Alice Tregay, a Chicago-native civil rights leader, passed away this weekend. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement in honor of her memory and history of marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of civil rights activist and champion of voter education, Alice Tregay. Alice marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and fought Chicago school segregation throughout her career.

“During the 1990s, Alice and I joined marchers in Washington D.C. to demand Congress and the White House create jobs. Alice always stood up in the face of adversity for equality, for uplifting the common person and fighting against racism.

“Another solider has gone home. Her legacy will never be forgotten.”

Cardinal Francis George, an intellectual and religious leader in Chicago passed today at the age of 78 after battling cancer. State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement to honor his memory and lasting influence within the city:

“Cardinal Francis George was a beacon of hope and peace in Chicago. I am deeply saddened by his loss and my thoughts and prayers rest with his family.”

Samuel Love, an 11-year-old Beasley Elementary School student, is launching a tornado relief toy drive for youth in Fairdale, Kirkland, Rochelle and Belvidere. Love will unveil the toy drive April 17 at a press conference on the second floor of city hall.

“This is personal. It’s personal because those tiny towns are our neighbors and when they hurt, we hurt. In previous years, I’ve always given relief packages to people living in different states,” Love said.

Children trapped within guardianship battles may soon remain with a named caretaker versus bouncing from one home to the next, thanks to a new Senate-approved measure.

“Children need stability to thrive.  Adults shouldn’t be able to move kids from state to state without proper notification and due process,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, a career advocate for youth rights.