Legislatively Speaking
By Senator, Lena C. Taylor
State Senator Lena C. Taylor
No words can really express the great loss we experienced upon the passing of the Honorable State Representative Annette Polly Williams.
She was a warrior whose life’s work was championing the issues of her community.
As a proud graduate of North Division High School, Polly understood that a quality education was the pathway to success.
With strong conviction and a deep sense of community, Representative Williams led the fight for access to quality education for Milwaukee low income families. As a skilled stateswoman she garnered bi-partisan support to achieve what she thought was fair and just, shepherding through one of the state’s most significant laws, the Parental Choice Legislation.
Her work has forever changed the national landscape of education and given thousands of Wisconsin children the opportunity to attended high performing schools.
Without question, Representative Williams leaves a rich legacy in Wisconsin politics. Over the span of her 30 year career, she fought for wide range of issues.
No one championed the issues of our community more than “Polly,” she fought for redistricting to achieve better black representation; program funding for high school dropouts; improvements in daycare facilities; and access to quality healthcare.
Polly’s zeal for the community led her to become the Wisconsin Legislature’s longest serving woman in history.
The Honorable State Representative Annette Polly Williams was an unapologetic supporter of the Black community.
She was a stanch advocate for having Black representation on both the federal and local levels.
She ran Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Presidential campaign in Wisconsin in the 1980’s and supported Milwaukee County Sheriff, David Clarke.
Polly Williams was a wonderful mentor and role-model for her community and Black elected officials. She trail blazed a path for so many.
God knows we have lost a front-line solider and servant leader whose legacy will live on in our relentless quest for justice and opportunity for the black community.
Rest in peace, great warrior! I am certain God said, well done my good and faithful servant!