The Monroe Street Anti-Racism Project is a grassroots community organizing effort that emerged in 2020 during a time of a growing response to racism and anti-Black police violence.
Our Roots
In 2020, Madison, Wisconsin, like cities across the United States, saw large and sustained protests geared toward drawing attention to the problem of systemic racism in American society. During this time, a rash of racist flyers began appearing on the local streets of the Dudgeon-Monroe and Bay Creek neighborhoods on the near westside. They were filled with words deeply rooted in white supremacy and intolerance. In response, a small group of residents joined forces to send a counter message of justice and inclusion to the neighborhood. The interest has grown into something focused on more than just flyers and into an effort geared toward using art to dismantle racism and to forge a path toward social justice. It is this driving force that led to the development of the Monroe Street Anti-Racism Project, or MoSAP.
Community
Collaborating with neighborhood organizations, school groups, businesses, and local leaders, MoSAP is calling the community forward to engage in dialogue about the value of justice and inspire youth with the long-term impact of art and activism. To further stimulate this growth intergenerationally, the hope is for local area schools and other youth-focused groups to facilitate related programming and anti-racism education during the school year.
“In a racist society, it is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist.”
— Angela Davis
What’s Next?
At this point, we are not certain what lies ahead. We do hope that the MoSAP Harrison Street project inspires more public art installations and other activities geared towards social change. Art can be a powerful tool for educating and moving the needle towards a more just and equitable community.
Let’s keep the momentum going!
