THE FULL ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS TO ADDRESS THE CHICAGOLAND MEDIA ON THE OBVIOUS DISDAIN FOR VOTER INTEGRITY AMID MIDTERM ELECTIONS"


THE FULL ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS TO ADDRESS THE CHICAGOLAND MEDIA ON THE OBVIOUS DISDAIN FOR VOTER INTEGRITY AMID MIDTERM ELECTIONS"


“THE RENEWED THREATS AGAINST VOTER RIGHTS

 AND CIVIL LIBERTIES HAS ARRIVED "

 

ILLINOIS LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO GATHER AND DISTRIBUTE

TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIPS

TO ACADEMICALLY ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

 

ILBCF HAS DISTRIBUTED OVER 1.5 MILLION DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIPS OVER THE PAST 24 MONTHS

 

THURSDAY, JULY 9th, 2026@ 4:15 PM (Press Conference)

UIC Forum,1213 S. Halsted, Chicago, Illinois

 

 

(Springfield, IL) The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF), under the dynamic leadership of ILBC Joint Chairwoman Illinois State Senator Laksia Collins, ILBCF Chairman Paul Williams, ILBCF Executive Director Tiffany D. Hightower, and the full Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will host its Annual Scholarship Reception at the spacious UIC Forum.

Hundreds of students throughout the state of Illinois will receive college scholarships which they have earned through their respective academic achievements and as well as their noteworthy citizenship endeavors.

However, the most critical portion of the evening will feature the full ILBCF, including Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, officially addressing media concerning the current state of voter suppression being felt by millions across the nation. Voter rights and protections are at the forefront as the nation prepares for the much-anticipated November midterm election.

"It is apparent that the Trump administration has launched a concerted drive to undermine American elections. These moves are unprecedented and in some cases illegal. They began with the pardon of the January 6 defendants who sought to overturn the 2020 results. They include affirmative attacks on democratic institutions, the repeal and withdrawal of voter protections, and symbolic or demonstrative moves. A clear pattern suggests a growing effort. As the 2026 midterms approach, that effort will likely gather momentum. However, the ILBC is prepared to not only sustain our voter protection in Illinois, but to advocate nationally to preserve protections throughout every minority community in America." says Chairwoman Collins.

In addition, the group will outline the negative impact of U.S. Congress's 2025 recent passage of President Donald Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" that has already challenged small hospitals and medical clinics in Cook County and throughout Illinois announcing anticipated closures of facilities and services.

"Americans are struggling to keep up with increasing costs from Trump’s horrific tariffs. Instead of trying to reduce costs, republicans have chosen to cut a trillion dollars from Medicaid, kicking 17 million people — including hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents off their health insurance." says Chairwoman Collins.

Chairwoman Collins adds, “The republicans have chosen to destroy the SNAP program that is vital in the feeding of hundreds of thousands of Illinois children. In Chicago, food pantry programs are deeply concerned about the massive cuts to assistance programs. Moreover, these same organizations are equally concerned about the anticipated increase in food insecurity, not just among minority communities, but rural areas as well. Our mission is to dismantle systemic barriers and address the critical needs of the Black community. By providing essential resources, equitable opportunities, and fostering community engagement, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Since 2002, the ILBCF has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to deserving students, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to education and youth empowerment. This year, the foundation continued its tradition of support, with the scholarship application deadline being May 31st. Students across Illinois applied for this invaluable opportunity to further their education and contribute to their communities.

Executive Director Hightower adds, “The ILBCF continues to champion equity and empowerment for African American communities across Illinois. With a steadfast commitment to addressing systemic challenges of secondary education, the ILBCF is proud to highlight the academic accomplishments of our youth by supporting their collegiate goals and opportunities.

“The ILBCF has been in lock step with the ILBC in our dedication to protecting, developing and advancing black communities around Illinois. It is the mission of the ILBCF to ensure that African American communities throughout Illinois are aware of legislative changes, and to host legislative forums and other events where we can inform residents about changes in state government. says ILBCF Board Chairman Paul Williams.

Joint Chairman Collins concludes, “The work ahead is not easy, but together, we are powerful. The ILBC will continue to be a force for change, using our collective strength to break down barriers and build a future that reflects the values of equity, opportunity, and justice for all.”


The ILBC leadership is as follows:


Joint Chairman--Senator Lakesia Collins
Joint Vice-Chairman--Representative Rita Mayfield
Senate Chairman-- Senator Willie Preston
House Chairman-- Representative Justin Slaughter
ILBC Treasurer-- Senator Adraine Johnson
ILBC Secretary--Representative Kimberly Du Buclet
ILBC Sergeant of Arms--Representative Will Davis
The ILBCF leadership is as follows:
ILBCF Chairman-- Paul Williams
ILBCF Vice Chairman-- Attorney Vince Williams
ILBCF Executive Director--Tiffany Hightower

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the ILBCF thrives on the generosity of its sponsors and donors. These contributions are essential in sustaining the foundation's programs and initiatives, ensuring that the ILBCF can continue to make a meaningful impact. Donations support a wide range of activities, from scholarships to policy summits, all aimed at addressing critical needs within the Black community. Extensive research and input from stakeholders have identified key areas of need within the African American community.

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