Illinois ushered a new chapter of American history by being the first state to ban slavery 150 years ago. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement to honor Illinois’ role in freeing African Americans. The Illinois Senate commemorated the 150th anniversary of banning slavery in the U.S. in the Senate Chamber with speeches.

Illinois led the movement to end slavery 150 years ago. We transformed our country’s landscape by championing the Emancipation Proclamation and being first to ratify the 13th Amendment.

We are home to the first African American president, Barack Obama.
 
We have come a long way since 1865.
 
But in 2015, women still do not have the same rights as men in the workforce. Women of color especially face income disparity. It is time for Illinois to lead the charge in unleashing women from the shackles of the gender pay gap.