In this episode of the Sound of the Senate podcast, I spoke about legislative efforts to solve a number of missing and murdered women cases, some of them decades old, in the city of Chicago. Listen now: https://ilsendems.co/3z5Vvw6

SPRINGFIELD – In cases such as Daunte Wright, Sandra Bland, and many others, traffic stops have escalated into police violence against Black Americans. That all too common circumstance led State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to pass a measure to ensure all new drivers are provided with guidance on how to interact with law enforcement during traffic stops.

“Unfortunately for Black people, traffic stops are something we know can take a rogue turn, and even end in the loss of life,” Hunter said. “Though ultimately, respectability may not always save someone from a police officers’ harmful biases, it can be helpful for drivers to be informed of their rights and what the typical protocol is supposed to be during a traffic stop.”

CHICAGO – A jury found ex-police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murdering George Floyd, nearly a year after the world watched Floyd’s death on tape. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“While I’m pleased that the jury made the right decision, this verdict will not bring George Floyd back. As a country, we still have a long way to go to fully eradicate racism.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues to enact legislation that rectifies some of the horrors Black, Brown, and other marginalized communities have had to endure at the hands of police and other branches of government struggling with built-in racist policies and cultures.

“I hope that this verdict brings some sense of resolve to George Floyd’s family and that the dialogue on how to better race relations continues in this country.

“We have to be better, and we all have a part to play to ensure there are no more tragedies like the murder we witnessed last summer.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Mattie Hunter, who represents part of Chinatown in Chicago, is outraged about the rise of violence against Asian Americans in America and released the following statement after the shooting of eight people – six who were Asian American –  in Georgia-based massage parlors last night:

“My heart is saddened by the events that transpired in Atlanta. It’s sickening that this shooting was a possible hate crime against Asian Americans.

“I send my support to the victims’ families and to any person in the Asian community that feels unsafe, including anyone in the district I represent. We have to bring an end to hate against Asian populations, and to all bigotry, no matter where it takes place.

“This type of violence and bigoted ideology must stop. Everyone deserves to feel safe in this country, and I will work to ensure that no community feels like they might be the victim of something as tragic as this.”