Milwaukee’s Black Leaders Respond to Hovde’s ‘Stereotypes’ of Black Men

MADISON, Wis. — Yesterday, Milwaukee’s Black leaders responded to comments uncovered by Urban Milwaukee of Eric Hovde stereotyping and insulting the Black community. Hovde also suggested that Kamala Harris only received the Democratic presidential nomination because of her race and gender.

This comes after Hovde said he understands Black culture because he has been to Africa, which Congresswoman Gwen Moore called “abhorrent.”

See below for what Milwaukee’s Black leaders said about Hovde’s comments and read more from Urban Milwaukee here.
 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley: 
“By dismissing the importance of diversity in professional fields, Hovde demonstrates a narrow and prejudiced perspective that has no place in our society. Milwaukee County values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to providing opportunities for all residents to thrive and addressing the real challenges our communities face. Hovde’s offensive remarks ignore these complexities, undermine our efforts towards genuine equity, and simply don’t reflect what DEI actually is. Unlike business leaders across Wisconsin, he just doesn’t understand it.”

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson:
“The comments seem weirdly out of touch. Just what kind of handouts or welfare does he think Black men are receiving?… The challenges Black men are overcoming are many. When economic opportunities are available, people of all racial groups seize those opportunities. That is the best path forward, rather than offering naïve and bigoted characterizations.” 

Congresswoman Gwen Moore:
“Eric Hovde’s understanding of Black people in America is informed by tropes and stereotypes. He’s an unserious candidate and clearly doesn’t understand Wisconsin communities.”