“Frances, your efforts and involvement over the years have been instrumental in making our state a more just, inclusive, and equitable place for all of us to call home,” — Governor Tony Evers.
The City of Fitchburg officially dedicated its Common Council Chambers to Frances Huntley-Cooper, MSSW ’74, in a standing-room only ceremony on International Women’s Day earlier this month. Huntley-Cooper was the first African-American mayor elected to office in the state of Wisconsin in 1991.
Among those honoring Huntley-Cooper was former Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle; current Fitchburg Mayor Aaron Richardson; Dr. Alex Gee, the founder of The Center for Black Excellence & Culture; Michael Johnson, president & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County; and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers who said, “Frances, your efforts and involvement over the years have been instrumental in making our state a more just, inclusive, and equitable place for all of us to call home.”
Source: Madison 365.
Before becoming mayor, Huntley-Cooper served as an alderperson and was also an elected delegate to several Democratic National Conventions. She is a dedicated social worker, community leader, and an activist. The event was organized by TEMPO Madison Foundation — an organization that aims to support future generations of women leaders.
See more local news coverage in:
Fitchburg Star: “A role model:” Common Council Chambers dedicated to France Huntley-Cooper
Watch the ceremony: factv.fitchburgwi.gov/CablecastPublicSite/show/14795?channel=2