The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction began its webinar on racial equity with a ritual acknowledgment of the original homelands of the Menominee and Ho Chunk people. The statement, which included mentions of other tribes in Wisconsin, cited "repeated violations of sovereignty" by "invaders" impacting Indigenous people for the last 400 years. It emphasized that such acknowledgments are insufficient to undo harm and called for mindfulness regarding ongoing colonialism.

A slide during the presentation declared, "YOU ARE ON INDIGENOUS LAND," accompanied by a map showing overlapping tribal territories from 1800. This set the tone for the webinar's main event featuring Ibram X. Kendi, an author known for his works on racism in America.

Kendi addressed the importance of educators teaching children about societal racism. He reflected on his upbringing in New York during the 1990s and described America as a "deeply unequal society" rooted in inherent racism. According to Kendi, unless this message is emphasized in education, black children will suffer from self-loathing while white boys may be recruited by supremacists.

He advocated for antiracist action, encapsulated in his assertion: “The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination.” The overarching theme suggested that America remains fundamentally flawed due to its racist history.

In contrast to this perspective, Patrick McIlheran proposed an alternative view centered around gratitude, particularly through Memorial Day. He highlighted the sacrifices made by over one million Americans who died defending the country’s freedoms.

McIlheran singled out Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a Wisconsin native and Medal of Honor recipient who displayed exceptional bravery during both World War II and the Korean War. Red Cloud's actions exemplified "dauntless courage and gallant self-sacrifice," according to his Medal of Honor citation signed by President Truman.

Red Cloud’s story serves as a reminder that despite its imperfections, America has been shaped and preserved by individuals willing to make ultimate sacrifices. McIlheran suggests honoring these contributions with thoughtful reflection on Memorial Day.

Patrick McIlheran is Director of Policy at the Badger Institute. Permission to reprint is granted provided proper citation is given to both the author and Badger Institute.