MILWAUKEE — Before the big speeches every night at the Democratic National Convention, a lot of work takes place during the day in caucus meetings. These groups meet to talk about issues that are important to them. The focuses in some of the caucus meetings Tuesday afternoon were equity and Wisconsin.
“You noticed a theme in the beginning of this caucus meeting, it's to focus on Wisconsin because we are in Milwaukee in spirit,” said Earl Fowlkes, DNC LGBTQ chair.
The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) Caucus spoke about issues of equality with Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, refreshing people's memories of what the Badger state has done for equal rights.
“Wisconsin was the first state in the union to protect individuals on the basis of sexual orientation,” said Baldwin.
That was back in 1982. The caucus spoke today on how an Equality Act needs to be passed to make sure LGBTQ people have equal rights when it comes to issues of housing, education, and public accommodations.
Equity was also echoed in the Jewish American Community Caucus. That message was told through Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry.
"There's been this rise in anti-Semitism that has happened all across the country,” said Larry.
He told the caucus that Milwaukee welcomes in all religions, something he says needs to happen in other cities across the country.
"It's really welcoming and open for people of all faiths especially the strong Jewish faith we have here,” said Lasry.
In the Muslim Caucus, speakers talked about religion hate and reminded people not only to exercise their right to vote, but they also encouraged Americans to continue to exercise their rights and be active participants in democracy.
“Yes, it's about voting, it's also about marching and demonstrating. I know many of you all have done that. It's about writing letters to the editor. It's about organizing in the street about policing, about Islamophobia. It's being an active citizen,” said Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota.
Other caucuses that met on Tuesday included seniors, Native Americans, and veterans. If you would like to watch any of the causes the DNC live streams the caucuses each day here.
