MILWAUKEE— Mayor Cavalier Johnson kicked off Black History month on Monday, by recognizing four community leaders whose work continues to make a lasting impact across Milwaukee.
The Black History Recognition Ceremony honored Tahira Malik, Cynthia Wilson, Shelly Conley, and Muhibb Dyer for their leadership, service, and commitment to the city. The event included a social hour followed by a brief program recognizing each honoree.
Tahira Malik, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Samads House, says her work is driven by lived experience and a mission to provide hope to people struggling with addiction.
“I stand before you as a woman of lived experience,” Tahira Malik said. ”So really, my goal, my passion is to provide hope for people who may be suffering from addiction in private. To know that number one, you’re not judged or stigmatized. But number two, that you can rebuild your life after addiction if that’s what you want to do.”
For the past seven years, Samads House has provided housing for women and women with children rebuilding their lives after substance use. The organization also operates as a harm reduction agency, distributing life-saving resources such as naloxone, fentanyl testing strips, and xylazine testing strips in some of Milwaukee’s most disproportionately impacted communities.
Malik says Black History Month is time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before and to remind the younger generations of the importance of standing firm in their identity and using their voices.
“Black History Month for me means I’m standing on the shoulders of my ancestors, my ancestors who fought and died for us to have the right to, be able to just read, to vote, to make sure that our voices are heard.”
She also gave advice for the upcoming generation on becoming more educated with their history during this month of remembrance.
“Learn more about your history and the sacrifices that your people have made for you to have the freedoms that you do, so that you too, can stand in the footsteps, and in the shadows, and on the necks of your ancestors in a proud way.”
Mayor Johnson said the ceremony recognizes everyday leaders whose work often happens behind the scenes but plays a critical role in strengthening Milwaukee’s neighborhoods.
The event marked the official kickoff of Black History Month in Milwaukee.
