Freedom Day for Slaves

SPRINGFIELD – Because Black history is American history, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) is pushing to create a state holiday for Juneteenth National Freedom Day on June 19.

“On June 19, 1865, the last slaves were freed, which created a milestone for Black Americans that should be celebrated and used to help educate youth today,” Lightford said. “Making Juneteenth a state holiday is a way of highlighting our freedom and reminding us how far we’ve come.”

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, which established that all enslaved people in Confederate states were forever free. In 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed, leading to the name Juneteenth.

CHICAGO — Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) celebrated the signing of a new law to help combat racial inequities in education, provide better pathways to success for students and strengthen the state’s workforce.

“For too long, Black students have been left behind and denied the same path to success that others have been able to experience,” ILBC Joint Caucus Chair state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, said. “With a focus on combatting racial inequity and providing equal opportunities for students to succeed, we can build a stronger Illinois for all families.”

New law aims to rid Illinois’ education system of systemic racism

MAYWOOD – As part of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ plan to rid Illinois of systemic racism, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) joined Governor J.B Pritzker as he signed House Bill 2170, the Education and Workforce Development Pillar she sponsored, on Monday.

"House Bill 2170 is a step toward ridding Illinois of the damaging policies and procedures built into our state's systems of law and government that have created deep inequities and opportunity gaps in education for Black students," Lightford said. "It's time for our children to accelerate their education throughout the duration of their careers, from early learning to prestigious universities, followed by successful careers. I’m humbled to have led this effort and look forward to continuing to fight to ensure fairness and equality in Illinois for all our state’s residents."

 Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus talk about why Black History Month is important to them, to our state and to our country. Watch here: https://youtu.be/3CRb1br504s

BROADVIEW - Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released a video message urging Illinoisans to wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“This pandemic has shined a light on the inequities faced in Black and Brown communities, especially when it comes to education,” Lightford said. “I urge everyone to do their part and mask up, so we can get students back into classrooms safely and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

SPRINGFIELD – In order to address the longstanding root causes of racial inequality and disinvestment that are holding back the Black community, the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus has passed the most comprehensive legislative package in the nation to rid Illinois of systemic racism. 

Decades of oppression, the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and police brutality inspired the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ push to end the historic disparities facing Illinois’ Black population.

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) issued the following statement congratulating Representative Emmanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Westchester) on his historic election as the first Black speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives:

“I want to congratulate Chris Welch on becoming the first Black speaker of the Illinois House in our state’s more-than-200-year history. His election marks another important step forward for Black Illinoisans in our long march toward equality. Coupled with the passage of much of our agenda to rid the state of systemic racism, this has been an incredible week for African Americans in Illinois.

“On a more personal note, I want to congratulate Speaker Welch as my state representative, my constituent, and my friend. I look forward to continuing to work closely with you to advance the progress of our state, the Black community, and the residents of our shared district.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford was sworn in Wednesday for a new term in the Illinois General Assembly, marking the beginning of her 23^rd year in the legislature.

A steadfast advocate for education reform and working class Illinoisans, Lightford’s new term begins days after passing legislation to help ensure Black children receive the opportunity they need to build brighter futures, a measure Lightford negotiated during her recent tenure as chair of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. It makes comprehensive changes to support Black and low-income students from birth to adulthood, the latest in a long line of education reforms Lightford has championed.