Milwaukee County Board's Black Caucus members honor Black Milwaukee leaders with annual ceremony

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MILWAUKEE COUNTY (CBS 58) -- This Black History Month, leaders in Milwaukee County celebrated Black resilience in what has become an annual celebration.

Thursday, Feb. 2, 21 Black county employees were recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors for being exemplary leaders, and for their service. The event was put on by the board's Black Caucus.

The celebration kicked off with the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. It was followed by a proclamation of gratitude for past and present Black leaders. The celebration was rounded out with African drums played for award recipients.

Organizers of the annual ceremony said the purpose of the event is to recognize the strides of Black leaders in Milwaukee County.

"This is just an opportunity to uplift the diversity of our county and all the great contributions that our Black community has given to Milwaukee, as a county," said Marcella Nicholson, chairwoman for Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors.

Nicholson, making history as the first Black chairwoman on the Milwaukee County Board, presided over the program.

The county leaders all received a plaque of honor, but for some, the outcome of their work in the community was the true reward.

"I do so many things in the community, and I do it without wanting to be recognized, and someone is recognizing what I am doing, so they are recognizing me. So, I appreciate that," said Dee McCollum, an honoree and director at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

McCollum said this moment highlights the power of Black representation.

"Finding ways to help young Black men and young Black women in the community to reach out, to do different things and let them know, hey, you can be an elected official, you can be a police chief, you can be a mayor, you can be a president, there is no stopping for you, for whatever you want do in life."

McCollum said she looks forward to uplifting her community, just as it has for her.

"If we stop working, then we not going to see any change, because we are the change-makers, so if we start making a change, hopefully these kids will follow," said McCollum.

The event has been going on for more than two decades.

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