IBAI was founded in 2021 by a small group of Black, Illinois leaders in response to the urgent need to create and advance a statewide Black advocacy agenda in Illinois. This need sprung from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black lives, as well as the ongoing police terror Black communities have experienced for decades, highlighted by the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Chicagoan Laquan McDonald, and unfortunately, many others. With this backdrop, IBAI was developed to provide Black Illinoisians with an advocacy and organizing institution that prioritizes their well-being, prosperity, and needs. IBAI believes that though this work is not new, it was time to accelerate targeted strategies, resources and skills to effectively strengthen Black communities.