Brandon Johnson Addresses Chicago Teen Takeover

BIPOC Daily Snapshot - April 20, 2023

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Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

HEADLINE STORY

Brandon Johnson Speaks in Springfield, IL to the Illinois General Assembly.

Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson spoke in Springfield “to establish a productive, a collaborative and energetic partnership to invest in the people of Chicago”. Mayor-elect Johnson also condemned the "destructive activity" that took place in the Loop and lakefront over the weekend, but said it was "not constructive to demonize youth who have otherwise been starved of opportunities in their own communities."

In a statement released Sunday, Johnson said that he was "deeply troubled" by the videos and reports of teenagers fighting, jumping on vehicles, smashing windshields, and damaging property.

Photo courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago

"This is unacceptable and has no place in our city," Johnson said. "We must work together to create spaces for youth to gather safely and responsibly, under adult guidance and supervision."

Johnson also called on parents and guardians to be more involved in their children's lives and to hold them accountable for their actions.

"We need to do more to invest in our youth and give them the opportunities they need to succeed," Johnson said. "We also need to work together to create a city where everyone feels safe and welcome."

The "Teen Takeover" event was organized on social media and drew hundreds of young people to the Loop on Saturday night. The event quickly turned violent, with police reporting multiple arrests and at least two shootings.