Racist Backlash Forces Cancellation of Memorial for Sade Robinson

A planned memorial for Sade Carleena Robinson, a 19-year-old woman tragically killed and dismembered after going on a date, has been canceled due to a wave of racist emails received by Milwaukee officials.

The memorial, which was intended to be installed in Warnimont Park in Cudahy using $7,000 of taxpayer funds, faced backlash from individuals who expressed discontent with the allocation of resources for a Black individual's remembrance. Juan Miguel Martinez, county supervisor of Milwaukee’s District 12, shared that after discussions with Robinson's mother, Sheena Scarbrough, they jointly decided to withdraw the resolution.

A Difficult Decision

"It was something to honor her legacy and honor her memory ... and it was something for them to feel comfortable," Martinez said at a Jan. 28 county parks and culture committee meeting. However, the decision was met with a torrent of racist emails criticizing the allocation of funds for Robinson's memorial. Some individuals questioned why Black individuals should receive such recognition when white individuals do not.

Martinez expressed his disappointment and condemnation of these hateful messages, stating, "I just want to say shame on people for treating a grieving mother this way and making it a race thing." He further emphasized the unethical and inhumane nature of these actions, highlighting the darkest aspects of society that such behavior reflects.

The Tragedy of Sade Robinson

According to a criminal complaint, Robinson went on a date with Maxwell Anderson on April 1. Weeks later, Anderson was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson. Body parts belonging to Robinson, including an arm, torso, a severed right leg, and a foot adorned with pink nail polish, were found scattered in the surrounding area.

Robinson's 2020 Honda Civic was discovered on April 2 with significant interior damage from a fire, as stated in the complaint. Anderson has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in custody on a $5 million bail.

Calls for Compassion and Reflection

Milwaukee County Supervisor Felesia A. Martin criticized those who sent racist emails about the memorial, lamenting the current state of society where overt prejudices and hateful thoughts are readily expressed. She acknowledged that a park might not be the most suitable location for a memorial, considering the potential emotional distress it could cause visitors.

While recognizing the limitations of such a location, Martin emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion. She also expressed her hope to explore alternative ways to honor Robinson in a more fitting and appropriate manner at a later time.