As we reflect on our path of progress towards freedom and equality and the vast contributions of Illinois’ African American community on Juneteenth, we recognize Democratic Party of Illinois Vice Chair Bobby L. Rush and his nearly sixty years of championing the Black community, his advocacy for working families and his dedication to service.

“Vice Chair Rush is a giant in the Democratic Party and his dedication to his community and his constituents has helped shape Illinois’ history. Reverend Rush is a lifelong organizer who championed key essential services such as free breakfast and medical clinic programs and later served decades in local and federal office fighting for Black Chicagoans and working families across this nation. Vice Chair Rush embodies a life of service, faith and civil rights for all. I am fortunate and grateful for his wisdom and advocacy in our Party,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

“I have been called to public service my entire life. From addressing gun violence, to fighting for federal infrastructure dollars to ensuring little Black boys and girls know that they have bright futures ahead of them, advocacy has been my life’s work. I remain committed to fighting for equity and justice for and within my community. With the gospel of Jesus Christ at the helm and with the tools I have gained from a lifetime of public service, I will continue to advocate for progress and for the Democratic Party,” said Elder Rush.

Vice Chair Rush’s legacy of service includes being a co-founder of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party along with Robert Brown, 30 years as a Congressman, championing initiatives to reduce community violence, pushing for police reform and accountability, bringing awareness to postpartum depression, advocating for federal infrastructure dollars in underserved communities, fighting for the Affordable Care Act to improve healthcare access for Black Americans, fighting for higher education access, youth employment and mentorship and ensuring the passage of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act, which makes lynching a federal hate crime.