&A and Discussion

Parking

Attendees should park at the Monona Terrace located at the Monona Terrace Parking John Nolen Entrance, Madison, WI 53703. Parking is available in the state-owned ramp attached to Monona Terrace. There is a flat rate of $5 after 5 p.m.

Black History Month Background 

February is Black History Month and includes annual celebrations of the achievements by African Americans and a time to honor the central role of black Americans throughout history and in the present day.

The Department of Civil Rights is responsible for ensuring that the rights of all people are respected and that all persons are given the equal opportunities to succeed based upon their personal merits. To this end, the Department of Civil Rights is created to vigorously pursue the policies and principles embodied in this Chapter both within the City as an employer and within the City as a community of people who respect the rights and the contributions of every community member.

Resources: 

• Event link on Monona Terrace’s website.
• Department of Civil Rights website
• Follow the Department of Civil Rights on Facebook and X