ACT-SO Progran Workshops

• Event

The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP is hosting workshops leading up to their ACT-SO competition on April 27. Please contact Carolyn Hankins-Page for more information at 312-217-7378 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Black caucus welcomes new officers and members

• Black Caucus

SPRINGFIELD—Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement on the new officers and members.

Officers include:
• Joint caucus chair, Sen. Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood)
• Treasurer, Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Urbana)
• Secretary, Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis)
• Sargent at arms, Rep. Nicholas K. Smith (D-Chicago)
• Senate chair, Sen. Emil Jones III (D-Chicago)
• House chair, Rep. Camille Y. Lilly (D-Chicago)

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Black Caucus outraged at Van Dyke sentencing

• Black Caucus
• Van Dyke
• Laquan McDonald

CHICAGO— A day after three Chicago Police officers were acquitted in trying to cover up Laquan McDonald’s murder, Jason Van Dyke, the former officer responsible for the shooting, was dealt a sentence of 81 months. Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford released the following statement on the sentencing:

“The lack of accountability for officers like Jason Van Dyke and his former colleagues sends a clear message that our judicial system in no way protects the public from officers who abuse their position.

“We share in the anger of community members and activists who are tired of repeated denials of justice at the hands of our judicial system. For generations, too many officers who have sworn to protect have instead targeted, oppressed and traumatized our community. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is committed to continuing the work desperately needed to reform a judicial system that values our lives less than others.”

Black Caucus: Officers’ acquittal perpetuates systemic injustice

CHICAGO — Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kimberly A. Lightford (D-Maywood) released the following statement regarding the acquittal of three Chicago police officers, David March, Thomas Gaffney and Joseph Walsh, charged with covering up for a fellow officer, Jason Van Dyke, who shot and killed Laquan McDonald:

“Today’s decision is not only a slap in the face to Mr. McDonald’s family, but it negatively impacts the black community as a whole because it perpetuates a system that allows a code of silence to continue among police.

“Our officers are sworn to protect and serve everyone, not just a chosen few. This is unfair and disproportionately affects minority communities. It must stop.

“The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will continue to work with constituents, activists and the police to end systemic injustice."