In the News
Media featuring Urban Triage, Inc.
Urban Triage Founder and CEO Brandi Grayson featured on "Real Talk with Henry Sanders" podcast
September 24, 2022
Henry Sanders talked to Urban Triage Founder and CEO Brandi Grayson about her past advocacy style and how she’s had to shift her thinking and her management style to lead a rapidly growing organization in Madison.
Urban Harvest Festival featured on News 3 Now
September 24, 2022
Watch the segment that aired Sept. 17th, 2022.
PHMDC To Fund Local Orgs For Violence Prevention Programs.
August 19, 2022
Public Health Madison and Dane County announced yesterday that they will be helping to fund programs at five local organizations to help local violence prevention programs. The funding is part of the Roadmap to Reducing Violence in Madison and Dane County, an initiative launched last year. Aurielle Smith is the Director of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation for Public Health Madison and Dane County.
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Urban Triage’s Annual Summer Kick Back 90’s vs 2000’s
August 19, 2022
Urban Triage’s Annual Summer Kick Back 90’s vs 2000’s will be held at Penn Park, 2101 Fisher St., on Saturday, July 30, 3-7 p.m. Come and join us for some fun on Saturday, July 30th at Penn Park, as we celebrate our community and enjoy music from a live DJ, free food, and toys and games for the kids!
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'30 by 30' calls for 30% of police recruits to be women by the year 2030
July 20, 2022
CORLEY: He says research shows they are trusted more in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, both of which are policed more heavily, but not by everyone. Activist Brandi Grayson scoffs at the idea of gender changing the culture of policing. She's the CEO of the nonprofit Urban Triage and has been at the forefront of protests over the deaths of Black men killed by police, including Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 and George Floyd in Minneapolis. Grayson says there's little difference if it's a female police officer in a patrol car. BRANDI GRAYSON: Maybe they don't yell as much, but they still arrest us. Maybe they don't shoot us, but we still get arrested. We still get ticketed. And oftentimes, when you are part of a vulnerable population - when I say vulnerable, I mean oppressed; women are oppressed as well, right? - you have to conform or you're out.
‘This is what white supremacy looks like’: Urban Triage reaching out to local underserved communities hurt by Roe v. Wade reversal
July 1, 2022
MADISON, Wis. — Following Friday’s decision from the Supreme Court to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case protecting abortion rights, Brandi Grayson, the founder and CEO of Urban Triage, didn’t mince words. “This is what white supremacy looks like,” Grayson said, adding the ruling disproportionately hurt Black and Brown women and members of the LGBTQ community who already struggle with access to safe and affordable healthcare.
It Takes A Village Returns to Penn Park on June 30
July 1, 2022
The “It Takes A Village'' Community Resource Fair focuses on bringing the community together in a fun environment to learn about services available on the south side of Madison. Stop by Penn Park between 12-5PM on Thursday, June 30 for free food, music and lots of activities for kids and families! Attendees can meet their neighbors, engage with public servants, and have some fun in their neighborhood park.
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Harvesting a community: Farley Center hosts Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture program
June 22, 2022
Through a partnership with a Madison-based nonprofit, the Farley Center is now also providing the fertile grounds to help Black families’ self-sufficiency and economic power take root and grow. Madison nonprofit Urban Triage aims to strengthen Black communities and families through education, which includes the Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture program at the Farley Center.
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How to celebrate Juneteenth 2022 in the Madison area: Discover what events Madison has to offer during this year's holiday
June 22, 2022
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. This day came more than two years after Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation and marks the day that the last slaves in Texas and all those formerly enslaved were officially granted freedom.
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Brandi Grayson to lead panel on social change at the Women’s Leadership Summit
June 22, 2022
Urban Triage CEO and longtime activist Brandi Grayson will host and moderate an important discussion titled “After the Protest – Policy change through social movements” at noon on Monday, June 27 at the second annual Women’s Leadership Summit presented by Summit Credit Union.
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Madison School District struggles to spend millions in federal aid for Big Ideas
June 22, 2022
At Thoreau, fifth-grader DeLontae Shaw brought his Big Idea to the attention of Davidson and Glaub — to gain more community representation including mentors and support staff of color, and to develop a partnership with Urban Triage to support home visits, project-based learning and field trips to support student learning.
Urban Triage Announces Co-Conspirator Workshop
June 22, 2022
For 6 years now, Madison’s Urban Triage has held a co-conspirator workshop, a 13-week positive training session to help white people understand how to use their privilege to help advance black liberation.
Delta Beer Lab Releases ‘Black is Beautiful’ Beer
June 21, 2022
WKOW(MADISON)-- Delta Beer Lab released its third annual “Black is Beautiful” beer to benefit Urban Triage. The proceeds go to the organization's Healthy Black Agriculture Workgroup. The program addresses the root of health disparities and inequalities in our community, while providing space for healing for black families.
Delta Beer Lab makes 'Black is Beautiful' beer to support Urban Triage program
June 21, 2022
MADISON (WKOW) — A Madison brewery is releasing a beer where 100% of the proceeds go back into the community, for a third straight year. Delta Beer Lab announced Friday that its "Black is Beautiful" beer will hit its taproom on June 1. All of the proceeds from the product will go to Urban Triage's Healthy Black Agriculture Workshop.
Program gives Black families from Madison area opportunity to explore world of agriculture
May 5, 2022
A new Urban Triage program is planting seeds for positive change.
Urban Triage gets almost $9 million more for rent support
April 19, 2022
Urban Triage, Inc. has been awarded additional rental support funds in the amount of $8,955,247.00 to support residents within Dane County who reside outside of the City of Madison. In July of 2021, Urban Triage (UT) acquired the seconnd largest contract with Dane County Human Services for $12,382,949.00 to provide rental support to residents outside the City of Madison. With those funds, Urban Triage established “a stigma-free program with a customer care center, in-person support, and on-line chats.”
Customers encouraged to seek payment assistance as utility disconnect moratorium ends
April 19, 2022
Sun Prairie Utilities is urging customers who are behind on their utility bills to contact the utility and discuss payment options to avoid service disconnection.
Urban Triage Opens Second Space
April 19, 2022
A nonprofit organization that supports Black families in the Madison area is expanding. Urban Triage moved into offices at 147 South Butler Street.
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The Madisonian Podcast: "Brandi Grayson, Leading the Local Fight For Racial Justice"
February 23, 2021
“Brandi Grayson is an incredible leader, CEO, entrepreneur and so much more. Her bold leadership and unapologetic flamboyancy makes up the incredible person she is despite the many challenges she has faced.”
WKOW: "Law enforcement accused of having double standard during Capitol attack, BLM protests"
January 9, 2021
One thing that stood out to many people watching Wednesday's insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was how the rioters were treated -- a stark difference to how Black Lives Matter protesters were treated over the summer.
FOX 47: "Downtown restaurant offers meals, essential items to those in need on Thanksgiving"
November 26, 2020
A downtown Madison bar offered meals and other essential items on Thanksgiving to those experiencing homelessness. The giveaway at Hawk’s Bar and Grill was organized by Urban Triage, The Black Men Coalition of Dane County and Beacon House.
WKOW: "Community groups provide Thanksgiving meals in Madison"
November 26, 2020
Two community groups joined forces to hand out Thanksgiving meals in Madison. Urban Triage and Black Men Coalition of Dane County gave out hot food and desserts in front of Hawk's on State Street.
Channel 3000: "Churches, organizations adapt to COVID restrictions to provide Thanksgiving meals to community"
November 23, 2020
Thanksgiving community meals won’t look quite the same this year.
The Cap Times: "How Madison youth-centered programs work to avoid police interactions"
November 21, 2020
Shyra Adams spent her high school years presenting at Madison School Board meetings where she and other members of Freedom Inc.'s Youth Justice Squad spoke to rooms full of adults more than twice their age about their No Cops in School campaign.
NBC 15: "‘Cook it Forward’ campaign makes push to provide free meals for Thanksgiving"
November 20, 2020
Cook It Forward is a partnership between local restaurants in Madison and non-profits to provide meals to those in need. It’s a way to keep local chefs cooking while doing good for the community.
Madison365: "Thanksgiving meals for those experiencing homelessness"
November 20, 2020
Thanksgiving meals for those experiencing homelessness will take place at Hawk’s Bar & Grill on Thursday, Nov. 26, 1-3 p.m.
Urban Triage opens its first dedicated space on Madison’s south side
November 17, 2020
Madison-based nonprofit Urban Triage opened its new office and community space, located in the former UW South Partnership offices, to the public for tours on Sunday. To maintain adequate COVID-19 safety measures, the tours were held in small groups with strict social distancing and face-covering requirements. Urban Triage announced the grand opening on November 4 via press release.
WSUM: Urban Triage opens new gathering and work space to the public
November 16, 2020
Madison non-profit group Urban Triage opened its first community and work space on South Park St. Urban Triage’s grand opening event and ribbon cutting ceremony took place yesterday at noon to display the space to the public and press. Due to COVID-19, only three walk-through sessions were permitted so they also streamed a virtual tour.
Channel3000: Urban Triage opens community space on Park Street
November 15, 2020
After years of building the foundation of Urban Triage from home, the team opened a community space in Madison, where everyone will have a seat at their table. “We want Black people to come to this space and feel at home, like they could just be here all day long,” Founder and CEO Brandi Grayson said. Urban Triage is a nonprofit organization that aims to empower and educate Black families, while fighting for an equitable community.
NBC15: Urban Triage inspires transformation among Black families in leadership program
November 14, 2020
Urban Triage is working to empower the Black community, on Saturday celebrating the newest graduates from its leadership program. The Madison-based nonprofit aims to “foster, develop, and strengthen Black families' self-sufficiency, community leadership, advocacy, and family success,” according to its website. One way it is accomplishing that is through the Supporting Healthy Black Families (SHBF) workgroup.
Madison365: Urban Triage to open new space on South Park St Sunday
November 11, 2020
Urban Triage, a nonprofit Black-led organization, announced the opening of their office and community space on Park Street next week, according to a statement. The space, located at 2313 South Park Street, is intended to be a Black cultural center, with a variety of clinics, workshops and trainings that will be led by Urban Triage, said Tatiana Dennis, the executive assistant to CEO Brandi Grayson.
Wisconsin State Journal: "Know Your Madisonian: Activist Brandi Grayson says she's an 'agitator,' fighter for Black lives"
October 3, 2020
From organizing protests to calling out public officials at city meetings, disruption may be how many in Madison know Grayson best. It’s also one of the ways she makes her mark as an outspoken advocate for Madison’s Black community.
Wisconsin Examiner: "Police Shootings, Racism, and Child Trauma"
September 4, 2020
Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey shot 29-year-old Jacob Blake seven times in the back as Blake leaned into the driver’s side door of his car on Aug. 23, video of the incident shows. What the video doesn’t show is that three of Blake’s children were sitting in the back seat. The children, ages 8, 5 and 3, were forced to watch as Sheskey fired his gun at close range into their father.
Madison365: Citizens call for resignation of alder who allegedly used misogynist slur during Council meeting
September 3, 2020
A Madison alder is facing calls to resign after someone could be heard uttering a misogynistic slur to refer to a constituent during a marathon Common Council meeting early Wednesday morning. Paul Skidmore, who has represented Madison’s far west side for 15 years, did not respond to a request for comment from Madison365, but told the Capital Times that the voice in the recording is not his.
Wisconsin State Journal: "Wisconsin legislature takes no immediate action during special session on police accountability"
September 3, 2020
The Legislature on Monday afternoon opened a special session called by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on police accountability and transparency. But in what is known as a “skeletal session,” there was no debate and most senators were absent. The session will remain open until Thursday, when it could be closed or extended.
WORT FM: "Police Oversight Board Approved After Years Of Consideration And Hours Of Public Comment"
September 2, 2020
Last night, during a nearly nine hour meeting, the Madison City Council voted for two major measures to create civilian oversight of the Madison Police Department. Many Madison residents spoke up at the virtual City Council meeting, showing their support the long-awaited measures to bring more accountability and transparency.
Channel 3000: "Community members will soon oversee Madison police. Here’s how it works"
September 2, 2020
The City of Madison will soon begin the process of forming a Civilian Oversight Board and an independent police monitor position to help hold the Madison Police Department more accountable.
Madison Magazine: "Madison Fitness Week goes virtual to support Urban Triage"
September 2, 2020
For the third year, Madison fitness studios are coming together to host classes to get Madisonians moving. But this year instead of one week, Madison Fitness Week is lasting a full month.
The Daily Cardinal: "What new police accountability measures would mean for Madison"
September 2, 2020
A long summer of protests, marches and arrests has left many Madison residents calling for lasting change in how the police department is allowed to operate within the community. However, efforts to hold the Madison Police Department more publicly accountable have long been in the works.
The Cap Times: Madison City Council approves 'milestone' police oversight measures
September 2, 2020
With community members urging action, the City Council supported creating Madison's first independent monitor and civilian review board to bring greater community accountability over the police department. The council’s near unanimous votes early Wednesday morning follow five years of a resident-led city Madison Police Department Policy & Procedure Review Ad Hoc Committee studying the MPD’s policies, practices and procedures and weighing input from community members and experts.
Tone Madison: "Law enforcement agencies are targeting and surveilling Black activists in Madison"
September 1, 2020
From federal prosecutions to snatch-and-grab arrests, local activists face an alarming but familiar pattern of repression.
Madison365: "Protesters in downtown Madison ask city to 'invest in Black children, Black leaders and Black communities'"
September 1, 2020
Protesters in downtown Madison are demanding the Legislature take the state’s special session seriously after lawmakers took no action Monday.
Wisconsin Examiner: "Republicans hold special session in name only"
September 1, 2020
Once again on Monday, Gov. Tony Evers and legislative Democrats were confronted by the existential fact of the current state Legislature: Republican leaders can and will quash action on any issue just by not showing up.
27 WKOW: "Legislature gavels in for special session, take no votes on police reform"
August 31, 2020
The Wisconsin State Legislature officially gaveled in for Gov. Tony Evers special session on police reform, but no votes were taken and only a handful of lawmakers showed up.
The Cap Times: "Wisconsin Republicans recess special session on policing as Democrats demand action"
August 31, 2020
As Democrats urged action on legislation to tweak policing practices in Wisconsin, the special session seeking to do just that was gaveled in and adjourned within seconds in both chambers Monday afternoon.
Up North News: "Republicans Ignore Yet Another Special Session, Take No Action on Police Reform Bills"
August 31, 2020
The snub to victims of police violence is likely to be compounded by Tuesday’s Kenosha visit from President Trump.
NBC 15: "Community members take concerns to the streets of downtown Madison"
August 31, 2020
Community members took to the streets downtown Monday night, following a special session called by Gov. Tony Evers to pass a package of bills on policing policies that ended with no action.
NBC 15: "Black lawmakers, community organizers urge increased investment before special session"
August 31, 2020
Members of the Wisconsin State Legislature’s Black Caucus were joined by community leaders and organizers in front of the state Capitol on Monday to push for legislation to address policing and find solutions to end gun violence.
WTMJ-4: "Racial justice, gun violence prevention groups demand more funding for anti-violence programs"
August 31, 2020
Racial justice and gun violence prevention groups are demanding that the Wisconsin legislature increase funding for anti-violence programs in Wisconsin.
FOX 47: "'They failed us': Lawmakers take no action during special session on police reform"
August 31, 2020
State lawmakers took no action in a special session on police reform on Monday, despite calls from Black lawmakers and community leaders asking for change. Only a few people were there to see the Assembly gavel into the special session before recessing until Thursday, a move that took less than 30 seconds.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Monday's legislative session on policing policies ended after seconds and GOP leaders aren't promising action later"
August 31, 2020
As tensions simmered over a police shooting and the killing of two protesters in Kenosha, Republican legislative leaders convened a special session on policing policies Monday for less than 30 seconds and gave no assurances they would eventually act.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: "Athletes sign letter of solidarity with Invest In Us"
August 30, 2020
More than 40 professional athletes signed a letter in solidarity with the Invest In Us coalition, demanding accountability for the Wisconsin police officer who shot Jacob Blake.
ABC News: "Athletes sign letter of solidarity with Invest In Us"
August 30, 2020
More than 40 professional athletes signed a letter in solidarity with the Invest In Us coalition, demanding accountability for the Wisconsin police officer who shot Jacob Blake.
Wisconsin State Journal: "'Absolutely horrific': Madison responds to Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake"
August 25, 2020
Protesters in Madison again took to the streets Monday as outrage over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha Sunday roiled the nation.
Madison365: "Community Shares of Wisconsin Announces $6,000 in 2020 Inspiring Voices Grants"
August 20, 2020
Community Shares of Wisconsin announced on Thursday that 2020 Inspiring Voices grants will be given to Inspire Barber College, Natural Circles of Support and Urban Triage.
Brava: "Solidarity in the City"
August 6, 2020
On the afternoon of May 30, 2020, a crowd of thousands gathered at the top of State Street to protest the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony Robinson and countless other Black people that had been killed, primarily by police, the last several years. The protesters walked around the Capitol Square, headed down East Washington Avenue, and on to Williamson Street, where Robinson was shot in 2015 by a Madison police officer. We talked to six Madisonians about their take on this momentous time, and how we can move forward - with solidarity - as a city, and as a nation.
In the News: "Q&A session will attempt to clarify MMSD restraint policies"
April 9, 2020
Urban Triage featured in the Cap Times for co-hosting panel with First Unitarian Society, the Community Response team and several members of the Building Capacity to Protect Black Children.
In the News: "Urban Triage: Innovative Grassroots Movement Empowers Black Parents and Supporters"
June 14, 2019
Urban Triage featured in Madison365 for its innovative approach to combating racial inequity.