On July 9th, 2023, Southwest Organizing Project came together with United Power and dozens of other community organizations from Chicago to hold Mayor Brandon Johnson accountable to his promise of meeting within 90 days of his election. With over 1,200 individuals from different sides of Chicago joining at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, the power of community showed in full force. During this event, testimonials were given by a few, but very powerful voices. The outcries of anguish over the system that destroyed their communities were only overshadowed by the hope of the work to come with the help of the mayor.
The Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, listened to the concerns and plans that these organizations put together to address housing issues and create spaces to bring generational wealth to their communities. The big ask for this event being, “Would the Mayor agree to working with the present organizations to get 500 new homes built on the south and west sides of Chicago before the end of his first term?” and the resounding cheer that echoed throughout the building upon getting his commitment gave proof that the community members and organizations present were ready to take the steps to hold each other and the mayor accountable.
