Introducing “Coming up in the community”
Maybe by the next issue we’ll have come up with a better name for it, but regardless, you’ll see some version of “Coming up in the community” in future issues of the Northside News. This feature (on page 1, with additional information on pages 6 and 17) will highlight upcoming opportunities to take action for structural change in Madison, with a focus on antiracism and equity initiatives.
The Northside News publishes content specific to the Northside of Madison. That is one way that we determine what events to publicize and topics to cover in the paper. While the topics included in “Coming up in the community” this issue are not taking place on the Northside, we recognize the impact that these policy decisions — the new Dane County jail, police accountability and oversight, and the hiring process for a new police chief — will have on Northside residents. These policy decisions will disproportionately impact people of color in our community, and particularly Black people, because of structural racism within our policing and prison systems. Barriers to participating in these decision-making processes can compound those impacts and perpetuate racial disparities.
As a community newspaper, we can share information and help draw attention to processes, policies and decisions related to racial justice. When we are able to publish original, in-depth coverage of these topics, we will, but we will also highlight reporting from content partners like Madison365 (On page 2, see a listing of their articles that are available on our website, and read more at madison365.com).
As we consider our responsibilities and opportunities to engage in antiracism work as a newspaper, and as the program of a neighborhood nonprofit, we will need to continue making changes. The Northside Planning Council and Northside News signed on to a joint commitment to antiracism work that is published on page 5. The specific commitments listed within this statement will guide our actions.
Our work is imperfect. As I reflect on this issue of the paper, I see opportunities where with more planning and foresight, we could’ve built on what feels like just a beginning. Although we’ve published the basic facts about the new Dane County jail, police oversight recommendations, and police chief search, we haven’t offered analysis. Despite my statements about structural racism, we haven’t delved into what that means and looks like in Dane County. These are just two examples of many.
But if we wait for the work to be perfect, we may miss our chance to engage and grow. I hope that the information provided in “Coming up in the community” at least provides a place to begin learning, if you’re new to these issues. For me, it also serves as a front-page reminder of our interconnectedness; we are constantly making decisions as a community that will impact each other. Although we are seeing that very directly through COVID-19, it is also true for the policy decisions we make, support, or ignore as a community. Opting out of awareness is not neutral. It has an impact.
Originally, this issue was intended to be a celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Northside News. The first issue of the paper was published in August, 1995, as both a product of and tool for community organizing. We will circle back on those celebrations, but in the meantime, reexamining our vision, goals and impact as a community newspaper feels like the right way to mark the occasion.