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[Page S2730]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING MILELE CHIKASA ANANA
Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life and legacy
of Milele Chikasa Anana, who passed away on May 6, 2020, at the age of
86. An activist, businesswoman, public servant, publisher, mentor, and
change-maker, she was a dynamic force in Madison for over 50 years,
helping to shape the community for the better and light the torch of
many young leaders working to improve the lives of the city's African-
American community.
Milele was born and raised in Oklahoma, went to college in Alabama
and Indiana, and lived in Boston before making Madison, WI, her home in
1968 with her husband Jim. By that time, she had started a career in
computer technology and worked for the NAACP, organizing in Boston for
the educational rights of Black students.
Milele continued to develop her civic engagement and leadership in
her early years in Madison when she was elected to the Madison School
Board in 1974. She was the first African American to serve on a school
board anywhere in the State.
In another first--also in 1974--Milele became the first African-
American affirmative action officer for the city of Madison, a post she
would hold for 5 years. Under her determined and steadfast advocacy,
the city made significant changes to its hiring practices to better
recruit and hire candidates of color, particularly in the police
department. She also addressed the lack of diversity on the city's
boards and commissions, bringing new perspective to bodies that were at
the time dominated by White men. Milele established the Women's Issues
Committee and the Minority Affairs Committee, giving employees of color
and female employees a greater voice. She was known to call out city
leaders when she saw injustice or inadequate progress and kept them
focused on the mission of her agency. Her impact as affirmative action
office is far-reaching to this very day.
Later in her career, Milele worked as interim director of the Madison
Equal Opportunities Commission and was a founder of the Madison Black
Chamber of Commerce, building its directory of Black-owned business and
establishing Black Restaurant Week. She has been an active member and
mentor to many organizations including the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Alumni Chapter, the Greater Madison Urban League, NAACP of Dane County,
and Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Milele Chikasa Anana is perhaps best known for her leadership of
UMOJA Magazine, Wisconsin's oldest black magazine. From 1990 to 2018,
Milele served as editor and publisher, growing it from a 2-page
newsletter to a 52-page monthly publication. Milele used UMOJA to
celebrate the accomplishments and showcase the good deeds of Black
leaders, community members, business owners, and youth.
Yet, despite these significant accomplishments, ``Ms. Milele'' or
``Mother Milele,'' as many called her, will be remembered most dearly
as a dedicated mentor. Many influential African Americans have credited
her with demonstrating the passion and persuasion that led to their
success as leaders. Countless others looked to her as a role model who
inspired them to join the fight for equal rights.
While small in stature, Milele leaves behind an enormous legacy. As a
mother of 5, grandmother of 13, and great grandmother of 4, her
character lives on as the matriarch of a loving family. Her tenacity
and determination live on in each young person she encouraged and each
leader she challenged to do better. I know I will think of Milele every
time I see the pride of accomplishment in a young African-American
woman's eyes.
I consider myself lucky to have known Milele, and I am grateful that
the depth of her spirit will continue to guide Madison toward a
brighter, more just future.
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