About Bay Bridge
Our Vision
We are here with a purpose.
Whitefish Bay will be a welcoming community that recognizes systemic racism, and actively works to address and dismantle it.
Identify community segments and strategies for creating change
Facilitate community-level listening, dialogue and learning opportunities around racial justice and cultural bias, diversity, equity, and unity
Partner with local organizations inside and outside Whitefish Bay (to both learn and give back)
Whitefish Bay residents build their awareness around racial equity – they are motivated to learn about their own racial identity and bias, structural racism and how it has impacted our village and city
As the conversation around race becomes normalized, more people are standing up and taking action to make Whitefish Bay a more inclusive environment
Kids are learning about racism, racial identity, and how to build an inclusive environment in Whitefish Bay both at school and at home
The Village of Whitefish Bay, including the Village government, the Whitefish Bay Police Department, and the School District of Whitefish Bay commit to and advocate for principals of racial equity and fairness for all that live in, or visit this community.
Learn more about Bay Bridge
Rid Racism Milwaukee hosted a forum and invited Bay Bridge into the conversation. Learn about the challenges and opportunities of teaching the truth.
Minutes 15 to 25 discuss Bay Bridge’s history and current mission.
Bay Bridge History
Founded in 2019 by Whitefish Bay residents, Anne O’Connor, Kathy Wurzer, and Jennifer Koop Olsta, Bay Bridge emerged from a shared desire to address racial inequalities in our community. As white women working for change within a predominantly white community, we recognize that while we are not experts in racial injustice and the harm it causes, we all must take an active role in anti-racist work—within ourselves and in our interactions with our family, friends, neighbors, and community.
There is strength in doing this work together, and together we can impact change. Since its founding, Bay Bridge has grown very quickly. The community members who have joined our organization are committed to doing the work to enable Whitefish Bay to be a place where POC feel supported to speak up, and to have representation as leaders in our community. As our work continues, we aim to support all Whitefish Bay residents’ anti-racist journeys, and to be a catalyst for change in our Village governing bodies and schools. It is our responsibility to identify and work to dismantle those systems. However, as we do so, we must listen to, raise up, and amplify the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and promote necessary strategies for change. We hope you’ll join us.
