AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/equity/)
Panelists at a town hall held last month stressed the importance of having honest conversations about the disparities that West Side residents experience in the healthcare system.
Attend Saturday’s event virtually or in person at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd. “Building Black Wealth in Austin” will reflect on the past, present and future of housing in Austin.
“What does a focus on Black Lives look like? First, we have to VALUE Black Lives. We have to be honest about the history of Black Lives in our country and in our city. Stories have to be told about the past and the present,” says state Rep. La Shawn Ford.
Legislation signed into law last week by Gov. J.B. Pritzker expands already required Black history coursework to include pre-enslavement of Black people, why Black people came to be enslaved and the American Civil Rights renaissance. The new law – a key part of the Illinois Black Caucus’ legislative agenda – also increases the percentage of grant funds prioritized for Black males and incorporates consideration of financial need in awarding grants, among other improvements to higher education.
The Chicago Department of Planning and Development hosted two community roundtables last week to get West Side residents’ input on proposals for developing the Laramie State Bank and surrounding land. Attendees expressed concern over how the projects would grow wealth, benefit the Black community and ensure community engagement.
Longtime resident Dwayne Truss hopes CPS CEO Janice Jackson will ensure West Side students get the same opportunities for IB, STEM and other programs more commonly found in other parts of the city.
Speaking at Sunday services at Third Unitarian Church, Loretto Hospital President and CEO George Miller Jr. decried the great disparities between those with health insurance and those with none. “This country is rich enough for everyone to get health care,” he said.
Parents and teachers from Chicago’s West Side and Oak Park attended a legislative forum last week at which funding and other issues were discussed.
Community leaders and residents will discuss how to make things better – and more equitable – as part of Healthy Chicago 2.0’s campaign. The meeting is set for 6 p.m. May 16 at By the Hand, 415 N. Laramie.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford and several groups are sponsoring the Feb. 13th event at Westside Health Authority, 4926 W. Chicago. Ave.