Racism seems intractable but it’s not. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus is leading the fight against systemic racism by organizing an agenda of systemic reforms. Criminal justice, education, economic opportunity and health care are all getting a close look during legislative hearings. Overly harsh sentencing laws were the subject this week, with experts showing it is more effective to be “smart on crime” than “tough on crime.” Dozens of practical proposals will result from this effort, and Illinois will know what to do. Detractors say changing laws won’t change hearts. No, but it’s a good place to start. –Fletcher Farrar, editor and CEO
This article appears in Killing fields.
