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CHICAGO - He has been the Representative for Illinois' First Congressional District for 30 years, and on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, former Black Panther, Congressman Bobby Rush announced he will not seek a 16th term. He said he will instead concentrate on his work as Pastor of the Beloved Community Christian Church of God in Christ, located on Chicago's South Side. His Congressional career began in 1992, "I am not leaving the battlefield. I am going to be an activist as long as I'm here in the land of the living," he said.
"I will be making my voice heard in the public realm, from the pulpit, in the community, and in the halls of power," Congressman Rush promised. When asked if he has a successor in mind, he said he looks for a consensus candidate to emerge to take his place in the next election, but has not yet made an endorsement. So far, as many as five residents of the First Congressional District have expressed interest in the office.
"Im glad I'm leaving on a high note, and I'm sure my appeal to the voters will have an effect on their decision," Congressman Rush said regarding selecting his successor to run in the Midterm Election.
While the U.S. Congress is often divided by partisan politics, the church remains the one viable institution that can change the mindset of the people, Congressman Rush asserted. He first entered government service in 1983 when he won the election for Alderman of Chicago's 2nd Ward, a position he held until his victorious run for Congress in 1992. During his 30 year tenure, Congressman Rush has introduced bills on issues from Conflict Resolution and Mediation, to Public Pensions and Community Development. In his second term he gained a seat on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is the current Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee's Energy Subcommittee. Here he stands with a few of those present who heard him state his decision to leave Congress and focus on his church ministry. Photo by Marcus Robinson
Families of victims of police violence, organized by Justin Blake Sr., join Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., Congressman Bobby Rush and Congressman Danny Davis at a Get Out The Vote rally in downtown Chicago..
Thanking her family and supporters for a decisive win in the Primary Election, Illinois State's Attorney Kim Foxx pledged to continue her program of seeking justice from the wrongfully convicted. She defeated challenger Pat O'Brien in the November 2020 General Election, retaining her position as the first African American Female Illinois State's Attorney
Kim Foxx thanks her family and supporters in her victory speech, noting that the voters focused on her success in releasing the wrongfully convicted and refused be distracted by a trial involving a celebrity. She pledged to continue the work of righting the wrongs in the Criminal Justice System. Photo by Marcus Robinson
"We've been righting the wrongs of the past by vacating convictions of the wrongfully accused as part of our commitment to justice. This is why my office has overturned over 100 cases in the last three and a half years," declared States Attorney Kim Foxx in her victory speech before members of the press Tuesday evening, after challenger, former Cook County assistant state's attorney Bill Conway conceded. Other challengers include former assistant U.S. Attorney and assistant Cook County state's attorney Donna More and former Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti.
Former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democratic candidate for President, addresses a crowd in Chicago at the RPC Labor Luncheon June 28, 2019. Photo by John L. Alexander
Former Vice President Joe Biden defeated Berne Sanders in Arizona, Florida, and Illinois in the Tuesday March 17th Democratic Primary Election, pulling ahead of Sanders in the delegate count, and creating a nearly insurmountable lead as the candidates prepare for an uncertain Democratic National Convention. The Coronavirus outbreak prompted the Governor of Ohio to close the polls as a public health measure. The outbreak, which has sickened more than 5,000 people in the U.S. has caused some states to postpone elections and candidates to cancel rallies and instead hold virtual events. Governors across the United States continue to issue updates on new measures to contain the virus.
ACCEPTANCE ON BEHALF OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
I, Joseph R. Biden Jr., President of the United States of America, having seen and considered the Paris Agreement, done at Paris on December 12, 2015, do hereby accept the said Agreement and every article and clause thereof on behalf of the United States of America.
Done at Washington this 20th day of January, 2021.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on December 12, 2015 and entered into force on November 4, 2016. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
"It is a tragic day in the United States of America when our Democracy is being undermined by a President who just doesn't know when it's time to go," stated Republican Washington Congressional Candidate Marilyn Strickland in an interview with ABC News January 6, 2021, as angry protestors armed with flags, signs and possible weapons, stormed the Capitol Building in Washington DC. The protests disrupted the Senate's Electoral Vote count in the Presidential Election in which Joe Biden was to be confirmed as President and Kamala Harris as Vice President. The victory of Democrats in the Georgia runoff elections held Tuesday seemed to be the catalyst for the violent protest, openly encouraged by President Trump's tweeted messages. Photo Courtesy of ABC News.
In an address at a Clayco Construction s in Elk Grove Village October 7, 2021, President Biden announced COVID vaccine mandates for all Federal employees. He praised Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot for following suit with their COVID vaccine mandates for State and City employees, Last month, President Biden announced a mandate requiring businesses with 100 or more workers to ensure their employees are vaccinated or show a negative test weekly or more frequently.
Dr. Willie Wilson received the endorsement of more than 100 pastors from the Latino community in Chicago at a press conference held October 13, 2022 at the New Vision Community Church at 2552 West 21st Street. Faith leaders cited philanthropist and businessman Dr. Willie Wilson's consistent support for the less fortunate as an indication that he is the best candidate for Mayor of the City of Chicago. The election for Mayor and for Alderman will be held February 28, 2023. Dr. Wilson has also received an endorsement from the Polish American Congress, Illinois Division.
Dr. Willie Wilson delivered a letter to the U.S. Attorney General's office in downtown Chicago, asking for an investigation into the closing of a number of precinct polling places by the Chicago Board of Elections. Dr. Wilson stated that this appears to be a form of voter suppression, and could cause confusion for voters searching for polling places on election day. Citizens expressed support for Dr. Wilson's outreach to those in need of help.
Vice President Kamala Harris, flanked by Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and GovernorJ. B. Pritzker sought to galvanize voters for a Democratic Party victory on election. She paid a visit to the XS Tennis and Education Foundation on the South Side of Chicago Sunday November 6, 2022 for a "Get Out the Vote" rally, which was also attended by 1st Congressional District Candidate Jonathan Jackson, Illinois Treasurer Michael Freichs and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Congressman Bobby Rush, whose strong representation of Chicago's 1st Congressional District for 30 years was noted by his colleagues, discusses desired election outcomes with The Shot News publisher Gary Hunter, who provided photojournalistic coverage of the White House under President Barack Obama. Victories for Democrats in key races across the country could change the balance of power in Congress, which was often stymied by partisanship that held up votes on key issues. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Arriving in Chicago on the heels of the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Vice President Kamala Harris reminded voters that health care rights are at stake in upcoming election. She spoke at a Get Out The Vote Rally which was held following her roundtable discussion with Health Care advocates at the University of Illinois, Chicago. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul were among the elected officials who made a special appeal to voters to come out and support Democrats on Election Day.
Popular performing artist Common joined Vice President Kamala Harris at a Get out the Vote rally at UIC on Friday afternoon, September 16th. Invoking memories of the 1983 election of Mayor Harold Washington as Mayor of Chicago, and the 2008 election of Barack Obama as U.S. President, he offered some original lyrics urging residents to go to the polls Election Day and vote for candidates in the Democratic Party.
Mayoral Candidate Ja'Mal Green Says Police Are Not The Answer to Public Safety
A total of 5 out of the 9 Chicago Mayoral candidates came to the forum at New Mt. Pilgrim M.B. Church on Friday January 27, 2023. Pledging to focus on skills training and job creation for youth if elected, the 27 year old community activist stated that the way to eliminate crime is to eliminate its causes - hopelessness and lack of economic opportunities.
Eight candidates, including incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot, participated in the CWTA forum on January 14, 2023 at the Chicago Temple, to explain their positions on Safeguarding the Right to Vote, Equal Rights, Affordable Health Care, Quality Education, Environmental Justice, Economic Justice, Immigration Reform, Criminal Justice Reform, Ending Gun Violence, and Protecting Public Institutions. Absent from the forum was candidate Kam Buckner. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Fourth Ward Alderman Sophia King stressed her commitment to improving the educational system. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Alderman Sawyer expounded on legislation he passed benefiting the sixth ward and all of Chicago. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Paul Vallas reminded voters of his education and public finance background and experience. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Commissioner Brandon Johnson revealed a personal experience with gunshots coming into his widows at home. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Congressman Jesus Chuy Garcia said he is in full support of the consent decree and calls for its implementation. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Dr. Willie Wilson stated his intention to improve economic opportunities with trade schools to combat crime. Photo by Parthenia Luke
It was a hard fought battle, and after many high profile endorsements from respected elected officials and community leaders, in the end former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas had to concede that he was not the voters' choice to lead Chicago as Mayor. He thanked his supporters, acknowledging the tremendous amount of work that went into the campaign that fell short of 50% and even with the uncounted mail in ballots, there were not enough votes outstanding to bring a victory.
"I'm honored and humbled by all of your support. I ran for Mayor to bring this city together and it's clear based on the result tonight that the city is deeply divided. So tonight, even though we believe that every vote should be counted, I called Brandon Johnson and told him that I absolutely expect him to be the next Mayor of Chicago."
Flanked by supporters, elected officials and former candidates who endorsed him, Paul Vallas noted the ideas presented during forums and said he offered Brandon Johnson his full support.
Photo by Parthenia Luke
Vermont Senator and former Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders flew into Chicago Friday, March 30, 2023, to endorse Bernie Sanders for Mayor at a major rally held at the UIC Pavilion at 525 S. Racine. The packed house was reminiscent of the citywide rallies during the days of the campaign for Harold Washington to later became the first African American Mayor of Chicago.
Also lending support for the campaign and urging voters to recognize the historical signicance of this moment was Martin Luther King, III, whose symbolic presence reminded voters of the struggles to obtain political power in America and the rewards when election campaigns were victorious throughout the North and South.
Prior to the rally, some polls reported Paul Vallas' voter support at 49% and Brandon Johnson's voter support at 44%. After the rally, some polls showed Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas in a virtual dead heat.
Also speaking at the rally was Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who reminded voters of the critical issues of housing, education, health care and public safety that are on the line in this election. At the end of his speech, Sen. Bernie Sanders held up Commissioner Brandon Johnson's hand in a sign of victory. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Reminding voters of the significance of the election date of April 4 as also the anniversary of the assassination of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Luther King III's endorsement of Brandon Johnson was a powerful symbol at the Pavilion rally. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Also lending a powerful symbolic presence at the Pavilion rally was Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., who was instrumental in the election of Mayor Harold Washington and whose Presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 paved the way twenty years later for the victory of Barack Obama in 2008. Recognized as a Civil Rights icon, Rev. Jackson earlier endorsed Brandon Johnson, as did his son Congressman Jonathan Jackson. Congressman Jackson also gave a rousing speech at the rally, reminding voters of all the issues the new mayor will need to face and the importance of electing a candidate who is sensitive to the needs of all communities. Prominentcommunity activists and elected officials have been largely divided on this election, seemingly basing their choices to endorse one candidate over the other on previous political relationships. Rally speakers reminded voters that the margin of victory was dependent upon which side got their supporters to the polls. The undecided vote is being courted by both candidates in a series of campaign ads and mailings sent daily to households throughout Chicago's communities. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Entertainment before the speakers at the Pavilion appealed to the large contingent of youthful supporters. Photo by Parthenia Luke
An enthusiastic multi-ethnic, multi-generational crowd filled the seats at the UIC Pavilion for Brandon Johnson. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
In his first trip to the Chicagoland area since his election, President Joe Biden came to promote the benefits of his American Families Plan in strengthening the American economy. He spoke to an audience at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake Illinois, a Northwest Suburb of Chicago explaining the economic benefits of affordable higher education, proposing two years of free community college education. During his remarks President Biden recognized the work of Democrats in Illinois, praising U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood. Photo by Marcus Robinson.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle meet briefly with President Biden as he arrives at O'Hare Airport. The President was briefed about recent incidences of gun violence in Chicago and pledged Federal support to help alleviate the distress families face in inner city communities. His American Families Plan is currently being reviewed in Congress. His visit is intended to encourage more support among Republicans. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
President Biden promised more manufacturing jobs in areas needed to improve the environment and the U.S. infrastructure, such as the installation of new pipes and the construction of roads and bridges. His American Families plan faces opposition from Republicans in Congress. His visit to Crystal Lake, an area that favored Donald Trump in the last election, was intended to drum up Republican support by focusing on the economic benefits to residents. Photo by Marcus Robinson
In over 50 locations throughout the Chicagoland area, motorists lined up early Saturday morning to receive free gas compliments of the Dr. Willie Wilson Foundation. Gas station owners expressed gratitude for Dr. Wilson's generosity, which resulted in a big surge in gas customers for the day. Workers from Dr. Wilson's Foundation guided cars to the gas pumps, helped gas station attendants pump gas, and assisted police in keeping lines of motorists organized as they waited their turn. The owners at the Gas Station at 7201 N.Clark said they were pleased with the turnout and the cooperation of all who made the operation run smoothly.
While motorists were asked not to wait in line over night, many said they got up as early as 5:00am to stake their place in line. and willingly waited two, three, even four hours to get to the gas pump. The Super Save at 111th and State Street saw many motorists coming from the south suburbs to take advantage of the free gas opportunity. Surrounding gas stations had notably few patrons, while many motorists preferred to wait for $50 in gas to fill their tanks, rather than pay. One motorist stated, "Without this help from Dr. Willie Wilson, I wouldn't have been able to get back and forth to work. I just don't have the money to get through the week."
Philanthropist and Chicago Mayoral Candidate Dr. Willie Wilson paid another $1 million dollars to participating gas companies on Saturday, April 23, 2022, to allow motorists to pump up to $50 in gas at no charge. He announced this third gas giveaway at a press conference at his East Wacker Drive home Tuesday April 19th, and challenged other elected officials to perform similar acts of charity for citizens who are struggling under the economic crises caused by COVID, war abroad and violence in communities at home. He vowed that as Mayor of Chicago he would continue to address ways to ease economic distress.
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