State Rep. Tom Demmer, R-Dixon, the Deputy House Minority Leader, discusses how the Black Lives Matter movement is resonating even in largely white, rural communities like those in his district, and he says he and his GOP colleagues are willing to listen to ideas about making systemic reforms to address racial inequality.

State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, of East St. Louis, shares here thoughts on sturcutural racism and what actions are needed to move forward for Capitol News Illinois' "Perspectives on Progress" series.

In the wake of the protests and violence that have beset many communities in Illinois, state Rep. Maurice West says he thinks it’s time for everyone to listen to the voices of people who rarely get to speak.

In the wake of nationwide protests over the death of George Floyd, Chicago-area Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch is calling for a statewide response to hold police accountable for excessive use of force and to address what he sees as “institutional racism” that has devastated many black communities in Illinois.