Lightford pushes for more relatable, empowering and honest Black history lessons in Illinois schools

CHICAGO – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined the Senate Education and Higher Education Committees for a hearing focused on the Black history curriculum and student success programs in Illinois elementary and high schools.

Wednesday’s hearing was the fourth hearing dedicated to education and workforce development, the second pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism.

“It’s clear that it shouldn’t be difficult for children to learn about famous figures in history,” Lightford said. “Children should also learn about Black history in a way that is relatable and empowering, while also not hiding its truth and past atrocities. The State Board of Education should mandate a curriculum that incorporates lessons about all marginalized populations into their history classes.”

Read more: Lightford pushes for more relatable, empowering and honest Black history lessons in Illinois schools

Collins, Hunter chair joint Senate committee on small business issues among Black entrepreneurs

CHICAGO – To discuss the structural challenges Black entrepreneurs face in commerce, Senate Financial Institutions Committee Chair Jacqueline Collins and Senate Executive Committee Chair Mattie Hunter will lead a joint Senate committee hearing today.

“Our goal in this ongoing series of hearings is to honestly and completely frame the problem of racial discrimination in Illinois as the basis for the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ legislative agenda,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “This must include a look at what challenges Black-owned enterprises face.”

Read more: Collins, Hunter chair joint Senate committee on small business issues among Black entrepreneurs

Downstate Senate Democrats applaud $5 million in grants for livestock farmers, small meat and poultry plants

SPRINGFIELD – Downstate Senate Democrats are encouraging livestock producers and small meat and poultry plants suffering interruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for $5 million in business recovery funding through the Illinois Department of Agriculture.  

“Farmers have continued to put food on store shelves and on families’ tables during these tough times,” Senate Agriculture Chairman Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) said. “I’m confident these funds will help benefit producers, consumers and rural communities that have been impacted by COVID-19 disruptions.”

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically slowed livestock processing throughout the state, which forced farmers to hold animals for longer periods of time, resulting in higher input costs and cancelled, delayed or reduced sales.

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Belt supports the need for affordable housing

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) expressed his support for the third pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’s agenda: creating economic access, equity and opportunity for Black Illinoisans. He particularly supports increasing low-income, permanent and affordable housing options for Illinois families. 

“The gap between African American and white homeownership is larger today than when the Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968. This has contributed to a racial wealth gap—nearly 1,000%—between median white and African American households," Belt said. “Because home ownership is how most families save and build wealth, the disparity in home ownership is a central driver of the racial wealth gap. We need to continue to advocate so every Illinoisan has access to housing that is affordable, stable, safe and healthy.”

Read more: Belt supports the need for affordable housing