Johnson parallels himself to Harold Washington in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson has compared himself to Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor, in an effort to connect with African American voters amid a migrant crisis that has strained community relations. During a live radio interview on WVON-AM, he acknowledged the need to regain support, as his approval ratings are currently very low. Johnson spoke about his plans to improve the lives of Black Chicagoans, citing the creation of affordable housing units, summer jobs, and apprenticeship programs for young people. He emphasized that he is focusing investments in South and West Side neighborhoods, aiming to revive areas that have not seen significant investment for decades. He also highlighted his commitment to mental health resources, stating he has reopened clinics that had closed since Washington's time. Johnson expressed gratitude for the leaders before him, including Washington, who set the framework for progress in the city. However, he faced tough questions from listeners, particularly regarding how to justify spending on migrants while many Black residents remain homeless. In his defense, Johnson explained that the city is responding to an unexpected situation created by other states and insisted that a significant number of people in shelters are Chicagoans. He claimed that for the first time, there is no waiting list for families seeking shelter, signaling a new approach to address homelessness in the city.