The past few months have brought historic and overwhelming change to almost every aspect of our lives—in public health, the economy, politically, socially and in almost any sector you can imagine. And while some of this change has brought devastation to many, especially Black and Brown communities who have been historically underfunded and underserved, it has also brought much needed conversations in places and spaces that have needed to be transformed and the construction industry is no exception. We brought together our Executive Director, Manny Rodriguez, Shahara Byford (Power Construction), Mary Person (F.H. Paschen) and Scott Simpson (Scott Simpson Design + Build) for a conversation discuss around  the changes that have been happening in construction and the work that still needs to be done in order to create a diverse and inclusive industry.  ​

SPRINGFIELD-- Thousands of Illinoisans who lost driving privileges for non-driving violations like unpaid parking ticket debt join with community advocates to celebrate the License to Work Act, which becomes law on July 1, 2020. The act, which is the result of years of advocacy and bipartisan support, ends the draconian practice of suspending driver’s licenses for numerous issues such as the inability to pay fines and fees from parking and vehicle compliance tickets. Nearly 75,000 drivers will have suspensions cleared from their driving records thanks to the act.

“Thank you. The License to Work Act could not have come at a better time as COVID-19 is devastating our communities. Driving is a lifeline now more than ever!” said Rosazlia Grillier of Community Organizing and Family Issues, who lives in Chicago and knows personally what it is like to have her driver’s license suspended in Illinois.

​This victory is one of several in the efforts of the Transit Table coalition, a group of community organizations and advocates that seeks to eliminate transportation barriers that keep people out of work and in poverty. While celebrating this step forward, advocates noted there remain other government policies that continue to bar people from driving, which makes it difficult to find and keep jobs, access medical care and education, and to support families.

​Read the full press release here: Illinois Clears Parking Ticket License Suspensions From 75,000 Driving Records

Greetings RW Family,
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We are all joined in mourning with the family of George Floyd for the unspeakable events that took place at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. The murder of yet another unarmed Black individual by the hands of the police demonstrates the immediate need to dismantle the targeted systems of oppression that disproportionately terrorize Black and Brown communities, especially from police violence. There has been too much trauma inflicted upon American citizens and not enough accountability and action from the government.

That is why Revolution Workshop would like to take a moment to address the violence and systemic racism permeating our nation.

If we hope to create a safe and equitable society, we must confront the systemic racism that perpetuates these issues. We must all come together with love, but it is imperative we must also come together in action. This is why RW is committed to building not jobs, but careers. Why we are building a powerful network of alumni. Why we collaborate every day with wide-ranging community partners. Why we continue to advocate for legislative change that will abolish systems that perpetuate violence and inequity.

We urge you to use your voice, heart and power to stand up against injustice.

Today, we invite you to call the Hennepin County District Attorney, Mike Freeman to request that he arrest and charge the officers with Floyd’s murder. Freeman can be reached at 612-348-5550.
Moving forward, there is so much more work to be done but every journey starts with a single step.

What are you going to do today?