The nation’s recent protests sparked by tragic and inexcusable police shootings of unarmed Black men are consequences of centuries old racism, enforced too often by the violence and oppression of institutions such as police forces. This seemingly unrelenting violence against Black and Brown communities is inextricably tied to existing unmitigated economic hardship, long-term unmet needs, and community divestment. Wisconsin is neither immune nor innocent of such circumstances, as recent events in Kenosha, Wisconsin have demonstrated.
Prior to the shooting of Jacob Blake, many Kenosha County residents were under tremendous stress and faced significant challenges of high rates of child poverty and maltreatment, juvenile arrests, and housing costs, as well as lower access to high quality child care. For Black residents, these family and community well-being measures are even more concerning, and notably, reflect the state of the county prior to the impact of the current crisis brought on by COVID-19.