The state of Illinois announced this week Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin’s appointment to the inaugural Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, a statewide initiative led by state Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago.

Ford sponsored the legislation which created the commission, to study the social conditions of Black males in Illinois, develop strategies to remedy or assist in remedying adversities and make recommendations to improve their educational, social, economic and employment opportunities, according to an Aurora news release.

“While we proposed and passed (the legislation) before the current focus of racial reckoning in America, it is unfolding at an appropriate time,” Ford said in the release. “We have assembled a team of leaders and advocates with proven experience who will work together to develop a framework which can be used throughout the state as we strive to improve the lives of Black males in Illinois.”

The commission is comprised of 14 members from throughout the state. During the commission’s inaugural meeting, members selected Irvin to serve as chief commissioner.

“I am honored to accept this appointment to serve our state,” Irvin said. “As a Black male raised by a single mother in public housing who now has the privilege of serving as mayor of my hometown, I know first-hand what is possible. I am also very well aware of the structural and social barriers that prevent many from realizing and achieving those possibilities. Together, our team will lead the efforts of identifying and breaking down barriers, implementing strategies to increase opportunities and focusing on having a multi-generational impact on our communities.”

Co-chairs of the commission are Ford; Rep. Nicholas Smith, D-Chicago; Rep. Michael Marron, R-Danville; and Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst, R-Kankakee. Commissioners on the panel include Irvin; U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago; Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer; Revin Fellows; Hubert Harrington; Dr. Stanley Howard; Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson; Aaron Mallory; Dawson Pickens; Isaiah Shelton; and Calumet City Ald. Anthony Smith.

The commission began meeting virtually this month, with plans for an upcoming press conference to unveil long-term goals and immediate plans for the future, according to the release.