In The News
American Translators Association: A County in Illinois Rolls Out “I Speak” Cards as Part of April’s “Language Access Month”
May 5, 2025, Author: ATA staff
The “I Speak” Card initiative was spearheaded by 13th District Commissioner Josina Morita and was announced as part of Cook County’s “Language Access Month,” which is being recognized for the first time throughout April. The effort is being made in part to combat the Trump administration’s rollback of some of its language services and designating English as the official language of the United States.
Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita (13th) poses with advocates at a board meeting on March 13, 2025.
Harvey World Herald: Cook County commissioners approves Human Rights Ordinance revision to include language-based protection
March 24, 2025, Author: Maureen Dunne
The Cook County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a Human Rights Ordinance amendment that revises its “national origin” definition to recognize linguistic characteristics associated with one’s place of birth or ancestry.
Commissioner Josina Morita (13th), the first Asian-American woman to serve on Cook County’s board, proposed the amendment last month, which was then referred to the Human Rights Committee before approval.
Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita shared some personal stories about the impact of the lack of language access services, including describing through tears how a friend had to translate her parents’ divorce proceedings when there was no courtroom translator available.
Esther Yoon-Ji Kang/WBEZ
WBEZ: Seeking ‘dignity and respect’ through language access services for limited English speakers
Dec 5, 2024, Author: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang
“Morita’s office organized what she called the first-ever Language Access Summit, held at the Skokie campus of Oakton College. It was attended by more than 130 people, with representation from government agencies, schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations.”
Evanston Roundtable: Josina Morita holds celebration to recognize historic Cook County commissioners election
Nov 17, 2022, Author: Evanston Roundtable staff
“Newly elected 13th District Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita will celebrate history as the first Asian American woman to sit on the Cook County Board with a community celebration on Sunday, November 20. The event will feature cultural performances by NaKapuno Hula Ukulele, Ho Etsu Taiko, and the Chinese Mutual Aid Association Lion Dancers and remarks by 13th District electeds, faith leaders, and community members to recognize the historic nature of Commissioner Morita’s election and celebrate the 13th District.”
Josina Morita, a candidate for Cook County Board’s 13th District, with her husband and two babies.
Chicago Sun-Times: What makes Josina Morita a formidable politician for these times
Sep 25, 2021, Author: Laura Washington
“Morita, 41, is an urban planner, community organizer, outspoken advocate for racial justice and — what may trump all — a working mother. She serves as founding chair of the state’s Asian American Caucus and the new “Mama’s Caucus.””
(Credit: Matthew B. DeLeon)
CBS2 Chicago: Summer Float Party On North Shore Channel Celebrates Health Of Chicago Area Waterways
Aug 22, 2021, Author: CBS 2 Chicago Staff
“Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Josina Morita, along with the nonprofit group Friends of the Chicago River, hosted a summer float party Sunday on the North Shore Channel…
The event was a celebration of the progress made in cleaning up Chicago area waterways.”
Josina Morita, chair of the Mama Caucus, stands with her husband Cornell Collins and children Kai Collins, 2, and Mei-Mei Collins, 1, on March 17, 2021. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Tribune: Mamas Caucus wants to make Illinois the most mom-friendly state in the nation. ‘Who better to advocate for us than us?’
Apr 22, 2021, Author: Heidi Stevens
““…How do we use this time as a way to build a more mama-friendly economy and a more mama-friendly set of policies?’ So when we talk about a mama recovery, hopefully that recovery becomes a new normal in a good way for moms in the workforce.””
CBS2 Chicago: Mamas Caucus Plans To Make Illinois The Most ‘Mama Friendly’ State In The Country
Apr 23, 2021, Author: Dana Kozlov
“Cook County Water Reclamation Commissioner Josina Morita was the first woman in the district’s 130-year history to have a baby in office. It was an eye opener.
“Nobody knew how to deal wit it,” Morita said. “Nobody knew how to deal with maternity leave, with pumping during meetings.””
Josina Morita, left, chair of the Asian American Caucus, is seen with her husband, Cornell Collins, and children Kai Collins, 2, and Mei-Mei Collins, 1, on March 17, 2021. “I hope that people who see this crime understand that it’s not an isolated incident,” Morita said. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Tribune: Atlanta shootings a chance to speak out, say members of Illinois’ Asian American community. ‘We’re tired of being quiet.’
Mar 17, 2021, Author: Heidi Stevens
““My hope is people start to see Asian Americans as part of this country,” she said. “We are not foreigners. We are not immune to racism, and we are working to come together with other communities, particularly communities of color, for a long-term movement to fight racism against all communities. I hope this can be an opportunity for unity.””
WGN9 Chicago: ‘We stand with you’: Chicago vows support for Asian community after Atlanta-area killings
Mar 17, 2021, Author: Jenna Barnes
“Josina Morita, chair of the Illinois Asian American Caucus, says despite authorities’ claims that sex was the motivator in the attack, she feels the gunman’s actions were derived from hate.
“That is a motivated, targeted crime and it’s a hate crime,” she said.
Morita says the violence punctuates an already difficult year.”
ABC7 Chicago: Asian carp burgers, tacos available across Illinois; initiative meant to raise awareness of invasive species
Oct 17, 2020, Author: ABC 7 Chicago Digital Team
“Morita and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources have teamed up to help rid Illinois waterways of the invasive fish species. Officials plan to pass out 1,000 free Asian carp "treats" for residents to enjoy and to raise awareness of the local crisis, create jobs and protect the environment.”
Josina Morita, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, is sponsoring carp burger and carp taco giveaways around the city and in Evanston.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times: Do Asian carp burgers sound gross to you? This politician wants you to eat them
Oct 15, 2020, Author: Brett Chase
“Josina Morita, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, is sponsoring carp burger and carp taco giveaways around the city and in Evanston this weekend and next, to raise awareness of the invasive fish’s threat to Illinois rivers and potentially Lake Michigan.”