On October 17, the Democratic Party of Illinois held its first Beauty of Politics: A Women’s Town Hall Salon Conversation at I AM Precious Jewels, a Black women-owned beauty salon on Chicago’s South Side. The Democratic Party of Illinois held its first Beauty of Politics: A Women’s Town Hall Salon Conversation this evening at I AM Precious Jewels, a Black women-owned beauty salon on Chicago’s South Side.
The event brought community members together for a discussion on how politics intersects with daily life in a setting that felt local, welcoming, and culturally resonant. Moderator Abierre Minor, Commissioner for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, led the conversation with panelists Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, entrepreneur and health care professional Kierra Reed, and mental health and social justice leader Dr. Pavi Foster.
DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said the event was designed to connect with community members where they live and work.
“Tonight’s event was about meeting people where they are, and listening to Black women’s lived experiences,” said Hernandez. “In order to get people involved, in order to ensure everyone feels seen and heard by our Party, we have to go out into our communities. I’m incredibly proud of this event.”
Lieutenant Governor Stratton reflected on the importance of creating spaces where women can discuss issues that affect their lives.
“As a mom of four daughters, I’ve always fought for a world where every woman can thrive – and everyday spaces like beauty salons can also be spaces for meaningful conversations about how to create those opportunities and deliver real progress for our communities,” Stratton said. “From birth equity to education, entrepreneurship, and building generational wealth, my mission is to ensure that every woman – regardless of race, background, or zip code – has the opportunity to live out her full potential and is empowered to make decisions about her own future.”
After an in-depth panel discussion about civic engagement, policy, racial equity, health care, and more, audience members had the chance to ask questions directly to the panelists and share their own experiences. Participants highlighted how issues such as access to health care, education, and community safety shape their daily lives.
Uriah Baker, the Democratic Party of Illinois Constituency Director, said the conversation demonstrated the Party’s ongoing commitment to listening to and learning from the communities it serves.
“Tonight, the panelists and audience members touched on a number of pressing issues in the Black community–health care, life expectancy, domestic violence, and more,” Baker said. “The Democratic Party of Illinois stays true to helping build a stronger, more inclusive Illinois–we show up, we’re intentional, and we listen to our community members.”
The Beauty of Politics event is the first in what organizers hope will become a series of conversations designed to bring civic and political discussions into everyday community spaces across Illinois.