Rep. Robin Kelly Hosts Mother’s Day Celebration Press Conference with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Black Women and Girls Report
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, hosted a joint press conference with Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. In celebration of Mother's Day this weekend, the press conference focused on the first-ever report on Black Women and Girls and the hopes of Black mothers for their daughters. Speakers discussed how society, the city of Chicago and local organizations can help fulfill those hopes.
The report, titled "State of Black Women and Girls in 21st Century America: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities," specifically addresses the needs of Black women and girls, and was created and released by the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, co-founded and co-chaired by Rep. Kelly.
"The Mother's Day theme of our press conference — the hopes of Black mothers for their daughters — gave us an opportunity to frame the Report through a personal perspective and raise greater awareness about the issues facing Black women and girls," Congresswoman Kelly said. "Increased awareness allows us to mobilize support for policies that will help break down barriers and enable more Black women and girls to succeed."
"As we celebrate Mother's Day this year, we must also acknowledge the systemic disparities that Black mothers and their daughters have and continue to face in Chicago and across our country," said Mayor Lightfoot. "As the Black mother of a Black daughter, I want nothing more than to see her and other Black girls and women be able to chase their dreams and reach their God-given potential. By identifying and working to close healthcare, economic and education gaps, this report serves as an important first step in making this vision a reality.
Also participating in the press conference were Kelly Fair, founder and CEO of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, Felicia Davis, president and CEO of the Chicago Foundation for Women, and Dorri McWhorter, president and CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. Each contributed essays to the Black Women and Girls report and have been strong supporters of the efforts of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls.
"We need to be supporting initiatives that develop skills and build confidence in STEM subjects at an early age, preparing girls for non-traditional career pathways in construction, manufacturing, and trades," said Kelly Fair, founder & CEO of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program. "Communities thrive when we invest in girls, and this report provides tangible policy solutions that will transform life chances for Black girls, help them shape their futures and future of our society."
"I am honored to have been asked by Congresswoman Kelly to contribute to the report and join her at the press conference," said Felicia Davis, president and CEO of Chicago Foundation for Women. "My contribution to the report focused on the impact the adultification of Black girls has on their safety, self-esteem, and future outlook. To ensure children can be children, we must give communities the resources, time, and space needed to nurture, listen to their needs, and allow them to grow."
"YWCA Metropolitan Chicago is committed to empowering women every day and the Black Women and Girls Report highlights the imperative for our work in health and wellness, education and economic sustainability, said Dorri McWhorter, president and CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. "This Mother's Day 2021, we are proud to partner with our Black women elected leaders and women's empowerment colleagues to celebrate the progress, power and possibilities of Black women and girls."
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