In the News
Media featuring Urban Triage, Inc.
Ruthanna Hutton-Okpalaeke: Empowering Black Farmers and Growing a Legacy Through Urban Triage
September 25, 2024
Urban Triage celebrates the history of Black agricultural workers in Madison, WI, and highlights their vital role in shaping the community’s farming legacy. Years ago, Black farmers in Madison faced systemic challenges, yet their resilience laid the groundwork for today’s agricultural movement. Led by Ruthanna Hutton-Okpalaeke, Urban Triage continues this legacy by managing farmland and providing education on sustainable practices while addressing generational trauma tied to land labor. Urban Triage is committed to reconnecting Madison's Black community with the land, fostering growth, and supporting local Black farmers.
Exclusive Interview: Brandi Grayson, Founder & CEO of Urban Triage, Featured on Downtown Happenings Video Podcast
September 25, 2024
Brandi Grayson, CEO of Urban Triage, highlights the organization’s mission to empower marginalized communities in Madison through housing advocacy, youth support, and community-based solutions. Central to this mission is the Black Brilliance Gala, which raises unrestricted funds essential for sustaining nonprofit operations and addressing pressing challenges like transportation barriers and housing affordability. Brandi emphasizes the importance of collaboration, entrepreneurship, and community resilience in bridging economic gaps and strengthening community ties while raising awareness about the issues facing Madison's vulnerable populations.
Urban Triage Cultivates Change with 'Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture' Program, Uplifting Black Farmers and Communities
September 25, 2024
Urban Triage’s Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture (SHBA) program addresses health disparities and social inequities by empowering Black families through agricultural education and advocacy. By providing practical training in food cultivation and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities, SHBA fosters personal and community growth while tackling barriers such as land access and culturally relevant education. Participants graduate with the skills to create and sustain their own gardens, with continued support from Urban Triage. The program promotes sustainability, wellness, and equitable access to local food systems, aiming to build a more resilient and inclusive agricultural future for Black communities.
Urban Triage Working Towards Empowering the Black Community One Step at a Time
September 21, 2024
Urban Triage, founded by Brandi Grayson, empowers Black and underserved communities in Madison through trauma-informed care and life-changing programs. One key initiative, the Prodigal Academy partnership, provides training in trades, housing, and therapy to help individuals overcome adversity. As the organization prepares for its inaugural Black Brilliance Gala, it remains a beacon of hope and resilience.
Urban Triage Highlights Supporting Healthy Black Agriculture Production Class
September 18, 2024
Urban Triage’s agriculture program supports Black Wisconsin farmers through a 12-week leadership series, teaching farming and entrepreneurial skills. The program distributes over 5,000 lbs. of organic produce annually and has inspired participants to launch their own farm and flower businesses.
Farming - Most Popular Program For Urban Organization
August 30, 2024
Urban Triage's farming program is highlighted as one of the most popular initiatives, showcasing its impact on sustainable agriculture.
The Big Share raises over $680,000 for local non-profits
March 20, 2024
Donors and non-profits alike participated on Tuesday in The Big Share, which is an annual online day of giving. Spearheaded by Community Shares of Wisconsin, the initiative helps support local non-profits. One participating non-profit, Urban Triage, has programming that supports Black families and children. The campaign raised over $680,000 this year. Urban Triage Executive Assistant Charnice Anderson said these donations help them achieve their mission.
2nd Annual Urban Harvest Festival Featured On 27 News
March 13, 2024
Urban Triage hosted the 2nd annual Urban Harvest Festival at the Linda & Gene Farley Center for Peace, Justice, and Sustainability on Saturday.
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.