This weekend, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition will host its annual convention in Chicago this week, and political figures will share the stage with programs designed to improve and direct advocacy efforts at the local and federal level.
Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren will both address the convention, which is taking place at the Hilton Chicago this week. DNC Chairman Tom Perez will also address a panel discussion at the event.
Meanwhile, several companies, including Google and Intel, will be sponsoring exhibits to encourage kids to get into technology fields as part of the PUSH Excel education program.
Panels will also push a series of priorities at the convention, including business and education policy and how to effectively respond to the Trump Administration’s efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.
“All of these cuts we are experiencing in our budgets, (while) people are paying attention to this man and his tweets, (but) here’s what’s important: the quality of people’s lives will erode if we don’t’ have healthcare,” PUSH Excel President Dr. Julianne Malveaux said.
Later in the week, a panel featuring seven of the Democratic contenders for the Illinois gubernatorial primary will take place, but the Rainbow PUSH Coalition has said that they will not endorse a candidate before the March election.
The event will run through Saturday evening, with speeches and music capping off the convention.