SPRINGFIELD – To promote race amity and highlight the importance of interracial friendships, State Senator Rachel Ventura sponsored a resolution declaring June 8, 2025 as Race Amity Day in Illinois.

“Race Amity Day encourages people to come together and celebrate the diversity within our communities,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “In times where hate and violence far too often persist, this resolution calls attention to the interracial friendships that make our communities stronger.”

Senate Resolution 118 declares Race Amity Day in Illinois, which is observed annually on the second Sunday in June and is an opportunity to celebrate interracial friendship and display the power of interracial partnerships to foster lasting and powerful social change.

Race Amity Day was established to promote understanding, respect and cooperation among people of different races and cultures. Traditionally, it is spent honoring the progress made toward racial harmony while also emphasizing that there is still work to achieve greater racial equality. The celebration of Race Amity Day is meant to inspire people to build bridges of understanding and friendship between different racial and ethnic groups and to work toward a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

“Our communities should reflect our values. We value each and every Illinoisan and the important friendships and partnerships that we have fostered in spaces across the state,” said Ventura. “I encourage  individuals to promote kindness, peace and welcome friendships regardless of ethnicity, religion, race or sexual orientation every day – not just on Race Amity Day – and to take the initiative to make others feel welcomed in their own communities.”

Senate Resolution 118 was adopted on Sunday.