Own your power and show up

At Live Free Illinois, the nonprofit she founded, Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain advances a critical mission: ending gun violence and mass incarceration by employing a powerful trifecta of strategies: education, organizing and advocacy. It starts with mobilizing a network of over 130 congregations across the state to advocate for public safety and law enforcement accountability. And it requires standing up to recent federal threats, from the cutting of SNAP benefits to the militarization of law enforcement. Live Free Illinois partners with congregations to provide organizer training and to educate members about Project 2025, the blueprint behind our national leadership's assault on Black and Brown communities. And as Rev. Ciera explains in this episode of Power Station, she always expects to win. Take the Clean Slate Initiative, a statewide campaign calling for the automatic sealing of arrest and conviction records for eligible Illinoisians. It united faith leaders, community organizations and allies in fighting for the removal of systemic barriers that burden those most impacted by generational racism and poverty. And It became law in October 2025! Rev. Ciera proves that a moral compass, owning your power and showing up for others makes change possible.