In Chicago, Illinois, Mayor Brandon Johnson is a shining example of what should be done when a leader is faced with talk of hatred and racism. While answering questions from various reporters at a press conference, Johnson made sure to be crystal clear about how he feels about calling undocumented individuals ‘illegal aliens.’ He proves that you are able to lead and understand what situations are happening around you without needing to put down minorities.
In the above video, Mayor Brandon Johnson is answering questions at a press conference, while accompanied by what appear to be other members of his office. The video begins shortly after one reporter, who was later identified as William J. Kelly, asks a question concerning illegal aliens. While responding, Johnson makes a note to say undocumented citizen rather than illegal alien, which angered the reporter.
The reporter then shoots back at Johnson, saying that illegal alien is the “legal term.” Fortunately, he had no idea who he was speaking with. In response, Johnson, a black man, explains that if they really wanted to talk legality, then “the legal term for my people were slaves. You want me to use that term too?“
While the reporter tries to speak out against Johnson, the Mayor continues his thought, saying that regardless of what the circumstance that these people are facing is, they should still be treated as though they’re human beings. More specifically, he says, “the last thing I’m going to do is accept that type of racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”
The comments also agree with the Mayor, with the most liked comment saying, ““Aliens” and “slaves” are extremely dehumanizing terms. That reporter needs to do more research before speaking.” What’s interesting is this reporter’s choice of venue to argue with the Mayor. I’m unsure of how many other reporters were also in the room, but I’m sure there were many others present who were witnesses to his racism. Other commentators were just as upset at the reporter, with another top comment saying, “That’s not the legal term, that’s the racist term.”
Brandon Johnson is the 57th Mayor of Chicago, having assumed the position in 2023, bringing about various changes to the city, including appointing new members to the Chicago Board of Education and removing the red tape to streamline housing and commercial development in the city. It’s great to see the city have a mayor who is as dedicated to its people as he is to its development.
