Leaders of Kenosha is a Kenosha, Wisconsin-based community organizing group with a focus on the Black community. The group is critical of police and police treatment of minorities, and is a strong supporter of gun control. 1 During the 2022 elections, it worked to register and mobilize Black and other ethnic-minority voters. 2
Overview
Leaders of Kenosha was founded in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police and the shooting of Jacob Blake in 2020 by Kenosha police, which led to demonstrations and protests. Despite its criticism of law enforcement, the organization claims to have a good relationship with the Kenosha Police Department. 3
During the 2022 elections, Leaders of Kenosha worked to register and mobilize and educate Black and ethnic-minority voters in support of left-wing politicians and causes. 2
Advocacy
Leaders of Kenosha supports left-of-center criminal justice and policing policies. The organization criticized the actions of the Kenosha Police Department during both the shooting of Jacob Blake and the riots after the shooting, which it claims were caused by police tactics. The organization claims that a report from the American Civil Liberties Union agreed with its assessment of the riots. 3
The organization strongly supports gun control. After a 2021 mass shooting, the organization called upon President Joe Biden and Congress to pass gun-control legislation. 1
In 2021, the organization called for the conviction of Kyle Rittenhouse for murder after he shot three men he said were attacking him, two of whom died. Rittenhouse was later found not guilty. 4
The organization opposes cash bail. In 2022, it created a Kenosha Community Bail Fund to help pay for the bail for poor Black and minority persons who cannot otherwise afford to post bail. 2
The organization has also organized pro-abortion demonstrations. 5
Leadership
Tanya McLean is the founder and executive director of Leaders of Kenosha. She previously served in the United States Army. After she was discharged from the Army, she moved back to Kenosha and worked in community engagement for over 18 years before founding the organization. 6
References
- Leaders of Kenosha: Activists Demanding Justice for Jacob Blake Respond to Local Mass Shooting.” WisPolitics. April 19, 2021. https://www.wispolitics.com/2021/leaders-of-kenosha-activists-demanding-justice-for-jacob-blake-respond-to-local-mass-shooting.
- Muñoz-Echavarria, Rafael. “Leaders of Kenosha Educates the Community Ahead of the Midterm Elections.” WUWM 89.7 FM. November 7, 2022. https://www.wuwm.com/2022-11-07/leaders-of-kenosha-educates-the-community-ahead-of-the-midterm-elections.
- “Leaders of Kenosha Profiled on Community Matters.” WGTD. November 6, 2022. https://www.wgtd.org/news/leaders-kenosha-profiled-community-matters.
- Sisk, Courtney. “Kenosha Activists Call for Peace, Justice Ahead of Kyle Rittenhouse Trial.” WISN. WISN. October 29, 2021. https://www.wisn.com/article/kenosha-activists-call-for-peace-and-justice-ahead-of-rittenhouse-trial/38111804.
- “Kenosha County Democratic Party Announces 2022 Special Award Winners to Be Honored at Banquet Oct. 16.” Kenosha News. October 14, 2022. https://www.kenoshanews.com/news/kenosha-county-democratic-party-announces-2022-special-award-winners-to-be-honored-at-banquet-oct/article_cc7f7852-464a-11ed-a411-5f495b70d446.html.
- “Team Lok.” Leaders of Kenosha. Accessed November 14, 2022. https://www.leadersofkenosha.org/about/.