Chicago State University Welcomes Congressional Black Caucus for Urban Issues and Solutions Summit

Chicago State University welcomed members of the Congressional Black Caucus as well as Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Governor Pat Quinn and leaders from throughout Chicago and the nation on Friday, July 26 for a Urban Issues and Solutions summit which focused on the root causes of various challenges facing the urban community including gun violence, lack of economic opportunity and the need for greater investment in education.

CSU President Dr. Wayne D. Watson opened the event by welcoming the participants and guests and encouraging each of them to take full advantage of the opportunity to truly listen to the stories of urban violence and how they affect all of our day to day lives.

The summit was held in partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus, which was represented by Illinois Congressmen Bobby Rush, Danny K. Davis and Robin Kelly as well as California Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Also in attendance were Re. Jesse Jackson and State Sen. Donne Trotter.

After hearing presentations from the panel, the crowd broke off into individual breakout groups that held detailed discussions on issues ranging from gun and gang violence to youth development and education. The breakout groups each included a member of the CSU faculty to help facilitate the discussion. The evening concluded with a Community Town Hall meeting to further the conversations that begun in the breakout groups.

“We are proud that Chicago State University is a place where these types of vital discussions and meetings can take place,” Dr. Watson said. “I believe this summit was different than some other political summits and meetings that you will see in that I believe this event will bring some tangible results. We heard many ideas, opinions and personal stories today that reflect the understanding our community members have of the challenges we face. Now the mission is to take those narratives and craft real-world solutions, through government, education and community channels. I am happy the CSU faculty and staff we able to help make this event a reality and I look forward to the results of the Summit.”