| Dear Neighbors,
My name is Darrin Madison, I was born and raised in Milwaukee, and I've lived in the 10th district for the past 15 years. I have worked to be a strong advocate for youth voice, education, climate change/sustainability, youth justice reform, and economic development.
I'm running to be our next representative of the 10th Assembly District because this district has a legacy of being led by truly progressive leaders in Wisconsin, and that legacy should be honored. I have an expectation that our government serves as a mechanism for communities to thrive and the state legislature has not focused on that since 2009. I also believe that the solutions to the problems that are profoundly plaguing our communities are in the hands of those most affected by the issues. That is why I decided to fight for the change we all want in this state.
Our district deserves leadership that can align the interest of Glendale, Milwaukee, and Shorewood. The need for bold, progressive leadership that can uplift residents' concerns throughout the district through legislative action is paramount, and I will be that kind of leader.
Darrin Madison
ABOUT DARRIN
"Since I was 14 years old, I've fought for justice and equity because I believe that the voices of all community members deserve to be heard. As a resident of the 10th district, I am committed to being your bold and unapologetic voice in the state assembly."
-- Darrin Madison
Darrin carries an unwavering belief that the solutions to the problems that are deeply plaguing our communities are in the hands of those most affected by the issues. That is why he is deciding to step up to fight for the change we all want in this state.
A native of Milwaukee, and the 10th District, Darrin Madison, Jr. was aware at a young age that the world didn't value his identity and community socially, environmentally, and economically. Community activism and policy development have been his response to this reality.
Darrin found his first place of activism at the Urban Ecology Center at age nine in the Young Scientist program, the later as an youth intern. At the age of fourteen, he became aware of the political climate in the state of Wisconsin and stood alongside residents and leaders throughout the state to fight against Act 10.
Later that year he joined Urban Underground, a youth-lead social justice organization that focused on building youth leaders to move communities toward a brighter future. Notable figures that have come out of Urban Underground include state representative David Bowen, State representative Kalan Haywood, County Executive David Crowley.
While at Urban Underground, Madison lead social Justice campaigns fighting for youth jobs, youth justice, education, public safety, sexual health, and environmental justice. During this time he also developed leadership skills that reflected the needs of the community by working on political campaigns at the city, county, state, and national level.
After Graduating from Ronald W. Reagan Preparatory High School in 2015, Madison attended Howard University in Washington D.C where he double majored in biology and political science. While attending Howard he worked to win political campaigns for progressive candidates in Baltimore, Washington D.C, and Alaska. After returning to Milwaukee, he served as an Americorps Public Ally where he worked for the Urban Ecology Center (UEC) expanding its Volunteer Program and the City of Milwaukee's Environmental Collaboration Office (ECO) launching the Eco-neighborhoods initiative.
After transitioning out of that role he worked for four years advocating and winning policy changes as it relates to youth justice, opportunities for youth, participatory budgeting, and climate justice alongside local, state, and national organizations. .Also during this time Madison engaged and mentored high schoolers that came from high schools across the Milwaukee area including Shorewood and Glendale. Creating this community of young leaders has been a high point of his career.
In 2020 Madison attempted a bid for the 10th County Supervisory board seat, but after a hard-fought race lost by 12 votes. Since then Madison has worked for the African American Roundtable as their Democracy Organizer fighting for resident access to the political process through participatory budgeting and a municipal donor voucher program. |