Black History Month Community Conversation

In recognition of Black History Month, community members gathered Thursday evening in the Atrium at Public Health Madison & Dane County for a substantive and forward-looking dialogue on leadership, service, and perspective.

The Madison Police Department’s South District Community Policing Advisory Board convened a distinguished panel of Black law enforcement officers — current and retired — to reflect on their professional journeys across Wisconsin and how their perspectives evolved over years of service.

Moderated by CPAB Advisor Shar-Ron Buie and organized in collaboration with MOSES, Madison JusticeTeam, and the Black Men Coalition, the evening brought together civic leaders and community members alike.

Organizers were honored by the presence of Chief of Police John Patterson and Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, alongside Captain Harrison Zanders and community leaders Harry Haney and Tom Zylstra.

Among the panelists was Madison’s first African American female police officer, Pia Kinney-James — a reminder that history is neither distant nor theoretical. It is lived and shaped by courageous individuals within our own community.

The Atrium was filled with an engaged, multigenerational audience — including young people who came to listen and learn. When experience is shared across generations, understanding expands.

Sustained community conversation remains one of our most effective tools for meaningful progress.