Robin Rue Simmons is the 5th Ward Alderman for the city of Evanston. She grew up and currently lives in the 5th Ward. She is Chair of the city's Reparations Subcommittee and is the lead behind the nation's very first local reparations program, historic policy made right here in Evanston, Illinois. Her entire career has been profoundly influenced by the economic disparities she observed growing up in Evanston. She continues to work to improve opportunities for African Americans in the areas of housing, wealth building, and economic development with a solutions-only focus.
In this episode we talk about Robin's childhood in Evanston and her early signs of leadership. We take a deep dive into the details of Evanston's reparations plan, and discuss the many ways that others can get involved and support the plan. Robin talks about how she views this moment in time as we face a pandemic, civil unrest, and growing disparities. She talks about what keeps her in the fight for social justice and repair.
