Follow up: A Call to Action for Illinois' Black Communities
We are thrilled so many of you joined last Friday's A Call to Action for Illinois' Black Communities. It was such a thoughtful and engaging conversation that shone a light on some of the systemic inequities that COVID-19 has exacerbated. You can view a recording of the call here; you will need to enter the password: COVID19IL!
Some key takeaways from this crucial conversation, and a few links to additional information:
Black communities are disproportionately burdened by coronavirus infections and deaths – amplifying the racial inequity inherent in the social and economic systems that have never adequately supported the health, housing, economic security and safety of Black communities across the state.
The intersection of the racially biased criminal legal and housing systems contributes to the perfect storm of racial inequity - if moratoriums end without comprehensive relief, evictions and foreclosures will rise precipitously. Increased funding AND a slow down of the foreclosure and eviction processes are critical.
The foster care system impacts Black women in much the same way that the criminal legal system impacts Black men. COVID-19 based policies are separating children from their birth families, resulting in challenges to family reunification.
The Illinois criminal legal system is strained and has not yet taken adequate action to protect those who are currently incarcerated, awaiting trial, or employed in the system.
Additional Information/Resources:
An Epidemic of Inequities, Chicago Urban League
The money bond system is the problem, Sharone Mitchell, Chicago Tribune commentary
Demographic Information and Placements, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services
COVID-19 Updates, Illinois Department of Public Health
We are honored to have hosted this crucial conversation along with Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy, the Grand Victoria Foundation, and the Pritzker Family Foundation. Thank you for your partnership! We also want to thank our speakers for participating and sharing valuable information about the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities across Illinois:
Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Director, Illinois Department of Public Health
Nina Harris, CEO, Springfield Urban League
Patrice James and Kate Walz, Shriver Center on Poverty Law
Sharone Mitchell, Director, Illinois Justice Project
Dr. Sameer Vohra, Chair, Department of Population and Policy, Southern Illinois University
A Call to Action for Illinois' Black Communities was not a one-time conversation. We look forward to future discussions and the solutions that are developed to address these challenges. If you are interested in being a part of future conversations please contact info@caaip.org with the subject "A Call to Action for Illinois' Black Communities".