A re-election fundraiser for Illinois state Rep. Lamont J. Robinsonthe South Side Democrat who is the first out gay African-American ever elected to the Illinois General Assemblyemphasized the coming together of people and leaders in an often-overlooked population of LGBTQ Chicagoans.
Robinson, who was also celebrating his 38th birthday, said he wanted to focus on the issues, challenges, resources and community of LGBTQ people on the South Side at the event held at the historic Jeffery Pub, 7041 S. Jeffery Blvd.
Local personality Otis Mack, who hosted the Feb. 27 program, showcased Robinson's accomplishments in his first year in office, including securing $15 million for the first comprehensive LGBTQ center on the South Side, which will be called the Bronzeville Center of Excellence. Mack noted that Robinson also sponsored and passed the Youth PrEP Act, which aims for access to the anti-HIV drug.
Among the attendees at the event were City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin; Ald. Leslie Hairston ( 5th Ward ); Ald. Jeanette Taylor ( 20th Ward ); Gary, Indiana, Councilman William Godwin; state Rep. Nicholas Smith; Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison; judicial candidates Arthur Sutton and James Derico Jr.; and Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County candidate Jacob Meister.
Mitchell Locin