1/3 A Message from Founding Executive Director Patrice A. James

Illinois just made a game-changing investment in public transit but the real work starts with how that money moves. www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...

#SayHerName #RekiaBoyd

The 2025 Veto Session may have ended, but the issues raised here remain urgent. Illinois still faces deep federal pressure on programs that sustain Black families — from SNAP and Medicaid to transit and education funding. #IlBlackAdvocacy #VetoSessionReminders #EDOT www.linkedin.com/posts/illino...

If SNAP serves ~1 in 8 Every person in the US - each person in your household - must donate an entire day's worth of food per week to compensate. If you know 3 people who do not donate, you'd need to donate 12 meals/week Point: do everything you can; also PUSH bc there is only 1 realistic solution

As of midnight, the federal government has shut down due to Congress’s failure to pass a budget. Our sister organization, Center for Racial and Gender Equity, put together a guide for how the shut down might impact you. ⬇️

Fair and equitable transit now.

Want something positive to do tonight? We need 1k witness slips in support of #CleanSlateIL by 9am tomorrow! Follow the link at www.ilga.gov/Senate/heari...

“Historically, Black voices have been omitted in transit decision-making.” For over 50 years, Chicago’s South Side has waited for the Red Line to extend past 95th Street — a promise made in 1969 and still unfulfilled.

#TransitEquity #EquityByDesign

A statement from Patrice James, IBAI Director, on federal attacks in Illinois: “Safety does not come from militarization or raids.” “These actions are not about safety — they are about control.” “The threats are real—but so is our power.” Full statement ilblackadvocacy.org #BuildPower #IBAI

Women's History Month is an opportunity to highlight the voices & contributions of the Black women who have shaped our world. Let's honor the visionaries who fought for liberation & justice. Join us in reflecting on their legacies & continuing the struggle for a just future.

Family policing disproportionately targets Black families. To combat this systemic injustice, we must expand access to quality legal representation. The #FAIRAct does just that. Learn more:

The Governor's upcoming Budget Address is crucial for advocates. Facing a projected $3.2 BILLION deficit in FY26, tough choices are ahead. The Governor will present the budget to the public on February 19th, during the State of the State address. The live stream can be found at buff.ly/4b4W6Pr.

This week, we commemorate Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor! Elected in 1983, Washington broke barriers and championed equality, fighting for affordable housing, economic development for the poor and working class, and increased minority representation in city government.

The Family Policing System is stealing our children and tearing apart our families. Join the Black Mothers March on the White House and demand justice! This march is our chance to reclaim our power, amplify our voices, and resist a system designed to oppress us.

The Family Policing System is stealing our children and tearing apart our families. Join the Black Mothers March on the White House and demand justice! For four years, we've fought to keep families together. Register here: buff.ly/4gGF6QM #BlackMothersMarch #StopTheTerror #JusticeForBlackFamilies

Explore the debut entry in our blog series focusing on our budget advocacy efforts. How does the state budget affect Black communities in Illinois? Our latest blog post, "Investing in Black Illinois: The Power of the Budget," delves into this topic. www.ilblackadvocacy.org/post/investi...

Spreading misinformation is shameful but it's especially egregious when it involves falsifying information about the shooting of a child. A year after the end of money bond, some electeds continue to try and confuse the public in order to push for more jailing: endmoneybond.org/2025/02/12/p...

Delve into the vibrant world of Gwendolyn Brooks this month with these essential reads! These books offer crucial insights into the life and legacy of this Pulitzer Prize-winning poet. Explore themes of race, class, and gender.

We're thrilled that Marsheda Patrice Olubunmi Ewulomi, Esq. has joined the IBAI team as our new Policy & Advocacy Strategist. She will be instrumental in advancing IBAI's mission to build Black political power across Illinois. Read more about Marsheda on our website: www.ilblackadvocacy.org

Celebrating Illinois' own Gwendolyn Brooks for #BlackRadicalHistoryMonth! From Chicago's Bronzeville, Brooks's powerful poetry gave voice to the everyday lives and struggles of Black communities. A Pulitzer Prize winner and champion for social justice.

Dive into Black Radical history this February with these powerful reads on Fred Hampton. From his assassination to his enduring message, these books offer crucial insights into the life and legacy of Chairman Fred Hampton, the Black Panther Party, and the struggle for collective liberation.

The Trump administration has enacted significant changes to U.S. immigration laws and policies through executive orders, aiming to transform the entire system. Resources are available to understand your rights. 4 Languages available: English, French, Haitian Creole, and Swahili.

🗓️ Thursday, February 6th, 10 AM - 4 PM 📍 Illinois State Capitol Building Join the Movement for HIV/AIDS Equity in Illinois! ✊🏾 Sign up here: forms.office.com/pages/respon... #Illinois #EndtheEpidemic

As a new administration settles into Washington, it's crucial to remember that the fight for justice transcends the confines of the Oval Office. While political figures come and go, the struggle for Black liberation continues. Read our more here: buff.ly/4awhqgv

📢 Calling all Black & social justice-oriented journalists, media creators, & storytellers! Connect with the Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative (IBAI). Interested in collaborating? Set up a meeting: [email protected] #BlackVoices #SocialJustice #Media #Journalism #Storytelling #Illinois

A year of progress. A year of growth. A year of impact. We've seen significant progress last year thanks to the support of our incredible community. We're excited to continue building on this momentum in 2025. Get involved here: www.ilblackadvocacy.org

As we bring in 2025, we're grateful for the continued support of our community. Revisit our most read blog post and reflect on the key statements that guided our work this year. Your engagement has been invaluable. Let's make 2025 even more impactful! www.ilblackadvocacy.org/post/fosteri...

As we bring in 2025, we're grateful for the continued support of our community. Revisit our most read blog post and reflect on the key statements that guided our work this year. Your engagement has been invaluable. Let's make 2025 even more impactful! www.ilblackadvocacy.org/post/fosteri...

New Year, same mission: IBAI is dedicated to the self-determination of Black Illinoisans. Learn more about IBAI and our efforts to build Black political power.

New Year, same mission: IBAI is dedicated to the self-determination of Black Illinoisans. Learn more about IBAI and our efforts to build Black political power.

The Peoria Black Worker Justice & Wellness Center. They're conducting a survey to better understand the needs and priorities of Black workers in Peoria, and your support is vital! 🖤 Fill out the survey (In our bio) today and help shape this important work for our future!

Join BlackRoots Alliance for their "Reinvest 2 Repair" virtual webinar today at 3:00 PM CT! Our Founding Director, Patrice James, is one of the distinguished panelists on the webinar. Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Join Black Roots Alliance "Reinvest 2 Repair" webinar this Thursday, Dec 12th at 3pm CT! They will explore public opinion on reparations in Illinois through interactive polls & discussions. Register now: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... #Reparations #Illinois

Missed our Giving Tuesday email? Don’t worry—you can still catch all the ways to support and give back! Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on future opportunities to join the movement and make an impact. 💌 Donate here: www.ilblackadvocacy.org

The money bond system destabilized families by forcing them to pool resources to free their loved ones while they awaited trial. Patrice James of the @ilblackadvocacy.bsky.social talks about the profound impact the Pretrial Fairness Act has had on Black communities in our state.

“To Mayor Johnson & the City Council we the #PeoplesUnityPlatform support Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreements with tax-exempt private universities in the FY2025 budget. “ Grassroots Collaborative Sign here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday - Support IBAI in transforming Black lives statewide and amplify the work of Black-led organizations building a brighter future for Black Illinoisans through transformative policies and political power. Donate: www.zeffy.com/en-US/donati... #GivingTuesday

Our Founding Director discusses the impact of the Pretrial Fairness Act on Black Communities.

Mark your calendars! Giving Tuesday is coming up on December 3rd. Get ready to join the movement and support the Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative. Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved. Donate here: www.zeffy.com/donation-for...

Chicago tenant advocates are asking for at least $20 million in the city’s 2025 budget. The funding would help programs for tenants facing eviction and those being displaced near the Obama Presidential Center, and address tenant inequities. www.injusticewatch.org/project/tena...

Illinois Parents: Has DCFS wronged you? You're not alone if you've experienced harm from the Family Regulation System. The Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative is building a coalition of parents to fight for change. If interested, email us directly: [email protected]

Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative is excited to expand our digital presence to Bluesky! Follow us for updates on our work building Black-centered power across Illinois—from advocacy and systems change to community-driven initiatives. Let’s connect and grow this movement together!