A Conversation with Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and State Senator Mike Simmons

CHICAGO, IL – Chicago House & Social Service Agency has hosted an ongoing virtual conversation series that fosters connection and provokes discussion during a time when in-person connection and conversation remains unsafe. Modeled partly after traditional book clubs, this series has prompted thoughtful conversations anchored by selected books and special guest speakers.

Chicago House presents a virtual conversation with Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons on Thursday, February 18th at 5:30 PM CDT. Co-hosted by Chicago House trustees Nabeela Rasheed and Kelly Saulsberry and guided by Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson, Chicago House’s winter discussion series and book club examines the constructs and consequences of caste systems and race in America.

“In America, access to resources and services are often determined by your zip code or the size of your bank account,” says Lt. Governor Stratton. “This injustice must end. We must work toward affordable housing and healthcare, economic opportunity, transforming our justice system, and ways to improve education for our children, especially those in marginalized communities.”

Last year, Americans and Chicagoans saw a global reckoning around racism as Black Americans bore the brunt of systemic racism, from police brutality to disparities in COVID-19 cases and care. As Chicago House continues its response to HIV/AIDS, while pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic, each emergencies continuing to disproportionately impact Black Chicagoans, the agency believes that it is more important now than ever to examine the deep roots of systemic racism in America and the caste system that upholds it.

"My goal as a state legislator, and the reason I stepped forward in the first place, is to break down these barriers that for centuries have held back Black Americans and  other disenfranchised Americans from enjoying the fullness of the American promise,” says State Senator Simmons. “Never in our lifetimes have those barriers been clearer. The time is now to act."

For the past 35 years, Chicago House has been on the frontlines responding to and meeting the needs of individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS through housing, health, and employment services. As the virus evolves, so does our work. Critical discussions are vital to understanding and addressing inequities in this work and this virtual conversation series offers an ongoing opportunity to learn and unlearn in order to realize an anti-racist future together.

Chicago House invites the public to register and learn more about our guests at this link. This virtual event can also be viewed through Chicago House’s Facebook page.

Chicago House and Social Service Agency has been on the forefront of reducing barriers for those affected by HIV/AIDS since the early years of the epidemic. Founded in 1985, Chicago House was the first HIV housing provider in the Midwest. It now serves nearly 3,000 individuals and families annually through expanded programming designed to holistically support individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS through housing, health, employment services, and the TransLife Care Program.