Advocacy in Action: Our Legislative Advocacy Trip to the State Capitol
On February 7, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, Lighthouse Foundation of Chicagoland embarked on a crucial journey to Springfield, Illinois, advocating for equitable funding alongside other Black-founded and Black-led organizations. The trip not only fostered meaningful connections with State legislators but also imparted invaluable advocacy skills to all participants.
Statistics underline the urgency of this work: even though Black people constitute only 14% of the Illinois population, they represent 43% of those living with HIV. It is imperative that funding goes into the hands of those best equipped to serve their communities. Black people possess the knowledge, connections, and lived experiences necessary to address the unique challenges faced by the Black LGBTQ+ community.
This stark reality prompted a call to action: our staff got on a bus to the State Capitol, bringing a dedicated number of Black LGBTQ+ individuals and accomplices with us. Our mission was to thank state legislators for the direct appropriation awarded to our organization for FY 2024, provide a report on what we are accomplishing with the funds, and spread awareness about the disparate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities.
The trip served as a bonding experience for all attendees, comprising individuals with varying levels of experience with advocacy. Whether seasoned advocates or first-time participants, everyone demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission. The commitment was evident from the early morning, with a bus shuttle picking up individuals from the North and South sides of Chicago as early as 6:15 AM. Committing to a full day of meaningful work underscored the passion and determination of all those involved.
Once in Springfield, our team engaged in conversations with receptive Illinois representatives, emphasizing the urgent need for increased funding for Black-led and Black-founded organizations. The discussions were marked by genuine enthusiasm from legislators who were not only open to dialogue but also excited to hear about our work. This positive reception speaks volumes about the importance of amplifying Black voices in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
A pivotal moment during the trip was getting to sit in on a hearing committee meeting, where we gained insight about the legislative process. This firsthand experience allowed us to witness the inner workings of the legislative process and reinforced the significance of our advocacy efforts. Additionally, we had the honor of joining a press conference alongside leaders from other Black-led and Black-founded organizations. This powerful opportunity for collaboration provided a chance for community members to amplify our collective voices to highlight the importance of addressing the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community.
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to expanding our organization's work and contributing to the liberation of Black LGBTQ+ individuals. The Springfield trip reinforced our commitment to empowering Black organizations and highlighted the importance of continued advocacy in the pursuit of health equity and social justice. While this was Lighthouse Foundation’s first legislative advocacy trip, it certainly won’t be our last.
