When Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that he was not seeking re-election this upcoming mayoral cycle, it triggered a slew of candidates vying to succeed him. Staples in the Chicago political scene like Toni Preckwinkle, Bill Daley (yes, from THAT Daley family) and Susana Mendoza came up, plus not-so-household names like Lori Lightfoot and Lashawn Ford. As a newly minted Chicago resident, I was blown away and uncertain as to who would I support for mayor this upcoming municipal election.
Then in October, Chance the Rapper made a mysterious announcement that he was going to hold a press conference at City Hall. At that meet-up, he announced he was going to endorse Amara Enyia for mayor.
And after doing my research, she's got my vote.
Before I go on, I should address the questions some might ask if I only know Amara because of Chance. Yes. But am I supporting her because Chance does? The answer is no. I'm supporting Amara because she has the best platform to build a more equitable Chicago.
When addressing the issue of gun violence in the city, Amara understands the root causes of violence: poor economic conditions, lack of funding in mental health resources, and investing in schools and services like grocery stores in ailing communities of color. Amara will fight these problems by creating an elected school board, requiring Community Benefits Agreements in gentrifying neighborhoods, and creating a public bank to curb the corruption that created this mess.
She was in the streets fighting for justice for Laquan McDonald when it was revealed his execution was covered up. She supports an elected Civilian Police Accountability Council and releasing those who are incarcerated for nonviolent crimes.
Chicago has been cursed with decades of racism that has morphed it into two cities: one embraced and one neglected. A mayor like Toni Preckwinkle, Susana Mendoza, or any other career politician will do nothing but carry on these policies as if they can compromise on the rights of working-class Chicagoans. Any candidate that claims to be progressive must be willing to fight every facet of injustice that prevails. Amara Enyia is just that candidate. It's no secret why Chance seems to like her. She is someone with the integrity, the values, the work ethic and the platform we need to reclaim Chicago for the people.
To learn more about Amara Enyia and her campaign, visit her campaign website. The City of Chicago municipal election is on Tuesday, February 26.
