Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois’ Post

These awards are so important as we help shine a light on the outstanding work being done inside our justice system every day. There are challenges, and they are big ones, but these awards help show the good that's being done despite them. Please help spread the word so we can share the stories of those making all the difference to the system. #Justice #InspireJustice #MakingADifference

“Black Leaders Release Affirmative Action Stigma” is my latest Lead Mandates LLC Thought Leadership feature. On the heels of the US Supreme Court decision regarding college admissions, affirmative action—along with its more contemporary cousin, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)—has been front and center in the national discourse. While there has been vigorous debate about the pros and cons of affirmative action, it is widely recognized that white women have benefited the most from its application. However, since its inception, black people have been the primary face of affirmative action, particularly by those who view it negatively, oppose such policies, believe that it lowers standards, and think it is anti-meritocracy. These views are often projected onto black leaders who have achieved high levels of position, power, and influence in enterprises and society at large. So what do black leaders do when faced with such scrutiny? The most effective black leaders rise above the noise, continue their excellence, and release the affirmative action stigma held by others. What do you think? Click/read and sign up for Lead Mandates LLC updates. #affirmativeaction #DEI #diversity #blackexcellence https://lnkd.in/gweAeQPp

We’re celebrating 5 years of reimagining probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing at REFORM Alliance

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation that fundamentally transformed our society. Over the past six decades, we have made significant strides towards equality and justice, breaking down many of the barriers that once divided us. However, while we celebrate these achievements, we must also recognize that there is still much work to be done. Inequities persist, particularly in the realm of policing, where failed personnel policies perpetuate discrimination, bias, and retaliation against police officers of color. These systemic issues not only harm the officers themselves but also erode trust within the communities they serve. Let us honor this anniversary by recommitting ourselves to the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in policing to ensure justice and fairness for all.

Terrific to join justice champions at the 2024 Equal Justice Conference to learn more about seminal efforts that give everyone a fair shot at wellbeing. Center for Heirs' Property Preservation in South Carolina builds on assets and addresses policies and practices that undermine people’s ability to accumulate wealth. CHPP helps people keep intergenerational wealth when a family member dies without a will by providing direct legal assistance to clear title to property, mediating family interests, and support with the court process.  According to a 2022 Consumer Reports survey, 77% of Black and 82% of Hispanic Americans lack a will, compared to 61% of White Americans.

Trailblazer for Justice Spotlight: Honoring Sheriff Jim Cooper This week’s spotlight remain in the State of California which currently has two African Americans serving as Sheriff in the entire state. In December 2023, history was made in Sacramento County as Jim Cooper became the first African American elected sheriff, following decades of dedicated service. Sheriff Cooper is no stranger to breaking barriers. From being the first Black mayor of Elk Grove to working 30 years in the Sheriff’s Office, Cooper's career is a testament to leadership and resilience. His role as the first Black spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department and his service in the California State Assembly only further solidified his commitment to public service. As Sheriff, Jim Cooper is tackling California's most pressing issues—homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. His vision for law enforcement reform includes building mental health courts, addressing the systemic neglect of underserved communities, and investing in resources that uplift marginalized populations. Sheriff Cooper embodies what it means to be a trailblazer: relentlessly passionate, purpose-driven, and committed to making meaningful change. Let’s celebrate Sheriff Cooper's trailblazing journey as he reshapes the future of Sacramento law enforcement and strives to create a more equitable society for all. 👑 Leadership. Community. Impact. #Leadership #Justice #Trailblazer #SheriffJimCooper #PublicService #Sacramento #BlackExcellence

Divisive political messages have pushed people to the edges of civic life. It feels safer there. But the reality is that the loudest voices have filled this void and are trying to divide us further still. We need an expressly civic message that taps into people’s aspirations and calls them back into the public square. That’s why our campaign starts with saying, “Enough.” Enough fear, hopelessness, and division. Enough retreating. It’s time to come back to public life, together, and be builders and doers in our communities. https://lnkd.in/gGyZUbbH

On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation ended slavery in the United States, Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston Texas to free more than 250,000 Americans who were still enslaved. #Juneteenth celebrates this day, marking our country's second independence day when all Americans were granted freedom from enslavement. Though Black Americans gained their basic right to freedom on this day, institutional racism still impacts the lives of Black Americans. Urban planning decisions such as redlining, interstate development, and the siting of polluting industries, still overwhelmingly impact lower income and predominantly Black communities. These past decisions decrease health, opportunity, and the freedoms to life, liberty, justice and equality we hold to be self-evident. There is still much to do to eliminate #environmentalracism in America. We believe that everyone deserves clean and safe places to live, work, and play. Through the assessment and cleanup of brownfields, we help transform sites that once perpetuated environmental injustice into spaces that benefit communities. CCLR is committed to continuing the fight for racial justice and equity in the communities we support.

As we celebrate the birthday of the iconic civil rights leader Malcolm X in 2024, it is essential to reflect on his enduring legacy and relevance in today's social and political landscape. Malcolm X, born on May 19, 1925, continues to inspire generations with his unwavering commitment to racial justice, empowerment, and self-determination. In a world grappling with systemic racism, inequality, and social injustice, Malcolm X's teachings and activism remain as pertinent as ever. https://lnkd.in/gZGbMaqb

As a Black Republican, I draw inspiration from black figures like Octavius Catto. My beliefs are firmly rooted in values that empower rather than oppress my community. I stand against: - The murder of black babies. - Systems of public education that often fail our children. - Labor unions that can hinder personal enterprise and economic freedom. - Minimum wage laws that limit job opportunities and economic growth. I believe in creating paths to self-sufficiency, fostering educational choice, and promoting policies that uplift rather than constrain. #Empowerment #BlackRepublican #OpportunityForAll