As an effort to provide a space where all community voices can be heard, State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, recently held a virtual social justice advisory committee meeting on her Facebook page where she discussed issues surrounding police brutality, police reform, and systemic racism.
“After the horrific murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it’s crucial that members of our community can share their stories and concerns as we work together to find solutions to systemic racism,” said Hernandez. “We are long past due on creating real police reform where officers are held more accountable, where black communities and businesses are better funded and where severe disparities in health, education and social services are addressed.”
Hernandez has held numerous social justice advisory committee meetings since joining the Illinois General Assembly as a way to allow community members to come together and talk about racial disparities and the need for change. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Hernandez held her most recent social justice advisory committee meeting live on her Facebook page, where individuals shared concerns, ask questions, and discuss solutions to end police brutality and systemic racism as a whole.
“I want to make sure that I’m giving members of our community a chance to talk about the racial injustices that communities of color have experienced for far too long,” said Hernandez. “We all play an integral role in dismantling racism and its effects, and we must continue working each and every day to make real, meaningful strides for justice. I look forward to continuing these conversations with community members, and I encourage and welcome individuals throughout our area to reach out to me to discuss ways to make real change.”
To participate in Hernandez’s future advisory committees, individuals can follow her Facebook at, @RepHernandez83rd, or send an E-mail to her constituent services office for more information at RepBarbaraHernandez@gmail.com.
—Office of State representative Barbara Hernandez