Black media next on agenda
As a continuation of his Lakeside Chats, Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared before the Business Leadership Council (BLC) for a “State of Black business” address and assured African American small business owners they will not be left behind.
During a June 23, late-night panel discussion at 317 N. Clark Street, Johnson not only listed the many human investments his administration has made but assured small business owners of his commitment to honor and practice Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of Black businesses which in the past have been left behind.
The “State of Black Business” was convened by Business Leadership Council (BLC) CEO Keiana Barrett in partnership with the Chicago Urban League, headed by Karen Freeman-Wilson, President/CEO.
Johnson was accompanied by panelists who provided information about the different city portals and services available to help Black businesses open and expand.
The panel included Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright, Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts, and Chief Small Business Officer Lotika Pai.
The mayor vowed to make city processes more business friendly and to cut the red tape that has hampered small businesses in the past, including reducing the wait times for permits, licenses, and other routine Chicago business approvals.
The panelists also discussed special funding opportunities to develop housing with the city’s $135 million investment and at O’Hare and Midway Airports.
The senior officials and the mayor also talked about the city’s work with local community organizations such as the Chicago Urban League and Chatham Business Association. Both organizations prepare small business owners to grow, scale and compete in city and other economic opportunities.
During the discussion, again Mayor Johnson made it clear he was unapologetically in favor of investing in Black businesses, given their importance in the Black community, especially in the areas of employment and philanthropy.
When asked if Black newspaper publishers would be included in their policy agenda, Barrett told the Chicago Crusader, “We will be inclusive of the Black media in our partnerships.”
Barrett said the issue of Black media not getting its fair share of advertising will be included in their policy mission and will be discussed in future meetings.
Explaining, Barrett said the BLC reaches out to both federal and city officials in forming and seeking inclusion on various policy issues and that outreach would now include the Black media and acknowledgement of its growing need to receive advertising revenue.
Barrett said BLC helps to develop strategy with the goal of providing Black businesses with “tangible outcomes.”
In the interim, Barrett urged publishers to send emails stating their needs and concerns to her at [email protected].
Mayor Johnson talked about cutting the red tape that sometimes hinders or prevents Black businesses from getting contracts or opening their businesses.
He vowed to streamline the process of getting licenses and other permits needed to open their businesses.
“This is neither the first nor the last time we will have this conversation about collaboration” in being included in both the federal and city government programs, Barrett stated.
“It was great to be a part of a collaborative effort among Black business organizations to strengthen the business community and discuss concrete measures to create opportunity,” said Freeman-Wilson.
Mayor Johnson took the opportunity to talk about his investing in people “for a better, stronger, and safer Chicago” in the 2025 agenda.
He spoke of the decrease in homicides and shootings in 2024, which he said represented the lowest numbers since 2019. He launched a strategic Chicago Police Department Robbery Task Force in May, 2024 which he said resulted in a decline in robberies by 25 percent.
Johnson has promoted 200 detectives to focus on solving crimes, leading to the highest homicide clearance rate since 2015.
He has invested millions in community-led violence prevention programs to support victims and keep communities safe.
And Johnson said his administration has built over 1,459 affordable housing units since he took office in 2023 and over 1,948 are currently under construction.
This year, Johnson said he will launch a $2 million rental assistance program to help Chicagoans pay their rent during emergencies.
Having ended the New Arrivals Mission, Johnson has now launched the One System Initiative which ensures 24/7 access to shelter for unhoused Chicagoans.