After more than a decade in Congress, Rep. Robin Kelly is reflecting on her legacy and the work she plans to continue after leaving Capitol Hill.
During a conversation with the Black Information Network at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, the Illinois Democrat discussed Black maternal health, gun violence prevention and the importance of Black women having a voice in Congress.
Kelly has represented Illinois' 2nd Congressional District since 2013 and chairs the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. She said Black women's representation remains critical to keeping issues including maternal mortality, healthcare disparities and culturally responsive care at the forefront of congressional policy.
Kelly highlighted her work on maternal health legislation and efforts to improve care for Black mothers. Earlier this year, she introduced the WELLS Act, which includes racial bias training for healthcare professionals and calls for hospitals and birthing centers to develop safe discharge plans for patients in labor.
She also reflected on her years of work addressing gun violence, including the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The 2022 law included $250 million for community violence intervention programs and provisions Kelly supported aimed at preventing gun trafficking and straw purchasing.
Kelly pointed to investments in community violence intervention as one part of efforts to reduce shootings in cities like Chicago, stressing the importance of directing resources toward organizations working directly in communities.
Looking back on her time in Congress, Kelly also reflected on the mentorship of longtime lawmakers and civil rights leaders including the late Rep. John Lewis and former Rep. Barbara Lee.
Although her time in Congress is coming to an end, Kelly said her commitment to public service isn't. She plans to remain engaged in advocacy and the issues that have defined her years in office.
Listen to the full conversation below!
For more of our interviews from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 55th Annual Legislative Conference, check out Our Voices!
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