Chicago, IL — This evening, the Democratic Party of Illinois held its first-ever Beauty of Politics: A Women’s Town Hall Salon Conversation. Hosted at Black women-owned beauty salon, I AM Precious Jewels, on Chicago’s South Side, community members heard moderator Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Commissioner Abierre Minor and panelists Illinois Lieutenant Governor Stratton, entrepreneur and health care professional Kierra Reed, and mental health and social justice leader Dr. Pavi Foster discuss how politics intersects with their daily lives—in a local, welcoming, and culturally-resonant space.
“Tonight’s event was about meeting people where they are, and listening to Black women’s lived experiences,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez. “In order to get people involved, in order to ensure everyone feels seen and heard by our Party, we have to go out into our communities. I’m incredibly proud of this event.”
“As a mom of four daughters, I’ve always fought for a world where every woman can thrive – and everyday spaces like beauty salons can also be spaces for meaningful conversations about how to create those opportunities and deliver real progress for our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “From birth equity to education, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth, my mission is to ensure that every woman – regardless of race, background, or zip code – has the opportunity to live out her full potential and is empowered to make decisions about her own future.”
After an in-depth discussion about civic engagement, policy, racial equity, health care, and more, audience members asked questions directly to the panelists and highlighted their own lived experiences.
“Tonight, the panelists and audience members touched on a number of pressing issues in the Black community–health care, life expectancy, domestic violence, and more,” said DPI Constituency Director Uriah Baker. “The Democratic Party of Illinois stays true to helping build a stronger, more inclusive Illinois–we show up, we’re intentional, and we listen to our community members.”
