Translate:
BRANDON JOHNSON IS ELECTED MAYOR OF CHICAGO
In A Close Race, Some Elected Officials Supported Opponent Paul Vallas
Paul Vallas Concedes with 49 % OF VOTES
City's South and West Sides Turned Out For A Clear Brandon Johnson Victory
It was a hard fought battle, and after many high profile endorsements from respected elected officials and community leaders, in the end former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas had to concede that he was not the voters' choice to lead Chicago as Mayor. He thanked his supporters, acknowledging the tremendous amount of work that went into the campaign that fell short of 50% and even with the uncounted mail in ballots, there were not enough votes outstanding to bring a victory.
"I'm honored and humbled by all of your support. I ran for Mayor to bring this city together and it's clear based on the result tonight that the city is deeply divided. So tonight, even though we believe that every vote should be counted, I called Brandon Johnson and told him that I absolutely expect him to be the next Mayor of Chicago."
Flanked by supporters, elected officials and former candidates who endorsed him, Paul Vallas noted the ideas presented during forums and said he offered Brandon Johnson his full support.
Photo by Parthenia Luke
SEN. BERNIE SANDERS, MLK III Endorse brandon johnson
Pavillion Rally Boosts Johnson's Mayoral Campaign
Vermont Senator and former Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders flew into Chicago Friday, March 30, 2023, to endorse Bernie Sanders for Mayor at a major rally held at the UIC Pavilion at 525 S. Racine. The packed house was reminiscent of the citywide rallies during the days of the campaign for Harold Washington to later became the first African American Mayor of Chicago.
Also lending support for the campaign and urging voters to recognize the historical signicance of this moment was Martin Luther King, III, whose symbolic presence reminded voters of the struggles to obtain political power in America and the rewards when election campaigns were victorious throughout the North and South.
Prior to the rally, some polls reported Paul Vallas' voter support at 49% and Brandon Johnson's voter support at 44%. After the rally, some polls showed Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas in a virtual dead heat.
Also speaking at the rally was Congressman Jonathan Jackson and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who reminded voters of the critical issues of housing, education, health care and public safety that are on the line in this election. At the end of his speech, Sen. Bernie Sanders held up Commissioner Brandon Johnson's hand in a sign of victory. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Martin Luther King III Urges Voters to Elect Brandon Johnson
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Joins Son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Joins Son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Reminding voters of the significance of the election date of April 4 as also the anniversary of the assassination of his father, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Martin Luther King III's endorsement of Brandon Johnson was a powerful symbol at the Pavilion rally. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Joins Son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Joins Son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Joins Son, Congressman Jonathan Jackson
Also lending a powerful symbolic presence at the Pavilion rally was Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., who was instrumental in the election of Mayor Harold Washington and whose Presidential runs in 1984 and 1988 paved the way twenty years later for the victory of Barack Obama in 2008. Recognized as a Civil Rights icon, Rev. Jackson earlier endorsed Brandon Johnson, as did his son Congressman Jonathan Jackson. Congressman Jackson also gave a rousing speech at the rally, reminding voters of all the issues the new mayor will need to face and the importance of electing a candidate who is sensitive to the needs of all communities. Prominentcommunity activists and elected officials have been largely divided on this election, seemingly basing their choices to endorse one candidate over the other on previous political relationships. Rally speakers reminded voters that the margin of victory was dependent upon which side got their supporters to the polls. The undecided vote is being courted by both candidates in a series of campaign ads and mailings sent daily to households throughout Chicago's communities. Photo by Parthenia Luke
Entertainment before the speakers at the Pavilion appealed to the large contingent of youthful supporters. Photo by Parthenia Luke
An enthusiastic multi-ethnic, multi-generational crowd filled the seats at the UIC Pavilion for Brandon Johnson. Photo by Parthenia Luke.
Contestants Honor The Nation's Flag and Pray For Success
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
The 2023 PBR Competition started out with a bang, and after the explosions came a heartfelt rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and a fervent prayer for the safety of the bull riders and the success of the event. Round 1 began on Friday, January 13, followed by Round 2 and the championship round on Saturday, January 14. Photo by John L. Alexander.
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
As a skilled cowboy stayed on hand to lasso the hard-to-handle bulls, a comedic clown kept the crowds entertained. All competing bull riders got on one bull each in Rounds 1and 2. Following Round 2 Saturday evening, the riders’ individual two-round scores were totaled, with the Top 12 advancing to the championship round. Photo by John L. Alexander
In This "Unleash The Beast" Contest, The Beast Often Wins
Bull Riders Are Kept Safe While Audiences Are Entertained
In This "Unleash The Beast" Contest, The Beast Often Wins
"Unleash The Beast" is the title of this event, which travels across the country each year, billed as the ultimate showdown of man vs. beast. Contestants must stay on the bull for a minimum of 8 seconds while using only one hand to hold on to the rope around the bull's neck. and touching no other part of the bull or themselves. Photo by John L. Alexander.