Hunter to commemorate AKA Day

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to establish an Alpha Kappa Alpha Day has passed committee/

“I am proud to be a part of this sorority, and its commitment to excellence and grace,” Hunter said. “AKA deserves a day of recognition in Illinois, highlighting the organization’s diligent work and service to the community.”

The resolution, known as SR 94, declares May 12, 2021 Alpha Kappa Alpha Day in Illinois.

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Castro, Hunter, Van Pelt call for an end to disparities and maternal mortality

SPRINGFIELD – After the second edition of the Illinois Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report revealed that Black women die at disparately high rates due to medical causes, State Senators Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) are calling for better outcomes for Black mothers.

“These patterns of disparity and negligence must be identified, so that we know how to eradicate them,” Van Pelt said. “Reports like these are necessary in order to impact legislation, which, thankfully, my colleagues and I have already been working to combat the issue of Black maternal mortality.”

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Hunter celebrates health reform bill being signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – The final pillar of the Legislative Black Caucus plan to eradicate systemic racism, sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) was signed into law Tuesday.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the systemic economic, educational and health disparities that have historically plagued African Americans across our country. For centuries, Black people have been disrespected, abused and misused in the name of health care, starting with the abuse of the enslaved,” Hunter said. “To prevent future harm to one of our most vulnerable populations, we have enacted this informed policy, with the goal of deep, intense reform.”

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Hunter’s CROWN Act moves to House

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter’s (D-Chicago) legislation to end hair discrimination in Illinois passed out of the Senate Friday.

“No one should have to miss out on a job opportunity or miss a school graduation because of the hair that grows naturally out of their head,” Hunter said. “It’s 2021. As a nation, we should be past this petty discrimination.”

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