Gov race heats up, Badgers head south, Madison has a new Youth Poet Laureate & more

Here’s a look back at this week’s top stories from Madison365, featuring community events, business opportunities, arts achievements, sports highlights, and more.

365 Amplified: Affordability, Equity, and the Road to 2026: David Crowley Joins the Race

Madison Black Chamber of Commerce president Camille Carter joins the show to preview Madison Black Restaurant Week, coming in August. Plus, a roundup of the week’s top stories, hosted by executive editor Rob Chappell.

Black Oxygen: Find your breath with Semaj Sconiers

Semaj Sconiers is a respected educator, mindfulness and wellness practitioner, and a Racial and Gender Justice Practitioner with the YWCA of Dane County.  In this episode of Black Oxygen, Semaj shared her personal journey and experiences with mindfulness practices, including her connection to her grandmother and how she came back to her mindfulness practice while in the intensive care unit during a medical emergency.  She shares, “in difficult moments, find your breath … it helps you recalibrate.” 

In addition, Semaj talks about her work as a race and gender equity practitioner at the YWCA and the upcoming annual YWCA Racial Justice Summit.  The 2025 Racial Justice Summit is focused on Becoming the Liberated Ecosystem and will weave together the themes of solidarity, abolition, mutual aid and repair. In our conversation about the Summit, Semaj emphasized the importance of unlearning harmful ways of being together and relearning new practices and ways of being a collective and in solidarity with ourselves and each other. 

To learn more about the YWCA Racial Justice Summit please visit - http://ywcamadison-racialjusticesummit.org

• Crowley says as governor he’ll address affordability crisis
  Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, now a candidate for governor, says his campaign will focus on Wisconsin’s affordability crisis, including housing and childcare.

• The Rainbow Project will celebrate 45 years of serving the community at 21st annual Rhumba 4 Rainbow
  The Rainbow Project marks 45 years of supporting children and families with its signature fundraiser, Rhumba 4 Rainbow, returning for its 21st year.

• Rasta Barista to host first annual Jerk & Jollof Cookoff competition Sept. 27
  Rasta Barista will bring flavors and friendly competition to Madison with its first-ever Jerk & Jollof Cookoff later this month.

• Carvd N’ Stone announces 4th annual $1,000 Travel Writing Scholarship
  Milwaukee-based media company Carvd N’ Stone is accepting applications for its annual travel writing scholarship, offering young writers a chance to win $1,000.

• Double whammy for Americans: Inflation continues to rise as jobs outlook grows weaker
  A new report shows inflation climbing while job prospects dim, creating fresh challenges for American households.

• Octavia Ikard named Madison Youth Poet Laureate
  Madison student Octavia Ikard has been named the city’s newest Youth Poet Laureate, continuing a tradition of amplifying young voices in the arts.ws

• Badgers face first big test of the season at Alabama Saturday
  The Wisconsin Badgers head to Tuscaloosa this weekend for a nationally anticipated matchup against powerhouse Alabama.

And in other news …

• Midwest Mujeres Inc. to host annual Yo Quiero Dinero event celebrating women’s stories of economic survival and resilience

• “Lands of Palestine” silent art auction will benefit Palestinian families impacted by settler and military violence

• Milwaukee Alder JoCasta Zamarripa launches campaign for Wisconsin Secretary of State

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