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Jack and Jill Day at the IL State Capitol

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Wednesday, May 7, 2025 was the picture perfect day for the The Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to participate in Jack and Jill Day at the Illinois State Capitol. Led by Legislative Chair Mallari Peace of the Magnificent Mile Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, kids and moms had a truly insightful experience. With Representative Lisa Davis (32nd District) and Jack and Jill mom from the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Windy City Chapter as our guide, she curated a fabulous itinerary that had us meeting with prominent officials and seeing the House of Representatives in action.
When we arrived, we met at the Illinois State Museum where Rep. Malcolm Crawford (31st District), shared with us how a bill becomes a law and how the House and Senate work. We then went over to Capitol where we were greeted by none other than the incredible Speaker of the House, the Honorable Emmanuel Chris Welch! Speaker Welch is the first Black person to hold this position in Illinois 201 year history! Speaker Welch shared many words of wisdom and hit home the point that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu, and truly encourage our young people to be involved and engaged in local politics and policy making.

Representative Camille Lilly (78th District) spoke to our group and listed the top 3 things representatives are responsible for and how it affects the daily lives of Illinois citizens. 1. Make laws 2. Make budget (currently $56 billion) and 3. Advocate for resources for communities from the budget.
We also met Rep. Justin Slaughter (27th District) and former Chicago Chapter Jack and Jill father. He spoke about how change comes through education, engagement and empowerment. Rep. Kim DuBuclet (5th District) who is also an Associate of the Jack and Jill Chicago Chapter visited with us as well.
We then hurried off to witness the peaceful protest against deportation without due process where we listened to both Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Rep. Welch speak.

Rep. Davis arranged for us to be seated in the Speakers Gallery where Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (92nd District) recognized
Jack and Jill in front of the whole Assembly.

During lunch we had 2 incredible Black lobbyists speak to us, Maze Jackson and Vince Bass. They shared with us what they do, why relationships matter, how much Lobbyist get paid, and why more Black lobbyists are needed. Maze brought his client, Mayor Katrina Thompson of Boadview and she shared how Lobbying has helped her community and how young people she mentors are making a huge difference.
The kids liked hearing from the lobbyists the best!

Thank you MM Sonya Thomas-Hughes of the Chicago Chapter for all her work on the committee and her husband Brett, for his unwavering support!

© COPYRIGHT 2025 Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Chicago Chapter. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • EXECUTIVE BOARD
    • TEEN OFFICERS & ADVISORS
    • ASSOCIATES
    • FATHERS AUXILIARY
    • JACK & JILL FOUNDATION
  • Programming
    • Best of the Best
    • Legislative
    • Kids Protest >
      • Virtual Protest
  • Public Service
  • Public Events
  • Membership
  • Contact Us