To Jordan Powell, president of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, the disparity in COVID-19 cases among Blacks and Latinos is a natural extension of the inequities that already exist in health care. Powell joined Capitol News Illinois in a podcast conversation as part of its “Perspectives on Progress” series, which is a collection of podcasts on race in Illinois.

The recognition that institutional racism exists in Illinois’ law enforcement, education system and houses of worship, for example, came as “an awakening” for many residents, Rep. Thaddeus Jones said, and it will be impossible for the state to “move forward” until Illinoisans confront those issues by having honest conversations.

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.

For veteran state Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest, filing legislation is often a way to start a conversation about racial justice in the Illinois General Assembly.

The social movement sparked by George Floyd’s death is one Illinoisans must harness together, Chicago Rep. Lamont Robinson Jr., said.