By Donnell Robinson / Staff Writer
The March 17 election most candidates’ campaigns target their messages fighting the agenda of President Donald Trump. Indirection for the benefit of their local base of Chicago.
It is clear that we will not get the things that we need from the Trump administration and the Republican Party a Black political agenda is still needed.”
On the level of Chicagoland examining existing political advances, African American political leadership for the most part has maintained from the State position of the Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and mostly likely candidate Christian Mitchell most as running mate of Governor J.B. Pritzker. Then there is the political leadership of Office of the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Cook County Toni Preckwinkle. Locally Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson. All credible towards the Black political improving the social, economic, political, and institutional conditions that contributes to the Black political agenda shaping Chicago.
For the executive branch of the Mayor’s office, it would seem the Black Agenda is represented from his office as reported by the Tribe, the demographic makeup of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is about 34% Black, 30% white, 24% Latiné and about 6% Asian, according to the Mayor’s Office. It is not far off from the overall demographic makeup of Chicago, which is 39% white, 29% Latiné and 28% Black, according to the most recent 2020 census.
Johnson is the third Black person elected to be Chicago mayor, following the revered late Harold Washington in the 1980s and the city’s first openly lesbian woman Lori Lightfoot. Arguably, Johnson’s administration is the Blackest in Chicago’s history.
Yet, according to the Chicago Urban League there is a lot of work to be done in Chicago. The Urban League released their “State of Black Chicago,” report spells out the disparities Black city residents face which reports a frightening view of the city if inequity is not addressed within the city.
The report highlights how the city has lost about 85,000 Black residents over the last ten plus years. Most moved to suburbs for better housing, better education, and safety concerns.
With so many leaving the city, issues remain for the residents who remain.
Black residents of Chicago are doing worse than their white counterparts in areas such as household income, home ownership, and health.
Evidence-based arguments for producing real-world Black political agenda impact and improving the social, economic, political, and institutional conditions that shape Chicago. “As I watch the primary election in Illinois, especially Chicago. I see so many ‘Black Faces’ as candidates!” Said Eddie S. Read, Chair of The Black Independent Political Organization BIPO. Founded By Baba Lutrelle “LU” Fleming Palmer Sr.
“Immediately after the election on March 17, 2026. We will start putting together a Black Agenda no matter who is elected. Most of what I hear is “We Gonna Fight/Fight Trump.” As the “Time Out For DEI.” Stated Read.
Starks said, “This country is still racist and white Christian nationalist with a president who wants to take this nation back to Jim Crow culture!”
“It is clear that we will not get the things that we need from the Trump administration and the Republican Party.”
Rev. Dr. Wallace ‘Gator’ Bradley is of the opinion and belief that the Black Political Agenda is meaningless if ‘they’ don’t re-elect Jesse Jackson Jr. to the 2nd Congressional District. Bradley said because he has more experience, a better economic plan. He is in a better position because he will have seniority to get on the committees to bring what is required to the District.”
Some indicate the Jackson Jr. will get votes due to the legacy of his late father Jesse Jackson Sr. in how historic it would be with him and his brother Congressman Johnathan Jackson sitting in congress of the 1st and 2nd districts together. A probable part of a Black Political Agenda with the essentials of the Rev. Jackson.
Bradly also focusses on the election of Juliana Stratton for U.S. Senate and John Harrell for the 8th State Representative District. He went on to saying the importance of the re-election of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Governor JB Pritzker.
“Therefore, it is incumbent that we vote for candidates that we can trust to prioritize our needs.” Stated Bradley.
“Our agenda is to make sure that we are supporting black candidates who will fight to support the black agenda.”