SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago), Senate chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, issued the following statement in response to hateful, racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois:
“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is deeply alarmed by the recent reports of racist text messages targeting Black Americans in Illinois and across the nation. These messages, part of a disturbing and growing nationwide trend, are a direct attack on the dignity and humanity of Black people and all marginalized communities. We stand in solidarity with those affected.
“We are particularly concerned about the impact on young people — students who should be able to thrive in educational settings without the threat of racial harassment. Racism, in any form, has no place in Illinois or anywhere else in the United States. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background, can live, learn and work in environments free from fear and intimidation. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect all Illinoisans from discrimination, hate and violence, working toward a future where everyone can live and grow without fear.”
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus strongly urges anyone who has received these messages to report them to local law enforcement and the Attorney General's office through the Help Stop Hate Helpline at 877-458-4283.
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Dave Koehler and the members of the Underground Railroad Task Force put forth their statewide plan to connect existing local projects and new projects to create a cohesive history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois, while establishing new educational and tourism opportunities.
“Despite nationwide efforts to restrict education about our country’s history of racism, Illinois remains committed to shining a light on our past so we can move forward,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Our bipartisan initiative will shed light on Illinois’ historic ties to the Underground Railroad, and honor the brave individuals who fought against slavery and oppression so many years ago.”
The task force – created through legislation led by Koehler – has spent the last year meeting to devise a strategy for sharing, growing and celebrating the history of the Underground Railroad in Illinois.
CREST HILL – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel received the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s an honor to receive the Bridge Builder Award from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Supporting Illinois’ businesses has always been one of my top priorities. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges businesses face. It’s important to work collaboratively with my colleagues in the General Assembly to continue uplifting businesses across Illinois.”
The Bridge Builder Award recognizes two legislators from each chamber, one from each caucus, who display a willingness and effectiveness in reaching across the aisle to work together to make Illinois a more attractive place to conduct business.
Read more: Loughran Cappel receives Illinois Chamber’s Bridge Builder Award
This weekend marks Día de Muertos, a tradition rooted in the belief that life on earth serves as preparation for the next world, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong connection with the deceased.
During this celebration, families welcome the souls of their loved ones on their annual visit. They prepare altars known as ofrendas, adorned with seasonal elements such as cempasúchil (marigold) flowers, pan de muerto bread, calaveras (sugar skulls), and more. Photographs and cherished items of the departed are also included to honor their memory.
Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus shared how they commemorate this important day.
Read more: Senate Democrats commemorate, honor departed loved ones on Día de Muertos
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