We did it! RCV passed in Oak Park! That makes Oak Park the second city in Illinois to adopt ranked choice voting for their municipal elections. The binding referendum passed with 79%! This win comes after 2+ years of speaking to Oak Park residents about RCV, petitioning to get the referendum on the ballot earlier…

watch the video here

Unpacking the underlying political tensions driving the effort to repeal Chicago’s sanctuary status

On Monday Angela Gittens gave a presentation on the economic impact of a South Suburban Airport (SSA) to supporters at the “South Suburban Airport Promise” luncheon, organized by the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association, Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, and Ida’s Legacy. The luncheon was held at the…

It’s finally here – the unveiling of the historical marker for the Alpha Suffrage Club, the first organization to promote suffrage for Black women in Illinois, founded by Ida B. Wells.  The site was selected from over 22,000 sites on the virtual National Votes for Women Trail as one of five markers in Illinois to…

Black women who have experienced more racism throughout their lives have stronger brain responses to threat, which may hurt their long-term health, according to a new study I conducted with clinical neuropsychologist Negar Fani and other colleagues. Read more at The Conversation.

“If you believe Black lives indeed matter, then the Senate must reject his appointment immediately,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib in response to the announcement. Read more at Commondreams.org.

For Ephelia Thomas, Wednesday was a homecoming. The 83-year-old grandmother once lived in the Ida B. Wells Homes in Bronzeville. She raised her children there. She can still recall the moments when her community rallied around her in times of distress. So she was overcome with emotion as she returned to 38th and Vincennes for…