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.