On June 25, Governor Evers was awarded an Honorary Black Belt presented to him by Joanne Nelson of American Martial Arts Academy of Wautoma. This honor was presented to the Governor at the Democratic State Convention for defending small businesses through the Badger Bounce Back Program.
American Martial Arts Academy received three different grants under this program during the height of the pandemic. Nelson was asked to submit her story and how these funds were used to keep her business open. “After receiving these funds and knowing that without them I may have lost my business, I decided to present this honor to Governor Evers. The Black Belt symbolizes Courage, Integrity, and Perseverance; it is hard-earned with many obstacles that can readily tempt one to quit. The pandemic was just one of those obstacles. The Governor had the foresight to recognize the hardships on small businesses and allocated resources totalling $2 Billion to all 72 counties and 12 federally recognized tribes. Democrats and Republicans alike were awarded these grants to help businesses, families and other organizations. There are some funds still available.”
Joanne Nelson was a delegate representing Waushara County Democrats at the Wisconsin State Democratic Convention in La Crosse, along with Ruth Caves, LeeAnn Harvey, and Tina Smith. The Waushara Dems is a growing group that supports democratic values and majority rule.
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Governor Tony Evers was awarded an Honorary Black Belt, presented to him by Joanne Nelson of the American Martial Arts Academy of Wautoma.