In the wake of the police killing of George Floyd and subsequent uprising, many have grappled with the question of how to address systemic racism in substantive ways. Last fall, the state launched the Healing Illinois initiative. The goal is to prompt ideas and activities that help build a bridge toward a racially equitable Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Human Services, which oversees the program and $4.5 million in total funding. The funds are meant to address racial injustice and promote dialogue, education and healing. Organizations that applied were able to request up to $50,000. The Illinois Public Health Association in Sangamon County, in partnership with Black Lives Matter Springfield and Memorial Health System, was awarded $40,000 to expand the Healing Ambassadors program and a storytelling project. Both initiatives are designed to address community trauma.
$4.5M allocated to reduce systemic racism
Darren Iozia, darren.iozia@myjournalcourier.com
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The Illinois Department of Human Services and Chicago Community Trust have partnered to award $4.5 million to community-based activities some of them in west-central Illinois that advance racial healing in the state.
The Healing Illinois funds will be distributed by the state.
The goal of the program is to engage residents of communities that have been unfairly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic because of systemic racism.
“Systemic racism affects all Illinois residents, and COVID-19 has made addressing it more urgent than ever before,” said Grace Hou, secretary for the human services department. “I am so pleased to see the work, dedication and commitment by hundreds of community leaders to join Healing Illinois in tackling racism and the need to heal from its effects.”