The first week of April 2023 marked a momentous occasion in American politics. Among the highlights was the election of a fresh new face to lead the Windy City with 14 new aldermen. At the same time, the 45th President of the United States found himself on the wrong side of justice. Meanwhile, in Tennessee things were heating up as a pair of newly elected Black representatives were both elected and expelled in quick succession. All in all, it was a week filled with drama, history, and conflict.
In a surprising twist, Brandon Johnson, a CTU union representative, and a real organizer have emerged as the new mayor of the Windy City. To date 609,700 votes out of Chicago’s 1,587,253 registered voters, that is nearly 40% of Chicago voters. Johnson secured his victory with just over half of the votes (311,996 or 52.05%) over Paul Vallas. Although the city saw a higher turnout of young voters, the majority of the ballots came from older residents. Still, Johnson’s campaign mantra of being “straight from the people” proved successful, and he has become his own man in the fight for Chicago’s future. The final count, including mail-ins, is expected in mid-April, but one thing is clear: with this win, Johnson has made history.
Johnson’s experience as a former school teacher and Black man on the west side of Chicago has given him a unique understanding of the dangers and difficulties of living in the city. He knows firsthand the perils of gunshots in his own home and being stopped by police for nothing more than a “suspicious look.” Despite these challenges, he has risen to the top, being the middle child of ten and a preacher’s son who has worked hard to become educated and successful. Johnson’s roots as an organizer began in his father’s church and his humble beginnings scrubbing floors at home have instilled in him a deep sense of hard work and determination. As a leader, he promises to bring a brand new kind of leadership to Chicago, one unlike any other. This win will be studied and patterned throughout America.
In a world where fresh faces and new ideas are dominating politics, Brandon Johnson’s story adds an interesting twist. As a father with children attending Chicago Public Schools, Johnson brings a unique perspective to the table. He’s not following in the footsteps of Harold Washington the ultimate politician or Barack Obama, the law professor from Harvard, but creating his path as his very own man. However, the challenge that he faces is how he navigates the influential union that helped him win his seat. With President Toni Preckwinkle initiating his political career and union chieftain Stacey Davis in the mix, Johnson must show dexterity and political savvy to succeed. But if the trend continues, Johnson may just be one of the latest new faces to come up and shake things up. Voters prove time and time again that they like new faces with bright ideas.
Chicago Politics at its Finest. . .
Johnson’s campaign was upset from the onset. The traditional, old-guard Black hierarchy did not support him. Congressman Danny Davis Was the Exception. The Rise of Paul Vallas had more money and administrative experience. Welcome to the World of Old-Fashioned Politics in the Windy City.” Deals were made, and campaign debts were paid off. Promises were made with positions of power and prosperity.
Amid all the chaos, Brandon Johnson emerged as a beacon of hope for the future. As a Black man running for office, he inspired a new generation of voters, including the unknown named Mr. Progressive. The race was neck-and-neck according to polls, but it was the Black community that came through for Johnson. Political commentators would do well to acknowledge the truth: Black voters made all the difference in this hard-fought battle. In the end, Johnson didn’t win a single Black ward in the primary, but he won them all in the general.
The Johnson campaign proved that money isn’t everything in politics. While it’s necessary to have funds to run a successful campaign, it’s not the only deciding factor in winning an election. Take for example Richard Irvin, the Mayor of Aurora, who was backed by billionaire Ken Griffin, one of America’s wealthiest individuals. Despite Griffin’s significant financial support, Irvin lost to Governor J.B. Pritzker. Irvin’s campaign focused solely on a negative “attack” strategy centered around crime, with persistent crime-related television ads bombarding voters. Yet, in the end, it wasn’t enough to secure the win. The Johnson campaign serves as a reminder that a candidate’s platform and message are essential.
The topic of crime has been used as a scare tactic, insinuating that Black males are responsible for a majority of crimes against white individuals. However, this is simply not true. Corruption is rampant, and countless individuals engage in criminal activity – it’s not just a select group. It’s clear that no single person, such as a mayor or police chief, can solve the crime issue alone. Instead of simply focusing on safety measures and crime control, we need to turn our attention to prevention. Education and job opportunities are key factors in reducing crime rates. By providing purposeful activities for individuals, we can help prevent criminal behavior. While we may never completely eradicate crime, we can work towards reducing it. Brandon Johnson’s message emphasizes the importance of education in preventing crime.
In Tennessee…
Tragic news has surfaced that three school administrators were senselessly killed, prompting representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson to take action. It’s no secret that gun violence has become a growing problem in the US, affecting not just schools but also entertainment venues and shopping centers. Despite this, Jones and Pearson spoke up about the issues of racism and democracy, lamenting the sad state of affairs on the Tennessee state floor. Shockingly, the last expulsion that took place in the Tennessee house was 157 years ago, with sex scandals being the only exception. It’s concerning to see black men punished for daring to bring up important issues, especially in the shameful atmosphere of political maneuvering reminiscent of the Civil War era. Thankfully, Jones and Pearson can still make a comeback through reappointment or special election, By the way, the State House in Tennessee was built by the enslaved, and the children killed at the Christian Conevant School were White killed by a White transgender person who was an alumn of the school. The protestors in Nashville were mostly white youth. The optics, Black men standing up for the right of the issue, not skin color.
New Power
The rise of the Brandon Johnson campaign and Tennessee politics marks a seismic power shift. New elected officials represent a generation of individuals who will not be silenced or appeased by traditional political tactics. Unfortunately, some fear the emergence of black political power. These same individuals are worried about the uncertain outcomes that justice could bring. Rather than deal with this fear head-on, some states have resorted to underhanded tactics such as excluding black literature from school curriculums and disenfranchising black voters. Despite these attempts to suppress their power, unapologetic black voices are being heard more and more. Their messages go beyond just entertainment and sports and speak to systemic injustices that need to be addressed. The elected black representative is becoming the ultimate power and one that cannot be ignored.
The recent elections have been nothing short of historical, leaving political analysts and members of the media scratching their heads in bewilderment.
You see too many blank white faces on TV, looking like they want to scratch their heads in puzzlement. Despite an incumbent’s usual advantage, Lightfoot surprisingly lost the race, breaking a 40-year tradition. On the other hand, Brandon Johnson emerged as the victor, leaving everyone wondering how he managed a victory. And while some attribute Paul Vallas’ defeat to a misstep, there is no denying the power of the Black community’s voices and their impact on the overall outcome. Now, as Chicago moves forward under Johnson’s leadership, a new era is ushered in, full of hope and possibilities. While the road ahead may be uncertain, there’s a glimmer of optimism that this change will unite the entire city towards a common goal of making it a better place.
Change is in our midst.
