Illinois Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (IBC-LEO) launches September 21, 2023
The Illinois Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (IBC-LEO) has officially launched in the State of Illinois at the Illinois Municipal League Conference on September 21, 2023. During the Q1 2023 Illinois Municipal League (IML) Springfield Advocacy Day, Black Mayors across the state met with some of our Illinois Black legislative Caucus members. The discussion surrounded uniting mayors to focus on advocacy that will positively impact our communities across the state. Since that time, we have surveyed and initiated framework of common goals.
IBC-LEO looks to represent the interests of Black elected officials in the State of Illinois. IBC-LEO's objectives include increasing Black participation with the National League of Cities (NLC), National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO), African American Mayor’s Association, US Conference of Mayors, Illinois Municipal Leagues (IML) and more. We look to increase our presence within leadership, committees, constituency focus, and advocacy groups. This will ensure that policy and program recommendations reflect Black concerns and benefit our communities.
“We are uniting because it is essential to work together to positively impact federal, state, county, township, and local areas that affect the prosperity and evolution of our communities. We must not only focus on municipal government but also invest on a local level in parks & recreation, library, schools… leading our way to the federal legislative branch to truly focus on the needs of our Black disadvantaged and underserved communities. We are stronger when you are moving our communities forward together and this is just the beginning”, said Mayor Nathaniel George Booker, Maywood-IL. Mayor Booker also serves on the Board of Directors for National League of Cities and Executive Board for National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials.
IBC-LEO will work independently with members to inform them on issues affecting the Black community and provide assistance with devising ways to achieve our community objectives through legislation and direct action. IBC-LEO will be focusing on Environment & Infrastructure, Community & Economic Opportunities , Public Safety & Crime Prevention, Human Development, Youth, Education, & Families and Capital & Comprehensive Planning to truly evolve legislation and action that impacts the Black community and beyond.
Mayor Jada D. Curry, Lynwood-IL said, “This is a dream that Mayors across the state have discussed and planned on coming to light. While we are rolling out IBC-LEO, it is on the shoulders of those who have come before us. We will build upon the strong foundation of Black excellence within government, private sector, non for profit, faith, and more across this great state and nation. We have started and now we are seeking the assistance from all those who believe in a brighter future for Black communities and beyond that have for too long been overlooked”. Mayor Curry also serves on the South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association (SSMMA) Executive Board as a Cook County – At Large member and Housing Committee Chair. She is also the Southland Mayoral Regional Black Caucus Vice President. To learn more, become a partner, and/or be an engaged member with IBC-LEO, sign up today at bit.ly/IBC-LEO
