Black Mayors and Grassroots Leaders Luncheon

This exclusive luncheon, moderated by Zakiyah Ansari of the Alliance for Quality Education (AQE), New York, brought together key leaders from across the country to explore the intersection of political leadership and grassroots activism. The goal was to foster collaboration among Black mayors and local leaders as they work to improve outcomes in education, healthcare, housing, and racial justice.

EvenEvent Highlights:t Highlights:

Jitu Brown, National Director of the Journey for Justice Alliance (J4J), framed the luncheon with a call to recognize the power of grassroots organizing and its critical role in achieving justice for marginalized communities.

Key Discussions:

• The Power of Community Organizing: Jalida Bennett of the Chicago Health Equity Coalition shared insights into how community organizing has led to real policy changes that have benefited marginalized groups in Chicago.

• The Msaada Center: Ayoka Samuels, representing Black Women’s Health, presented the critical work being done at the Msaada Center, a hub for addressing health disparities in Black communities.

• State of Black Chicago: A deep dive into the institutional challenges faced by Black Chicago was provided by Stacy Davis-Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union, and Rod Wilson, Executive Director of the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. The conversation shed light on issues like systemic racism in education, economic inequality, and the need for increased community investment.

National Racial Equity Summit

The summit served as the main event of the weekend, bringing together community organizers, union leaders, and elected officials to discuss the pressing need for racial justice reforms across multiple sectors. Emphasizing both grassroots victories and institutional challenges, the summit provided a space for leaders to reflect on progress and strategize for the future.

Key Moments:

• Mayor Brandon Johnson kicked off the event with an impassioned speech about the transformative power of grassroots organizing. He emphasized that systemic change begins at the local level and that leaders must continue to fight for racial equity. Chicago's commitment to this cause, he stated, remains stronger than ever.

• Rod Wilson and Jalida Bennett shared the ongoing struggle to keep Mercy Hospital open, a critical healthcare resource for underserved communities. Their call to protect essential health services resonated as a crucial issue in the broader fight for racial equity.

• Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) delivered a powerful address, stressing the federal government’s role in supporting grassroots movements. He spoke on the interconnected struggles across education, housing, and healthcare, urging for a holistic approach to achieve racial equity.

•  Representatives from across the nation presented the Equity, Opportunity, and Empowerment Quality of Life (EOE QOL) Platform, which advocates for critical issues including education, housing, environmental justice, health care, economic investment, and public safety.

•  Prominent leaders such as Stacy Davis-Gates, Princess Moss (NEA Vice President), and Congressman Jamaal Bowman expressed their commitment to advancing the EOE QOL platform in their respective areas of influence. Statements of support were also made by key figures from AFT, SEIU, and the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools.

• The event concluded with a powerful call to action led by Jitu Brown. Attendees were encouraged to make firm commitments to implementing the EOE QOL agenda by collaborating across cities and sectors to advance racial equity and justice.

  
  

Sustainable Community Schools Study Tour

The final event was a hands-on Sustainable Community Schools Study Tour, offering participants an inside look at successful community school models in Chicago. The tour began with opening remarks by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Jitu Brown, followed by a panel discussion on the transformative impact of sustainable community schools.

Participants visited Drake Elementary and Cameron Elementary, where they met with school principals and educators, exploring firsthand the role these schools play in fostering a holistic learning environment that addresses the academic, emotional, and social needs of students.

The tour concluded with a vision to expand this model to other cities, ensuring that schools remain the center of community life, serving not just as places of learning but as hubs for overall well-being and support.

Event Overview:

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Jitu Brown opened the tour with remarks emphasizing the importance of community schools as a model for equitable education reform.

Experts such as Dr. Monique Redeaux (Illinois Federation of Teachers) and Stacy Davis-Gates (Chicago Teachers Union) explained how sustainable community schools prioritize the whole child, offering wraparound services that address academic, social, and emotional needs.

Attendees visited Dyett High School, a beacon for the sustainable schools movement, to see firsthand how the school integrates academic excellence with community services. Principal Doreatha Butler highlighted key programs that support students’ academic and personal growth.

Participants toured two additional schools—Drake Elementary and Cameron Elementary—to observe sustainable education practices in action. At each stop, school principals shared stories of transformation, illustrating how community schools are creating more equitable outcomes for students and families.