BUFFALO GROVE — During her first week voting as a member of the General Assembly, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) was proud to support a number of measures to eliminate systemic racism in Illinois. 

“For far too long, Black men, women and children have endured racial disparities, inequalities and a system that judges us based on the color of our skin rather than who we are as people,” Johnson said. “The legislation we passed addresses these issues and creates a path toward a state that is inclusive to everyone.”

Johnson voted in support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ criminal justice reform package, which, among other things, ends cash bail, bans the use of chokeholds and other extreme measures, and improves de-escalation and mental health training. 

She also supported a number of pieces of legislation that advance economic opportunities for people of color. They target banking and investment, gentrification, pay equity workers’ rights, and more.

“Minority workers in Illinois must be granted equality in the workforce and government contracting,” Johnson said. “Building a more diverse workforce benefits all people.”

Johnson also was a co-sponsor of the education pillar of the Illinois Black Caucus’ legislative agenda. It makes a number of changes to rid the state of systemic racism in schools, including creating an inclusive American history commission to reform the Black history curriculum and curriculums for teaching about other minority groups.

As one of the newest members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Johnson hopes to bring her skills and experiences as a Black woman to the General Assembly to further work to end the racial divide. 

All bills are waiting final approval from the governor, who has previously publicized his support of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ agenda.