Hi, friend,

Today, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I want to take a moment to pause and honor the rich and diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across our nation, and here in Illinois.

You may already be familiar with Jean Baptiste Point du Sable: a Haitian immigrant & skilled entrepreneur known as “the Father of Chicago” but did you know that he had a co-founder named Kitihawa?

Kitihawa Point du Sable was a Potawatomi woman who worked alongside her husband and was instrumental in the establishment of what is now known as Chicago. Their story is a reminder of our shared ties and the importance of remembering our history and those that have contributed to it.

So today, please join me in honoring Kitihawa and all the Indigenous People past, present, and future who call Illinois home.

Thank you,

— Kwame Raoul

Kwame Raoul is a leading voice in the fight for equal rights, affordable health care, and a woman’s right to choose. Now more than ever, we need strong leaders like Kwame serving as a voice for the voiceless. Will you pitch in now to help him continue working for us? DONATE »