Strengthening Support Systems for Those Who Served: The Urgent Case for Accountability and Equity for Black Veterans in Midwest Illinois

Strengthening Support Systems for Those Who Served: The Urgent Case for Accountability and Equity for Black Veterans in Midwest Illinois

African Americans have long played a defining role in the nation’s military history—serving with distinction in every major conflict while helping strengthen the foundational principle of liberty that they pledged to defend. And today, this remarkable legacy continues to thrive within the armed forces and veteran communities in the country. In Illinois alone, over 72,200 Black personnel have established roots across the regions—including in Chicago and the Midwest—showcasing their enduring commitment and sacrifice over many generations. Yet the story of their valiance does not end when their uniform comes off because for countless of them, the transition to civilian life uncovers a host of new challenges arising from their routine contact with environmental contaminants and other systemic barriers. Addressing these pressing concerns requires a sustained commitment to ensure that the recognition of their service is still matched by accountable, equitable support—particularly in light of federal changes that prompted the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to reevaluate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-based approach.

Tackling the Service-Related Consequences Faced By Black Veterans

Notwithstanding the dedication of African Americans in Chicago and throughout the Midwest to defend the nation, many are left to confront enduring consequences after they return home. The truth is, a large number of these hurdles originates not only from the rigor of combat but also from the very environments in which they worked or lived for a very long time. In these settings, military personnel often face exposure to dangerous chemicals—like mustard gas, Lewisite, lead, radiation, asbestos, Agent Orange, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—frequently without adequate knowledge of the risks or the protective measures they desperately need. One notorious site that illustrates this crisis is Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, which has undergone extensive remediation following the confirmation of substantial concentrations of VOCs and heavy metals in its soil and groundwater, as well as asbestos-containing materials embedded in some of its facilities. In addition, authorities initiated cleanup efforts at the Midway Armory in Chicago due to disconcerting PFAS levels reaching roughly 125 parts per trillion.

However, despite these decisive actions, air pollution has already become too pervasive, placing exposed service members—particularly Black individuals—at grave risk of developing severe illnesses. Worse, these physiological threats may likewise be compounded by psychological strain, with people of color accordingly impacted disproportionately by depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Regrettably, research revealed that even as the conditions of these individuals have been serious, they also experience poorer health outcomes, mainly because of systemic barriers such as segregation, racism, discrimination, and even limited economic resources. Consistent with this, African Americans have alarmingly accounted for over 33% of the homeless veterans nationwide—underscoring the overlapping struggles they endure upon transitioning to civilian life.

The Essence of Accountable and Equitable Support for Black Veterans

For years, the country has taken steps, such as commemorating annual events, to pay tribute to the contributions of Black veterans in Midwest Illinois and nationwide. However, recognition alone is only the first step. Honoring them genuinely also entails implementing targeted measures, especially as thousands of these personnel still face drastic repercussions that stretch far beyond their time in service. Previously, DEI initiatives—specifically within the VA—played a pivotal role in identifying and addressing these disparities. These programs helped ensure that the needs of Black veterans received the attention they had often lacked. The recent policy shift, however, has altered or restructured such efforts, which raised concerns about how equity-focused monitoring and support will continue. More attention was likewise drawn to these changes after some DEI-related content was temporarily archived from official platforms and restored only after the authorities’ thorough reassessment. At the same time, the Department of Defense announced its withdrawal of formal support for certain identity-based observances—including Black History Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month—though personnel may still hold these events independently.

Although the federal government has assured that core services will remain in place despite these transformations, the persistence of systemic gaps makes continued vigilance even more essential. As such, agencies, policymakers, as well as veteran organizations and other crucial entities must work together to guarantee that Black veterans have easy access to culturally competent healthcare, stable housing, and other benefits. Such coordinated efforts are particularly critical given that the nation’s strength is reflected in how it supports its most vulnerable members. This means advocating for African Americans not only to safeguard their well-being but also to reinforce the resilience and equity of the communities to which they return. Ultimately, true recognition of their service must extend beyond ceremonial acknowledgment—it must also be realized through deliberate, accountable, and sustained action that secures adequate support for those who have sacrificed so much for the country.

About the Author

Cristina Johnson serves as a veteran advocate at the Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit that raises awareness of veterans’ exposure to toxic substances.

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