Politics

‘Voices’ Community Conversation: Discussing Expectations for Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson When it Comes to Crime, Education, Environmental Justice

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is weeks away from being sworn in as Chicago's 57th mayor. 

On Monday, community leaders weighed in on expectations they have of Johnson’s administration regarding crucial issues that impact Chicago’s Black and Latino communities, and the city as a whole, as part of the latest edition of our WTTW News “Voices” community conversation series.

When Johnson enters office, he’ll have promises to uphold when it comes to tackling crime and policing, a CTA staffing shortfall, going after large polluters, as well as navigating education hurdles such as an elected school board, and a new teachers union contract. 

“Chicago Tonight” co-host and “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” host Brandis Friedman was joined by Jose Manuel Almanza Jr., director of advocacy and movement building for Equiticity; Tamar Manasseh, founder of Mothers/Men Against Senseless Killings, also known as MASK Chicago; Cheryl Johnson, executive director of People for Community Recovery, an environmental advocacy group based in the Altgeld Gardens Homes on the city’s far South Side; and Daniel Anello, CEO of Kids First Chicago. 

The guests discussed the issue of ghost transit and its impact on public safety; strategies that are and aren’t working to reduce Chicago crime; a decline in Chicago Public Schools enrollment and what this upcoming transformative period should consist of; the hope organizers share for a full-time department of environment, and much more.

Upcoming Event

Our next “Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” community conversation is set for 12 p.m. Monday, May 22. Visit wttw.com/events to RSVP.