SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In honor of the  in-universe birthday of the comic book character Superman and the state’s own Superman-themed city of Metropolis, state Rep. Jawaharial Omar Williams, D-Chicago, recently filed a resolution declaring Feb. 29 as Superman Day in Illinois.  

“When I was a boy, Superman was my favorite comic book character. His story of overcoming differences and always endeavoring to do the right thing has always resonated with me and millions of other fans around the world,” said Williams. “With all the challenges facing our state and nation, I think we all could use a little bit of inspiration from Superman to help us power through these tough times.”

Williams filed House Resolution 584 alongside Rep. Patrick Windhorst, who resides in Metropolis, Ill., a community in downstate Illinois that shares a name with Superman’s home city. The resolution will celebrate Superman and acknowledge the cultural impact of his character as the first modern superhero in history.

Metropolis, the county seat of Massac County, is located on the Ohio River on the border with Kentucky. Although the city was founded 99 years before the creation of Superman, it shares a name with the comic book character’s fictional home. Metropolis celebrates the connection with a famous Superman statue and a Superman Museum, featuring a collection of memorabilia valued at an estimated $2.5 billion. If you would like to plan a trip or learn more about this amazing attraction in Metropolis, please visit www.enjoyillinois.com/explore/listing/super-museum/.

“The values lauded by Superman – truth, justice and the American Way – have acted as a guide for my work in Springfield since I first took office,” said Windhorst. “As a legislator, I can think of no better example for me and others to look towards when thinking about how we can lead and serve our communities with integrity, fairness and grit.”

CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative House Black Caucus issued this statement following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision blocking efforts to expand equity and opportunity in college admissions:

“Our radical Supreme Court’s tragic decision to sever equitable opportunities and curtail human rights for countless Black Americans will exact a devastating toll on our communities. Opportunities for higher education, which were growing thanks to effective affirmative admissions policies, will once again be denied to Black students who have often had to overcome major obstacles to achieve academic excellence.

“This move serves only to meet a partisan agenda while propping up a deeply-racist power structure that has haunted the Black community for generations. Affirmative action was undertaken to overcome the lingering effects of slavery and Jim Crow policies and provide the promise of opportunity to Black children suffering under those effects. Now that promise has been broken.

“The Illinois House Legislative Black Caucus is eager to work with Governor Pritzker to take immediate action to continue expanding access to college education for all, and to continue pursuing equity-based reforms. Recent steps to substantially expand MAP grants and other education programs that benefit the Black community are a good start.  All students deserve better than a Supreme Court that embraces fundamentalism over fairness and acts consistently to preserve a system of oppression. Illinois will take every step we can to combat the racial injustice the court favors.”

CHICAGO — State Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, D-Chicago, recently introduced a bill to require music venues to provide opioid antagonists and trained staff to prevent overdose deaths and improve public health and safety.

“The opioid epidemic continues to ravage all corners of our state, from cities to rural communities. Though the opioid epidemic is a complex public health crisis, there are simple steps we can take to prevent overdoses,” Williams said. “Making opioid antagonists readily available at concerts or bars will undoubtedly save lives, and that’s what this bill sets out to do.”

Williams introduced House Bill 1557, which requires music venues to have opioid antagonists available on the premises. It also requires the venue to provide at least one staff member on the premises who has been sufficiently trained on how to properly administer an opioid antagonist. The bill ensures the venue and the administrator of the opioid antagonists are not liable for civil damages.

“Time and time again, we see concert-goers become hospitalized after abusing opioids and other illicit substances. Too many lives are senselessly lost, and it’s time we said enough,” Williams said. “I plan on using the full weight of my position to combat the opioid epidemic, make large events safer, and build a healthier Illinois.”

For more information on Williams’ legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — In response to the release of police body camera footage showing the killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of five Memphis officers, the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus (ILBC) released the following statement:

“The release of police body camera footage makes clear what we already knew: the murder of 29-year-old Tyre Nichols was brutal and unjustified. Our deepest condolences are with his family and all those who knew and loved him. The police officers who beat this young man to death have no place in law enforcement, and were rightly dismissed. Still, this is not enough. These officers callously and viciously killed another human being and Mr. Nichols’ family deserves justice.

“For the people who are angry, for the people who are sick of living in fear, we will always stand with you in the fight for justice. We are proud of the steps we’ve taken in Illinois, including passing major criminal justice reforms as part of our four-pillar agenda two years ago, but there is still much more work to do.”

CHICAGO — State Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, D-Chicago, will continue to advocate for greater access to affordable prescription drugs as chair of the Prescription Drug Affordability committee.

“Prescription drugs are a medical necessity for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans. All too often, we hear stories in the news about innocent people losing their lives because they could not afford life-saving medication. This is and has always been unacceptable,” Williams said. “A person’s financial situation should not limit their ability to obtain and use prescription drugs. As the chair of the Prescription Drug Affordability committee, I am committed to exploring comprehensive policy solutions to this complex problem, so that everyone can afford the medicine they need.”

This committee appointment builds on Williams’ work to expand access to life saving drugs. Williams previously introduced a measure to supply performance venues with naloxone and trained staff to prevent opioid overdoses at large events.

“High prescription drug prices perpetuate racial disparities in health outcomes, with people of color suffering disproportionately. As a committee, our work will be centered in equity so that all Illinoisans, regardless of race or financial circumstance, can pay for the medication they need to live healthy lives,” Williams said. “I thank Speaker Welch for this appointment and I’m eager to collaborate with my fellow committee members to build a healthier Illinois.”

CHICAGO — Upon learning about the reported shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old by Chicago Police Wednesday night, state Rep. Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, D-Chicago, issued the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned about the shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old by police in response to a carjacking yesterday. It is critical that the appropriate authorities thoroughly investigate this incident so we have a complete and accurate understanding of what happened. While carjackings are never acceptable and must be addressed, we must do so in a way that protects our children from harm. I am praying for the health and safety of everyone involved.”