(11)
We are civil rights lawyers and advocates working to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all. We provide legal representation through partnerships with the private bar, and we collaborate with grassroots organizations and other advocacy groups to implement community-based solutions that advance civil rights. We are committed to the unfinished business of our nation’s civil rights movement. Our vision is to root out and dismantle deeply entrenched systems of discrimination, racism, and economic oppression. We believe in the power of the law to uplift and give voice to those individuals, organizations, and communities most impacted by poverty and racial disparity, including racial and ethnic groups, religious minorities, women, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. We identify and disrupt patterns of discrimination. Through longstanding partnerships with member law firms, we provide high quality legal assistance to clients and communities in litigation and transactional matters. We collaborate with community leaders, advocacy organizations, and attorneys to craft and implement community-based solutions and policy reform. We use a broad range of advocacy tools that include direct legal services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, community education, and coalition building. Our current legal projects focus on education, housing, voting and civic empowerment, public safety, and community economic development.
"The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it." #JohnLewis #GoodTrouble #VotingRights #RacialEquity
Though I may not be here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.
TODAY at 3pm! Sign up to attend at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bacp/sbc/business_educationworkshopcalendar.html #SmallBusiness #Chicago
TODAY at 3:00 PM the BACP Webinar will be Choosing the Right Legal Entity: A Small Business Entity Workshop presented by Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights.
Register: www.chicago.gov/businessworkshops
As an entrepreneur starting a new business, you will be faced with many important decisions; one of the first and most important decisions will be selecting the right legal structure for your business. The legal entity you choose will impact many critical aspects of your business, such as your ability to raise capital, how your company will be managed, its tax treatment, liability protection for managers and more. CLC will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various business structures including the Sole Proprietorship, C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC, Benefit Corporation, Cooperative Association and more.
Do you know an entrepreneur struggling to start a new business? Tomorrow afternoon, join us for a FREE webinar with Chicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protection on how to choose the right legal entity for your business structure. #SmallBusiness #Chicago
Join us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various business structures including the Sole Proprietorship, C-Corp, S-Corp, LLC, Benefit Corporation, Cooperative Association and more.
Illinois' existing, overwhelmingly white-owned cannabis firms are continuing to “rake in profits without competition,” says our attorney Akele Parnell.
That's why we're working with Cannabis Equity IL to make sure new dispensaries sign a #CannabisCBA and link their prosperity to communities impacted by the War on Drugs.
KPMG was given two no-bid contracts to grade firms applying to open new cannabis businesses, but the process hit a standstill because of the firm’s ban on travel during the pandemic and a contract provision requiring it pick up applications by hand.
“I think our country has an origin story and it is built on racism, racist policies, oppression and white privilege. It’s an origin story we can’t seem to get beyond.” #RacialEquity #Chicago
Wealth inequality, which has led to major disparities for Black and Latino Chicagoans, exists because of policies that prioritize white wealth.
Great to see this challenge filed yesterday.
Reminder for activists dealing with federal officers that you can connect to a free attorney through calling:
➡️ (773) 309-1198 for National Lawyers Guild of Chicago
➡️1-800-LAW-REP4 for First Defense Legal Aid
#BlackLivesMatter #PoliceAccountability #Chicago
As federal agents prepared to come to Chicago with the stated goal of stopping violence, activist groups voiced fear that those forces would be used to quell protests against police brutality.
Do you care about student safety and racial equity?
On August 4, our Transforming School Discipline Collaborative is holding a virtual convening with students, teachers, and policy wonks.
Join us at at https://www.transformschooldiscipline.org/sb-100-convening-2020 #EducationEquity #SB100 #Illinois
As schools face unprecedented challenges in supporting students & families, join our Transforming School Discipline Collaborative on August 4, 2020 for a virtual convening to explore the issues and build knowledge with community. #EducationEquity #SB100 #Illinois
More info at https://www.transformschooldiscipline.org/sb-100-convening-2020
From 2012 to 2018, less than 2% of Chase’s home purchase lending in Chicago went to Black neighborhoods and just under 5% went to Latino neighborhoods, compared with 80% — $6 billion — that went to white neighborhoods.
All the more reason to protect the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), the vital anti-redlining law that holds banks accountable to local community needs. #ProtectTheCRA #RacialEquity
Donna Clarke of Neighborhood Housing Services wants Chase to invest $1 billion, mostly in the form of home loans and small business loans.
The Chicago Park District Board has voted unanimously to move forward with the process to rename to rename Douglas Park for Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass instead of slavery advocate Stephen A. Douglas.
Good work by these student activists! #Chicago #RacialHistoryMatters
West Side students lobbied the city to rename the park for years to no avail. But after protesters tried to pull down the Columbus statue, the city is listening.
The short answer: Organizing works.
#ObamaCBA #CommunityBenefitsAgreement #EquitableDevelopment #Chicago
City officials and Woodlawn residents have struck a deal to secure the future of their neighborhood.
Hey small business and nonprofit employers!
If you have questions about personnel policies, independent contractors, workers compensation insurance and more, you can get free help through our Employer Hotline on July 23! #LegalHelp #Employers #SmallBusiness #Nonprofits
Nonprofit and small business employers- schedule an appointment for a free legal consultation today!
We have been proudly sitting with the Obama CBA Coalition and providing legal support throughout this process, which has yielded one of the most significant affordable housing victories in recent memory.
“The fight is not over,” said Jawanza Malone of Kenwood Oakland Community Organization. “We have more work to do, but this victory shows us that organizing works.”
#ObamaCBA #CommunityBenefitsAgreement #AffordableHousing
Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20) is backing an ordinance proposed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot laying out a suite of affordable housing programs for Woodlawn, putting to rest a year-long feud between the two l…
Local School Councils (LSC's) have been asked to vote on whether to keep cops in #Chicago schools - but LSC's have long-standing issues around transparency, participation, and training that make many ill-suited to the task. #EducationEquity #PoliceFreeSchools
The process so far underscores long-standing issues around the transparency of the groups, how much they are supported and trained, and lackluster participation.
“When you see something that’s not right, that's not just, you have to stand up. You have to speak out. And you have to get in the way.” -Rep. John Lewis
Today we remember his legacy and celebrate the courage of this visionary civil rights leader, even as we mourn his passing. May his memory be a blessing. #JohnLewis #CivilRights #GoodTrouble
We salute John Lewis for an extraordinary life dedicated to fighting for justice, full access to the ballot and equality for all. The Lawyers’ Committee extends condolences to his family and those across the nation mourning his loss. He was a civil rights giant. #goodtrouble #restinpower
Thank you Kinslahger for donating us the profits from your delicious new tropical stout, 'Black is Beautiful'!
Order your 4-pack for $15 today here: http://kinslahger.com/bib #BlackIsBeautifulBeer #Chicago
In early June, as protests following the death of George Floyd erupted across the country, the brewers behind hyper-local Kinslahgher began asking what they could do to help.
Our Program Counsel Akele Parnell will be talking about cannabis and organizing as advocates for equity at this FREE town hall discussion starting at 3:30pm today! #CannabisEquityIL #CannabisCBA #Illinois
Join our Program Counsel Akele Parnell for part two of this town hall discussion hosted by Growmentum Lab to set the cannabis licenses announcements and related issues straight.
Are you a beer drinker? Do you support racial justice?
When you buy this delicious new tropical stout from Kinslahger, the profits will be DONATED to support our civil rights work! Get a 4-pack for $15 at http://kinslahger.com/bib
#BlackIsBeautifulBeer #Chicago #RacialEquity
AVAILABLE NOW
Many of you know our friend and brewer Russhane Dawkins hails originally from Jamaica. In that part of the world Tropical Stout is one of the most popular beer styles. Russhane took the lead on developing a recipe for a lager fermented version of that style here at Kinslahger that we piloted with great results a little while back. Now we've taken it full scale.
It's a great beer, but more importantly, we've joined a group of breweries across the country in adopting a program initiated by Weathered Souls Brewing Co. to package the beer under the Black is Beautiful label and to donate proceeds to a local charity supporting social justice. Russhane selected a respected local organization that works to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all, the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, as our beneficiary partner. We're excited to be working with these folks and hope that you will join us in supporting their work. Order yours at kinslahger.com/bib
#blackisbeautifulbeer
“Eligible voters – and particularly voters of color – are at risk of disenfranchisement,” said Senior Counsel Ami Gandhi. #VotingRights #Indiana #RacialEquity
Advocacy groups are suing Indiana over a state law that prevents voters from asking a court to extend polling place hours on Election Day when there are problems voting.
This is a concerning development for advocates of racial justice. We're watching closely to see what happens. #Chicago #PoliceAccountability
Blocking access to key law enforcement data hinders critical accountability efforts by journalists and researchers and ultimately limits discourse on public safety.
Today we filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Common Cause Indiana challenging an Indiana law that blocks voters from asking the courts to extend voting hours when there are problems at the polls.
While Indiana’s law potentially burdens every voter, it has a particular impact on the voting rights of Black and Latinx citizens who are the most affected by polling place closures, long lines, and equipment malfunctions. #Indiana #VotingRights #RacialEquity
A political watchdog group has filed a lawsuit to overturn an Indiana election law prohibiting Hoosiers from petitioning a court to keep polls open.
Students and activists have fought for years for police-free schools, saying Black and Brown students face disproportionately harsh treatment by officers who turn typical childhood behavior into a criminal record — causing the so-called “school-to-prison pipeline.” #PoliceFreeSchools #EducationEquity #Chicago
The decision comes as debates rage over whether to terminate a $33 million contract between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Police Department.
We're glad to see our friends at Chicago Freedom School School free of this bogus order.
There needs to be an investigation of how the CPD uses city agencies like this to intimidate and muzzle civil protests. #PoliceAccountability #Chicago
The school now plans to continue its work training primarily Black and Brown youth the fundamentals of community organizing without the fear of reprisal.
Thank you Kinslahger for donating us the proceeds from your 'Black is Beautiful' tropical stout! Stay tuned - online sales open next week for pickup or delivery. #BlackIsBeautiful Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
COMING SOON
Many of you know our friend and brewer Russhane Dawkins hails originally from Jamaica. In that part of the world Tropical Stout is one of the most popular beer styles. Russhane took the lead on developing a recipe for a lager fermented version of that style here at Kinslahger that we piloted with great results a little while back. Now we've taken it full scale and will have it available in cans later this month.
It's a great beer, but more importantly, we've joined a group of breweries across the country in adopting a program initiated by Weathered Souls Brewing Co. to package the beer under the Black is Beautiful label and to donate proceeds to a local charity supporting social justice. Russhane selected a respected local organization that works to secure racial equity and economic opportunity for all, the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, as our beneficiary partner. We're excited to be working with these folks and hope that you will join us in supporting their work.
#blackisbeautifulbeer
"When we celebrate freedom, we must do justice to the rights of all eligible voters," says Senior Counsel Ami Gandhi on Saturday's Outside the Loop RADIO.
Ami talks with Mike Stephens about Illinois' new election law and racial disparities at the ballot box starting around minute 8:00. #VotingRights #Illinois
Mike Stephen learns about the effort to protect voting rights in IL with Ami Gandhi of the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, discusses the increase in fireworks in Chicagoland with…
As schools face unprecedented challenges in supporting students & families, join our Transforming School Discipline Collaborative on August 4, 2020 for a virtual convening to explore the issues and build knowledge with community. #EducationEquity #SB100 #Illinois
More info at https://www.transformschooldiscipline.org/sb-100-convening-2020
How can Chicago's current cannabis businesses show support and solidarity behind the Movement for Black Lives and similar initiatives?
Our attorney Akele Parnell joins The TRiiBE TONIGHT at 6pm on Youtube & Facebook to talk through the issues. Details here: https://bit.ly/3dMqPBB #CannabisEquityIL #CannabisCBA
The TRiiBE — along with TRiiBE contributor Mark Braboy — is bringing together a dynamic group of panelists to discuss cannabis equity for Black Chicago.
Watch TRiiBE Tuesday live via The TRiiBE's Youtube & pages TONIGHT at 6 p.m. Details here. https://bit.ly/3dMqPBB
“We have a health pandemic first, then there is the economic impact of the health pandemic,” says our Pro Bono Works director Erica Spangler Raz.
“It’s disproportionately affecting the communities that we serve, and now, with everything else that is going on, there is actually awareness about it. That’s leading to more people wanting to help Black-owned businesses and Latinx-owned businesses.” #COVID19 #SmallBusiness #RacialEquity
Small businesses are struggling. It’s been more than three months since the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to shut down, send their employees home and get by on little-to-no income.
An extraordinary must-read from Pulitzer-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, who headlined our 50th Anniversary Gala last year. #RacialJustice #Reparations #RacialEquity
Nikole Hannah-Jones explains the history of economic injustice and argues that if black lives are to truly matter in America, the nation must finally pay its debts.
100 N La Salle St
Chicago, IL
60602
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights:
Hideout High School: Redistricting
And we are back in the Q&A session of our cohosted event, “Rolling out Cannabis in Chicago”!
BlackRoots Alliance, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, People United for Racial Equity in Cannabis Legalization, and ourselves have joined together to talk about how cannabis is rolling out in Chicago.
BlackRoots Alliance, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, People United for Racial Equity in Cannabis Legalization, and ourselves have joined together to talk about how cannabis is rolling out in Chicago.
And we are back with our discussion of urban agriculture and zoning with Advocates for Urban Agriculture!
We are here with Advocates for Urban Agriculture talking about Urban Agriculture and Zoning!
Watch our Young Leaders’ Network event, Crucial Conversations: Chicago’s Fight for Education Equity, live from The Bronzeville Incubator. Speakers include: Elizabeth Todd-Breland, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Illinois at Chicago; Elisabeth Greer, parent of students at National Teachers Academy CPS and chair of NTA’s local school council; Rosie Simpson, longtime Chicago activist from the Englewood neighborhood who joined the 1963 boycott of Chicago Public Schools to challenge what she coined as the “Willis Wagons”; and moderator Candace Moore, member of YLN and a former attorney at Chicago Lawyers' Committee who was recently named as the city's first Chief Equity Officer. #YoungLeadersNetwork #CrucialConversations
Today, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee joins Grassroots Collaborative, IL Raise Your Hand, and National Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law to announce our motion filed for an injunction to freeze the creation of the TIF for Lincoln Yards. #TIFreform
Tomorrow is #ElectionDay in #Chicago, and we'll have over 100 volunteers watching the polls and answering the phone at 866-OUR-VOTE. Call us if you have problems with long lines, machine breakdowns, improper requests for ID, intimidation or electioneering, registration hurdles, or language or accessibility issues.
Mayoral Forum on Civil Rights, 1/28
Looking for an opportunity to help #voters this election? Volunteer with Election Protection, the nation’s largest non-partisan voter protection coalition, and we'll train you to monitor and respond to problems as they arise at the polls in a targeted location in #Illinois. Sign up at https://electionprotection.wetheaction.org If you have questions about voting or trouble at the polls Nov. 6, just call: ➡️ 866-OUR-VOTE (English) ➡️ 888-VE-Y-VOTA (Spanish) ➡️ 888-API-VOTE (Asian & Pacific Islander languages) ➡️ 844-YALLA-US (Arabic)
Last night, we screened this short film about the communities and activists working with us to secure racial and economic equity in Chicago and Illinois in 2018. While it's only a small piece of a large movement, we are so grateful for R.A.G.E - Resident Association of Greater Englewood, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, Logan Square Neighborhood Association, BIG: Blacks in Green, Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, and Alliance of the Southeast - ASE for your participation and your partnership. Video produced by the talented Chris Hoerdemann @PRIME. #BringJusticeHome
If you are a rising third-year #lawstudent or a recent graduate who expects to complete a clerkship next summer, you may be a perfect fit for our post-grad legal #fellowship! We are looking for strong candidates to sponsor for Skadden, Equal Justice Works, and other post-graduate fellowships to begin August or September of 2019. Please send in proposals related to #HateCrime, #Housing, or #EducationEquity. If you need help formulating a project proposal, no problem! We’re here to help. To apply, just submit your resume, an academic transcript, a brief writing sample, and a cover letter specifying your area of interest to Julie Justicz, [email protected], no later than August 21, 2018. Find more information here: https://www.clccrul.org/career-opportunities-and-more/ #CivilRights
Join us for a panel starting in 2 minutes with journalist Natalie Moore, housing expert Allison Bethel, and poet H Melt: Fifty Years Later, Now What? #OurChicago #FairHousing50
Dr. Dan Koonce speaking on alternative settings and the need for restorative justice. #SB100ConveningIL #transformschools
Have you voted yet? If you have questions about voting or problems at the polls, call 866-OUR-VOTE toll-free for live assistance from lawyers at Election Protection, the nation’s largest nonpartisan voter protection group. #ElectionProtectionIL #ProtectOurVote
Hey Illinois - Election Day is Tuesday! Are you prepared to vote? #ElectionProtection has your back at 866-OUR-VOTE. #ProtectOurVote #ILElection
"In a district that overwhelmingly under-serves low income black students, why close this over-performing level 1+ school? These children are exceeding all their standards and expectations, and they should be able to continue to do so." -Education Equity Project Staff Attorney Jessica Schneider testifies at last night's CPS hearing on the National Teachers Academy (NTA) school plan, alongside Staff Attorney Candace Moore, Niketa Brar of Chicago United for Equity, Kate Gladson of LAF, and many more fighting for #EducationEquity in Chicago. #WeAreNTA
Thank you Village Leadership Academy for hosting us at Mr. Wadie's 7th & 8th grade class! Together we learned about source of income discrimination, institutional racism, and housing segregation in Chicago. #FairHousing #RacialEquity
At a time of rising hate crimes in Illinois and renewed attacks on the right to vote, our Hate Crime and Voting Rights projects are working to combat violence and protect the voice of every voter.
Look who's got the moves! CLC Executive Director Jay Readey dancing with Estelle at last night's kick off event for the Lawyers' Committee 50th Anniversary celebrations!
Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus - CABC
Chicago City HallFormer Chicago Mayor’s Office (2011-2019)
121 N La Salle StChicago Business Affairs & Consumer Protectio
City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Rm 805Chicago Department of Transportation
30 N La Salle St
UIC Emergency Management and Continuity Plann
1603 W Taylor St
Veterans and Military Families for Quinn
676 N La Salle Dr Ste 300
Chicago Department of Procurement Services
121 N La Salle St, Rm 806