Harper to Hold Press Conference with Black Farmers & Growers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of the inaugural Illinois Black Farmers & Growers Capitol Lobby Day, state Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, is holding a press conference to discuss equity issues in agriculture and healthy food access throughout Illinois. The press conference is to be held Wednesday, April 26 at 11 a.m. in the Illinois State Capitol Blue Room.

“As we mark what I hope will be the first annual Capitol Lobby Day for Black Farmers and Growers, it’s important to raise our voices in unison to call out the continuing lack of equal access to healthy food in too many communities, especially communities of color; as well as the disproportionate struggle of farmers and growers of color in Illinois and elsewhere,” Harper said. “It is past time that we leave this sort of pernicious inequality behind, and speaking up is the foundation of any such movement.”

Also in attendance will be sponsoring organizations including: Black Oaks Center, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Growing Home, Grow Greater Englewood, Urban Growers Collective, Chicago Food Policy Action Council, Green Era Campus, Cannabis Equity Illinois, Mia’s Heart Hemp Life, Sierra Club, and Illinois Environmental Council, —along with farmers and growers from across Illinois.

The press conference will follow a breakfast at which Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton, Speaker of the House Emmanuel “Chris” Welch and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II are expected to give remarks.

Harper’s office is reachable at 773-680-7953 or repsonyaharper@gmail.com.