On April 10 I joined State Senator Steve Stadelman, Representative Litesa Wallace and several state agencies for the first of many Minority Business Summits. The purpose of these meetings is to inform minority business owners about programs and opportunities offered by the state. These events create a space for open dialogue about issues minority owned businesses face and how we can foster an environment that is more welcoming for the expansion of minority owned businesses in Illinois.The event was a great success, and I am looking forward to being a part of more in the near future.

The next event will be April 27 with Senators Dave Koehler and Napoleon Harris, State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and Larry Ivory, president of the Black Chamber of Commerce. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Peoria, IL.

DePaul University Professor Zachary Cook and students in DePaul's 'Explore Chicago' program spent time recently with Senator Harris learning about how legislation is introduced and becomes law and discussing recent legislative issues.

The students were interested in the senator's work on Senate Bill 2178, known as Rocky’s Law, a measure to provide catastrophic insurance coverage for school athletes that passed in 2013. Sen. Harris explained what happened to Rocky Clark, whose experience inspired the bill, as well as the process and challenges it took to get it enacted.

The students asked Sen. Harris about concealed carry legislation and any upcoming gun control issues in the General Assembly.

Sen. Harris enjoyed telling the students about his career, how he got involved in public service and about the specific concerns of his district.