“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” -Shirley Chisholm

Now here we are at the end of February, a week after the local primary elections, and in the midst of our own local election milestones. With that, today’s topic is Black Politicians: Running While Black, looking at people of color in office. I’m looking forward to a great conversation with today’s in-studio guests,  Wanda Smith and Ali Muldrow.

Wanda Smith is running for alder of Fitchburg’s District 1. Smith founded Peace Network, Inc., an award winning mental health consulting service, where she serves as President. Earlier this year, she was appointed to the City of Fitchburg’s Community Economic Development Authority (CEDA) committee which aims to build safe and equitable communities. She has spent her entire adult life helping children, adults, and families of all ages, colors, incomes, and beliefs succeed through the attainment of foundational needs and the discovery of empowerment.

Ali Muldrow is a candidate for Seat 6 representative on the Madison Metropolitan School District Board of Education in Wisconsin. Muldrow is a parent, partner, writer, instructor, advocate, and doula. She is a Racial Justice Youth Organizer/Youth Programing Director at GSAFE, where she has written a curriculum and been an instructor of Foundations of Leadership, a course with a basis in the experiences of LGBTQ+ colored youth. She has also taught spoken word poetry in an after-school club. Muldrow grew up in a multiracial family where identity was discussed at the dinner table and difference was celebrated. She is passionate about consent, freedom, learning and human rights and is committed to bringing innovation and love to all that she does.