Issue Position: Supporting Black Lives Matter
Issue Position
The 14th district is a diverse and vibrant community and during these turbulent times we have a responsibility to stand up to the systemic racism that has plagued our society for far too long. Recent events have further unveiled the deep rooted discrimination against our Black community and we wish to honor the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Oluwatoyin Salau, among countless others, who have suffered because of it.
At the State level policy discussions are currently focused on ways we can restore communities damaged by unrest, reinvestment in the redevelopment of Black and Brown communities as well as address the underlying racial biases that plague our criminal justice system. I am committed to advocating for effective policy change while working hand in hand with grass roots organizations and the Legislative Black Caucus to further uplift their voices as they lead this charge.
The energy and passion of our community is remarkable and I encourage all of us to get involved in this movement. For those who are unable to join the protests in light of the current pandemic we would encourage you to find other ways to engage in the discussions and contributions local organizations have been working on. Our office has put together a list of organizations below that you can connect with to uplift our Black community. I particularly want to highlight the importance of supporting local Black businesses that are simultaneously recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we recognize that this list is non-exhaustive, we hope that it serves as a step to bring meaningful change in our district and beyond.
City of Chicago Organizations
Assata's Daughters (AD)
A Black women-led organization, AD was formed in 2015 to address the lack of programming for Black, woman-identifying, and genderqueer young Black Chicagoans. Since 2018, AD has expanded its scope to serve as an educative force in the Chicago community, with topics ranging from toxic masculinity to abolition to youth mentorship. Donate to their cause here.
Black Lives Matter Chicago Chapter
Volunteer run, the Black Lives Matter Chicago Chapter works to end state violence and to advocate for the decriminalization of Black communities. Sign up to volunteer via their mailing list, or donate to their cause here.
Brave Space Alliance
The first Black-led, trans-led LGBTQIA+ center in South Side Chicago, Brave Space Alliance creates spaces and services for queer BIPOC in the South and West sides of Chicago, providing them with programs that focus on food insecurity, housing insecurity, and economic justice. Sign up to volunteer, or donate to their cause here.
Chicago Alliance Against Racist & Political Repression (CAARPR)
CAARPR defends people from unjust imprisonments and advocates for the rights of historically oppressed peoples in Illinois. They emphasize the dismantlement of white supremacy, state violence, and the prison-industrial complex, and amplify the voices of workers, activists, and prisoners. Donate to their cause here.
Chicago Community Bond Fund (CCBF)
Committed to the education about the role of bond in the criminal justice system, CCBF pays for the bail funds of people charged with crimes in Cook County. Donate to their cause here.
Chicago COVID-19 Hardship and Help
A mutual aid organization, Chicago COVID-19 Hardship and Help offers a simple way to aid families in need during the time of the pandemic lockdown. Submissions for the fundraiser have been closed, but donors are still happily welcomed. The spreadsheet will be taken down July 1, 2020.
Circles & Ciphers
A restorative justice organization in Rogers Park, Circles & Ciphers works through art-infused education to empower youth impacted by violence. Donate to their cause here.
Let Us Breathe Collective
The #LetUsBreathe Collective is an alliance of local artists who advocate for police abolishment. You can donate to their cause here.
My Block, My Hood, My City
My Block, My Hood, My City empowers low-income youth with educational opportunities. They are also at the forefront of senior coronavirus relief aid and small business relief funds. Sign up to volunteer here, or donate to their cause here.
Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.)
A resident-driven organization, R.A.G.E. empowers the Englewood community, and is at the forefront of the redistricting process, aldermanic candidate forums, and monthly community meetings in the neighborhood. Donate to their cause here.
Southsiders Organized for Unity and Liberation (SOUL)
SOUL assists low-income BIPOC in the South Side, and currently support arrested protesters and connect them to legal resources. Donate to their cause here.
Black Youth Project
A platform for Black youth that highlights the voices of Black milennials, the Black Youth Project Chicago Chapter has organized the #HonorHerLabor Gallery pop-up to honor the unspoken labor of Black women and femmes and organized the #SayHerName week of activism.
Educational Resources
The Black History Public Library -- While I encourage buying from local Black bookstores, the Black History Public Library holds works written by Black authors via pdf files.
Black Lives Matter Chicago -- The Chicago Chapter has compiled toolkits to serve as guidelines for healing justice, conflict resolution, and the organization of tangible action.
Curriculum Resources -- These curriculum resources, including toolkits and coloring pages, can help teachers and parents educate K-12 students on Black Lives Matter.
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