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Representatives Garcia, Davis and Coalition of Black and Latino Officials Call for Unity and Investments in their Communities

June 5, 2020

Chicago, IL - Congressmen Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), and a coalition of Black and Latino state, county and local elected officials convened today to reaffirm their shared commitment to solidarity and unity, to collaboratively demand investments in Black and Latino communities, and to jointly fight to end police brutality.

"Congressman Davis and I have worked together to build Black and Latino alliances because our communities do better when we are unified. We also know unity and solidarity require hard work—we must engage and listen to our young people, stand against efforts to divide us and work together to demand needed investment in our schools, housing, health care and restorative criminal justice systems. The current tough times of the pandemic, economic crisis and the brutal police murder of George Floyd have caused outrage and grief within our communities. Yet in the face of our pain, young Latino and Black grassroots activists have set an inspiring example by working to keep the peace, stop rumors and organize unity marches and joint food banks. We all want jobs and justice for our communities—let's follow the positive example of our young leaders and stay unified on our shared goals," said Congressman Garcia.

"We know that friction has been developing between Black and Latino citizens, residents, and street organizations relative to the possibilities of disruption in commercial areas. We plead with our young people, we understand your pain and frustration, let's not tear up our neighborhoods and let's not violate each other, let's not fight, let's unite, because a united people will never be defeated," said Congressman Davis.

"In memory of the many lives tragically lost and affected by racial violence, I stand in strong support of introducing and enacting meaningful reform to further protect black and brown lives from police brutality, racial profiling and other discriminatory acts people have grown too accustomed to. In order to condemn racism in its many forms, we must be united to invoke change in our broken economic, health care and criminal justice systems," said State Senator Iris Martinez, Assistant Majority Leader, 20th District.

"Black and brown are living side by side. We cannot tell each other that we cannot come into our neighborhoods. That's outright wrong. Two wrongs don't make a right. Now that we have this Black and Brown Coalition, we will continue working so that our children will know there is no racism among each other, and we should live happy among one another, at peace with one another, support one another, help one another because our struggles are the same. The reality is that families in Black and Brown communities both experience challenges in access and resources. We must support each other," said Alderwoman Emma Mitts, 37th Ward, Chairwoman, Westside Black Elected Officials.

Elected officials in support include:

State Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford

State Senate Majority Caucus Chair Mattie Hunter

State Senate Assistant Majority Leader Iris Martinez

State Senator Omar Aquino, Co-Chair, Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus

State House Assistant Majority Leader Lisa Hernandez

State Representative Camille Y. Lilly, Chairwoman of the House Illinois Black Caucus

State Senator Celina Villanueva

State Senator Cristina Castro

State Representative LaShawn Ford

State Representative Theresa Mah

State Representative Jawaharial Omar Williams

State Representative Aaron Ortiz

State Representative Edgar Gonzalez

State Representative Delia Ramirez

State Representative Karina Villa

Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya

Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer

Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson

Alderman Gil Villegas, Chicago City Council Floor Leader

Alderman Jason Ervin, Chairman, City Council Black Council

Alderman Roberto Maldonado, Chairman, Chicago City Council Latino Caucus

Alderman Michael D. Rodriguez

Alderman Susan Sadlowski-Garza

Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa

Alderman Felix Cardona

Alderman Michael Scott, Jr.

Alderman Chris Taliaferro

Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr.

Alderman George Cardenas

Alderman Daniel LaSpata

President Kari Steele, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Vice President Barbara McGowan, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

Hanover Park Village Clerk Eira Corral-Sepulveda

Issues:Chicago