We write to express our support for Brandi Grayson and other Black women and leaders in our city and county who are actively building a community free from baseless, belittling and racist targeting. Recent discussions have rightly questioned whether the scrutiny of contracts awarded to Brandi Grayson, founder and CEO of Urban Triage, differs unfairly from that applied to non-Black leaders and entities. For officials to advocate for the establishment of separate rules and standards for Urban Triage is not only bad public policy but a misguided use of political influence.

Many families in our community laud the work of Brandi Grayson and Urban Triage because of their efforts to curb and alleviate disparities. However, their story is not singular. One can easily find dozens of Black women, other Black leaders, and women of color in our city and county who are impacting this community in a way that is historic and groundbreaking. Despite the efforts of these leaders to play a role in lifting up our community, it appears that a troubling trend is developing whereby their ascension is far too often accompanied by targeting from some elements of the media, government officials, and social commentary.

While we recognize the need for oversight and scrutiny relative to spending from the public purse, we also believe it is in the best interest of all for this oversight and scrutiny to be applied broadly and consistently. Hence, all contracts with Dane County which exceed $100,000 should undergo the same auditing of their programming and dispersal of funds as being applied to Urban Triage. Brandi Grayson’s nonprofit operates in a manner which complies with Dane County requirements and regulations. Urban Triage’s grants have been subject to County Board review with the majority voting in support.

We all want the City of Madison and Dane County to be a place where people from all backgrounds and communities can thrive. However, while media outlets frequently report that this city and region are “the best place to live” or bike, or raise families, or even study, those reports are too often not the reality for Black people. This city and county charge and incarcerate Black people at a rate far higher than the national average. Moreover, Black people are several times less likely than Anglo-Americans to be homeowners in Dane County, or even find affordable housing. Finally, in this city and county, Black children face an achievement gap in reading proficiency matching or exceeding that of the State of Wisconsin. Notably, Wisconsin continues to be the nation's leader in academic achievement disparities. Brandi Grayson has worked tirelessly to curb and help alleviate many of these disparities.

The media treatment of Brandi Grayson and other Black women leaders (past and present) in the city and county is disheartening as we don’t see this level of scrutiny for organizations led by non-people of color.  It is unfortunate that members of our community continually participate in efforts to discredit leaders of color who strive to improve the lives of others.

We stand and support Brandi Grayson and other Black women leading and working to make this community the best place to live for all people.

Sincerely,

(Sgd.) David A. Hart, Esq., President, BPSADC, Inc

(Sgd.) Kirbie G. Mack, Vice President, BPSADC, Inc.