CHICAGO – From executives to advocates, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford found herself as the only state elected official to be honored as one of Crain’s 100 notable Black leaders.

“I am honored to be recognized by Crain's Chicago Business as one of the city's notable Black leaders. As Senate Majority Leader, I have focused on advancing policies that create more opportunities and address longstanding inequities for the Black community in Illinois,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “There is still much work to be done, but I am committed to driving meaningful change and making a positive impact on the lives of all Illinoisans.”

For more than 26 years, Lightford has been an instrumental part of the Illinois State Senate – currently serving as the Senate’s Majority Leader, chair of the Senate Assignments Committee and chair of the Early Childhood Education Committee. Her steadfast leadership and commitment to the betterment of the people of Illinois secured her spot as a 2024 honoree.

In order to be selected as a nominee, people must serve in a senior leadership role, have at least 10 years of experience in their field, and demonstrate significant accomplishments within their industry, professional organizations, and civic and community groups.

Lightford has an impressive two decades of service to the Illinois State Senate. Most notably, she served as the Joint Chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus from January 2015 to January 2021. While serving as joint chair in the wake of injustices – including the murders of Black Americans such as Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Elijah McClain and too many others – Lightford felt it was mandatory to bring change to the practices and systems in government that are deeply embedded in systemic racism.

“Leader Lightford fundamentally changed the way the state of Illinois discusses racial equity and equality,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Chicago). “Her work in establishing and winning approval of the Black Caucus pillars represents a true transformation that will guide policy for generations to come. In doing so, she has put her mark on Illinois history.”

She led the effort in crafting the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ four-pillar agenda to rid Illinois of systemic racism. Lightford continued to strengthen Black history in Illinois by establishing June 19 as a state holiday for Juneteenth National Freedom Day in 2022 and by declaring Feb. 28 as Black Women’s History Day in 2023.

Lightford was enamored by the recognition and vows to continue fighting for the people of Illinois.