Rep. Danny Davis, Chicago community leaders reflect on America's promise ahead of July 4

CHICAGO (WLS) -- On the eve of the Fourth of July holiday, community leaders and advocates gathered at the Chicago History Museum to reflect on America's promise and discuss whether that promise has been fulfilled for all Americans, particularly African Americans.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis convened the event, where speakers discussed progress made in the United States while highlighting disparities they see in health care, education and outcomes for young people.

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"Yes, America has made progress it would be dishonest to say that America has not made progress," Davis said. "It would also be dishonest to say that America has delivered on that promise of universal equality."

Among the speakers was Janeisia Williams of Project Exploration, who focused on the importance of investing in young people and communities.

"When we lift up our youth we lift up our neighborhoods when we life up our neighborhoods we lift up our nation and when we lift up our nation we honor the promise that every generation owes the next," Williams said.

Participants also discussed economic disparities and what they described as the need for continued investment in communities of color.

Malcom Crawford of the Austin African American Business Networking Association said those efforts should benefit a broad range of people.

"This is not just for us this is meant to be extremely inclusive we want people to see the greatness of our community and we want People to come spend money in our community," Crawford said.

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During the event, Davis spoke about his upbringing as the child of sharecroppers and the sacrifices his parents made to support his education, which ultimately led him to Chicago and a career in public service.

That career is nearing its end as Davis is not seeking reelection. Democratic nominee Lashawn Ford is running for Davis' 7th Congressional District seat and will face Republican Chad Koppie in November.

Ford praised Davis' work during his years in office.

"All over Illinois we honor congressman Davis to his contributions to our area," Ford said.

Davis closed the discussion with a call for civic engagement.

"Keep believing keep organizing keep galvanizing and for goodness sake make sure that you vote every time," he said.

Speakers said the conversation was intended to encourage reflection on the nation's progress and the work they believe remains ahead in the next chapter of America's history.