She Runs Illinois 2020! — LaToya Greenwood, candidate for IL House of Representatives, District 114
She Votes Illinois is pleased to feature LaToya Greenwood, incumbent, running for IL House of Representatives, District 114. Follow our series, She Runs Illinois 2020!, leading up to election day as we showcase and uplift the voices of Illinois women running for public office in the upcoming election.
Tell us about yourself
Born and raised in East St. Louis, as an education administrator and a public servant, I understand the challenges faced by underserved communities. I wanted to advocate in the State Capitol, for the many issues faced by residents of the metro east area. Issues focused on social justice, equity, and opportunity, specifically centered around job creation, economic growth, education funding, reproductive health, maternal and infant mortality and access to healthcare.
Prior to my election as State Representative, I was elected and served on the East St. Louis City Council. I was first elected in 2011 and was reelected in 2015. As a councilwoman, I focused on improving economic development, public safety, and providing citizens with good, honest government. I served as the Public Safety Chairwoman where she advocated for Police, Fire, Regulatory Affairs, and the Emergency Service and Disaster Agency Department.
I attended Michigan State University where I received a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. My passion and devotion to my community inspired me to come back to East. St. Louis and make a difference. I furthered my education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where I received my master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy.
I understand the State of Illinois is facing serious challenges and it is important that the General Assembly works together to find solutions. My mission as a state legislator is to build stronger community in her district through improving economic development, providing quality and equitable education for all children, and ensuring public safety for residents.
I currently reside in East St. Louis with my son, Nicolas.
Tell us about the women in your life
I have been blessed to be surrounded by strong women throughout my life; women who showed me how to balance being a mother, work, and being active in the political process. My political idol is, Honorable Wyvetter H. Younge. Representative Young served in the seat that I serve in now for over 30 years. She loved the community of East St. Louis and she fought against many of the same injustices that I fight for today. She died in 2008, but her spirit and her name still resonates within our community and throughout the state of Illinois.
Discrimination comes in all forms, I have seen this particularly as a black woman running for office. I have remained focused on the issues and on providing the solutions and resources to the many who are suffering.
What led you into politics? Why are you running for THIS office?
I have been active in local politics for a number of years prior to running for office. I volunteered with our local Democratic organization, as well as, being active and involved in the St. Clair County Young Democrats. So, the interest was always there to be engaged in the political process.
I am running for State Representative to be a voice for the voiceless; the least of those amongst us. Often times we forget about those individuals who are marginalized and I want to speak to those issues. I believe that when we lift up the least of those, we lift up all of us. We rise together.
What do you feel should be the balance between taking the advice of health experts to continue social distancing and reopening the economy in order to ensure that people are able to make a living?
I believe that the Restore Illinois plan that our Governor has put in place will save lives and livelihoods. It is taking the approach that is guided by health metrics while understanding and working with businesses through each phase. There is no perfect plan, but I feel this has worked well in creating a balance.
What do you believe the greatest challenges are to creating a more racially just legal and political system?
A basic lack of understanding and communication. Often times we see things on the surface and underneath the surface are all of the reasons why there is crime in certain communities and until those underlying causes are addressed; poor educational systems, food deserts, lack of access to health care, trauma, etc., we will continue to repeat the same behaviors and the same solutions.
How will you ensure that women and femmes sitting at intersections of oppression are prioritized for policy that will help their quality of life?
As a member of the House Democratic Women’s Caucus, we prioritize legislation centered around women and children, and, also, addressing the systemic challenges for women in government and throughout the state.
What do you wish you had known before you decided to run for office?
I wish I had known about all of the wonderful women organizations who develop, mentor, and support women candidates. I probably would have run for office sooner!
Closing comments
I have lived in the 114th District all of my life, this is my home. I have the experience, the temperament, and leadership skills to bring the 114th District together and move us forward. Since being elected, I have worked tirelessly to bring resources to our District, but there is more work to be done. I will continue to work on issues that affect all of us; issues focused on social justice, equity, and opportunity, specifically centered around job creation, economic growth, education funding, living wage, reproductive health, maternal and infant mortality and access to healthcare.
Thank you for your consideration.
If you would like to learn more about LaToya Greenwood and her platform or volunteer for her campaign, please check out her Facebook page. Reach out today and help make a difference in the upcoming 2020 election.
(The information contained in this post is provided only as general information and does not imply an endorsement by She Votes Illinois.)
