Ford to Host Annual ‘Independence Day for Returning Citizens’ Thursday in Austin, Will Lead Press Conference at 11:30 a.m.

CHICAGO – State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, will host his annual “Independence Day for Returning Citizens” community event Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Austin Town Hall to call attention to the challenges facing individuals returning from incarceration and to provide free community resources to help impacted residents in moving forward.

Ford will lead a press conference on the subject at 11:30 a.m.

“As we mark our nation’s independence, it’s important to recognize that many residents experience their own personal independence when they return home from incarceration,” Ford said. “Too often these individuals face significant barriers to essential life needs, including job opportunities, healthcare and more. We come together every year on July 3 to advocate for a better, more responsible path forward that eliminates hurdles and refuses to engage in a reckless cycle of permanent punishment.”

Ford’s community event is free, and attendees will be able to access community resources to help with employment, healthcare, reentry services and more. Congressman Danny K. Davis will be honored for his work to help returning citizens, and additional remarks will be provided by keynote speaker Benny Lee and spoken word artist Orion Meadows.

For more information, please contact RepFord@LaShawnFord.com.