Kerkman announces appointees to fill vacancies on Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission

By Pete Serzant, WLIP News

KENOSHA, WI (WLIP)–Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman has appointed three more members to the Racial and Ethnic Equity Commission.

The seats were left vacant after recent resignations.

Two of the members quit in protest over other appointments to the board.

A third cited time concerns.

Kerkman announced that those seats will be filled by Alayna Arrington who works for Our Money Matters-an initiative that helps members of underserved communities.

Duane O’Keefe is registered as a member of the Lake Superior Chippewa and is a local business owner.

Cortney Marshall works as a realtor and works in educational support security for KUSD.

Their appointments will go through the committee process before going to the Kenosha County Board for final approval.

According to a press release, Arrington, of Pleasant Prairie, works as a Campus and Community Recruitment Recruiter for Our Money Matters, an initiative of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Development Action Coalition that works to provide opportunities for scholarships, employment, career exploration and pathways to entrepreneurship for members of underserved communities.

In her commission nomination statement, Arrington said she believes she would be a valuable addition to the commission because she understands the need for discussion around racial equity and advocacy.

“I am committed to servant leadership, and participating in social change for Kenosha County for the economic and social advancement of communities of color,” she wrote.

O’Keefe, of Kenosha, is a registered member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and is the owner and president of O’Keefe’s Automotive and Service Repair.

In his statement, he wrote, “I have seen, witnessed and experienced racism as a minority. I feel treating everyone fair is important, and everyone is equal.”

Marshall, also of Kenosha, is a local Realtor and works in educational support security for the Kenosha Unified School District.

Marshall wrote in his statement that he has experienced some racial issues during his 30-plus years in the community.

“I feel I would be a great advocate to help bridge the gap with the racial issues and tension in the local community, and (would) try to help teach and educate the community on some of the issues that many have been faced with,” he wrote.

Kerkman said she appreciates the varied backgrounds of the appointees.

“Mr. Marshall’s knowledge of the housing challenges in our community, Ms. Arrington’s experiences in education, and Mr. O’Keefe’s life background and small business experience will all add to the commission’s discussions and work,” Kerkman said.

“I am pleased to send these appointments to the County Board.”