Welcome to Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford's Legislative Website

Your Juneteenth Majority Perspective

Dear neighbor,

As we reflect on this year's Juneteenth celebrations, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to join residents, community partners and local leaders throughout the 4th Senate District in honoring the resilience, strength and enduring contributions of Black Americans. Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of our shared responsibility to continue advancing equity, opportunity and justice in every community.

Throughout the month, I was proud to celebrate Black history, culture and achievement alongside so many of you while continuing to advocate for policies and investments that strengthen our neighborhoods and create opportunities for families across the district.
Read on to learn more about recent community events, available resources, funding opportunities and ways to stay engaged throughout the summer.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the 4th Senate District Constituent Service Office at 708-632-4500 with any questions, concerns or comments.

In service,

Kimberly A. Lightford
State Senator, 4th District

Celebrating Freedom, Progress and Community

IN THE DISTRICT

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford’s Annual Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration

Each year, my Juneteenth Kickoff Celebration serves as an opportunity to honor the strength, sacrifice and perseverance of those who fought for freedom despite unimaginable obstacles. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of emancipation — it is a reminder of the continued pursuit of justice, equality and opportunity for all. It is a moment to reflect on the past, recognize the progress we continue to make, and recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead in building communities rooted in equity, dignity and hope.

I was grateful to gather with community members, partners and leaders who came together in the spirit of unity and reflection. Their presence and participation helped make this year’s celebration especially meaningful, as we honored the legacy of Juneteenth while celebrating the strength and resilience of our communities today.

I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to the members of my 4th Senate District Committee for their unwavering support, dedication and hard work in helping to make this event an outstanding success. Your commitment behind the scenes and in the community does not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for the time, energy and care you consistently invest in serving our district. This celebration would not have been possible without your partnership and continued support.

DCEO: Juneteenth & Black Economic Power — Then, Now, and Next 

I had the honor of delivering an inspirational message reflecting on the meaning and enduring significance of Juneteenth as both a historic milestone and a living reminder of the ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality.

The remarks emphasized that Juneteenth represents not only emancipation, but also the responsibility to ensure that freedom is fully realized through economic empowerment, opportunity and investment in Black communities. Economic justice remains central to true liberation, and strengthening pathways for Black businesses is essential to building sustainable, thriving communities across Illinois.

Reflection was also shared on the work advancing the state resolution that established Juneteenth as a state holiday in Illinois, a meaningful step toward ensuring this history is formally recognized, honored and preserved across our state.

I want to thank the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for the opportunity to participate and for its continued partnership in providing resources throughout the 4th Senate District. Their ongoing collaboration helps ensure that communities across our district have greater access to support, opportunity and pathways for economic growth.

Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s Juneteenth Festival

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom delayed is freedom denied, and that progress is achieved through courage, sacrifice and collective action. I was honored to join Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and community members from across the region in celebrating the rich history, culture and contributions of African Americans. Events like this create space for reflection, education and joy while inspiring us to continue the work of advancing equity and expanding opportunities for future generations.

Special thanks to my beloved friend, Speaker Chris Welch, for hosting another meaningful Juneteenth celebration and for his continued leadership in our community. I am grateful for his partnership and unwavering commitment to the residents we serve. It is always a pleasure to join him in commemorating this important day as we honor the legacy of those who came before us and recommit ourselves to building a more just and equitable future for all.

Village of Westchester Freedom Walk and Juneteenth Flag Raising

My staff had the honor and distinct pleasure of participating in the Village of Westchester’s Freedom Walk and Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony. The experience served as a powerful reminder that the struggle for freedom did not end in 1865, and that the work of advancing justice and equity continues today.

As we walked together and the Juneteenth flag was raised, the ceremony provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the resilience of those who came before us and the responsibility we all share to continue their legacy. It stood as both a tribute to our ancestors and a call to action to ensure that freedom, justice and opportunity are truly accessible to all.

Special thanks to Mayor Greg Hribal for his leadership and commitment to honoring Juneteenth through this important community tradition and for creating space for residents to come together in remembrance, reflection and celebration.

Village of Broadview Juneteenth Celebration

The Village of Broadview's Juneteenth Celebration brought together residents of all ages to commemorate a defining moment in American history. As we celebrated the liberation of the last enslaved African Americans, we also reflected on the generations of leaders, activists and everyday citizens who have fought to make the promise of freedom a reality. Juneteenth is a time to honor our past, celebrate our resilience, and reaffirm our commitment to creating communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Special thanks to Mayor Katrina Thompson for her continued leadership and dedication to honoring the legacy of Juneteenth while fostering unity, pride, and community engagement throughout Broadview.

RESOURCES FOR YOU

CTA Blue Line Steering Committee

The CTA Blue Line Steering Committee will serve as a collaborative body focused on guiding the planning, development, and implementation of major Blue Line improvement projects affecting Chicago’s West Side communities. The committee will bring together elected officials, transit leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure that resident voices remain central throughout every phase of the process.

Its work will include reviewing project updates, monitoring timelines for station reopenings and rehabilitation efforts, and providing input on early-stage planning and survey work tied to Blue Line infrastructure investments. The committee will also help identify community priorities related to accessibility, safety, economic development, and equitable transit access.

In addition, the Steering Committee will strengthen communication between CTA leadership and local residents by promoting transparency, hosting updates, and ensuring that communities most impacted by service disruptions are informed and engaged as improvements move forward.

If you have any interest in receiving updates on this initiative or would like to learn more about joining the CTA Blue Line Steering Committee, please do not hesitate to contact my District Office. We welcome your engagement and encourage community members to stay informed and involved as we work to advance equitable, accessible, and reliable transit improvements for the West Side and beyond.

Meeting new federal SNAP requirements

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? Residents can regain eligibility and meet the new requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov for a full list of statewide resources and programs to help you meet the new requirements.

Summer meals in the 4^th District

Chicago Public Schools offers free meals during summer break for all Chicago kids up to age 18. Meal service dates and times vary by location. Click here to find a site near you.  Residents with questions about summer meals can call 800-359-2163 or visit WeGotYouIllinois.org.

Stay safe in the heat this summer

July is National Extreme Heat Safety Month, and hot, humid weather is upon us. Keep these heat safety resources handy as temperatures continue to rise throughout the season:

• Know your local cooling centers
• Find Chicago citywide cooling center locations at chi.gov/cooling
• Learn the differences between a heat watch and a heat warning
• Brush up on these heat safety tips for seniors

Volunteer food pantry grants available

For food pantries and soup kitchens seeing increased demand, charitable grants through the Illinois State Treasurer’s office are available. Eligible food pantries, soup kitchens and other Illinois nonprofits with no full-time employees can apply now through July 31 for $5,000 grants to help purchase food for those in need. Click here to learn more and apply.

Funding for local parks available now

Parks funding is here! The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program provides grants to local governments to help them acquire and develop land for public parks and open space. Learn more and apply by Aug. 31 here.

Join the Illinois State Police

Are you a woman interested in joining the police force? There's an opportunity on July 29 for you to learn more! Check out the flyer above.

Lightford-created Department of Early Childhood to officially launch July 1

SPRINGFIELD — Following years of steadfast advocacy from Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford to create a more trauma-informed and equitable early childhood education system, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially launch July 1.

“The foundation of a child’s success and well-being is built starting the moment they are born,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “As a state, it is our duty to provide the necessary support and resources to build such stability. The launch of this unique agency breaks ground on our transition to a whole, trauma-informed approach to meeting children’s diverse needs.”

The Department of Early Childhood – created under Lightford’s 2024 Senate Bill 1 – will focus on administering early childhood education programs. The agency will be dedicated to making access to such state programs easier for parents and providers to navigate.

Combining streamlined oversight to state-funded early childhood programs within the State Board of Education, Department of Human Services and Department of Children and Family Services, the new agency will house the responsibility of the Early Childhood Block Grant – which funds the Lightford-backed Preschool for All initiative – among other items. All relevant programs and services will be transitioned to the Department of Early Childhood by July 1, 2026.

“Illinois has become a national leader in the fight to enhance support for our most vulnerable children,” said Lightford. “We are taking yet another positive step to ensure every child in the state has access to the best, all-around care through the creation of the Department of Early Childhood.”

The Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially launch Wednesday.

Lightford passes sweeping hemp, cannabis legislation

SPRINGFIELD – After years of advocacy, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford led a wide-ranging law that brings new rules to Illinois' hemp market and delivers long-overdue improvements to the state's cannabis laws for patients, small businesses and social equity licensees.

“I have fought for years to bring order and fairness to these markets, and working with our House colleagues, we finally got it done,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This is about protecting people, keeping our promises, and keeping Illinois at the forefront nationally.”

Read more …

Lightford celebrates five years of Juneteenth being an official state holiday

SPRINGFIELD – Nearly five years ago, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford made history when she championed legislation making Juneteenth an official Illinois state holiday. As the state marks that milestone anniversary, she is renewing her call for residents to celebrate the day and reflect on its profound meaning.

Lightford spearheaded House Bill 3922 in 2021, enshrining June 19 as Juneteenth National Freedom Day – a state holiday and a recognition that Black history is American history. This year, she is building on that legacy by encouraging communities across Illinois to honor the holiday's roots and its ongoing relevance.

“Juneteenth being a state holiday reminds us that freedom and racial equality have always been a hard-fought battle for Black Americans,” said Lightford (D-Maywood). “This day gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate Black culture, Black achievements and learn more about Black history.”

The holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation – more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed it in 1863, freeing the last enslaved people in the United States.

Over the past five years, Juneteenth has grown far beyond the celebration of emancipation, evolving into a statewide and national tribute to Black arts, culture and the enduring legacy of the civil rights movement.

“The struggle for our people to achieve full equity in Illinois and across the nation continues still to this day,” Lightford said. “Juneteenth recognizes our accomplishments, our achievements and our culture, and reminds us that our fight is not over.”

For a full list of Juneteenth events in the communities Lightford represents, click here.