In the world of politics, there’s always a brand new circus act to entertain us. This week, the ringmaster of this particular spectacle is none other than Chicago’s own Mayor Brandon Johnson. He’s got a flair for the dramatic and an impeccable knack for historical inaccuracies. In a bold declaration, he decided to reframe Chicago’s history by claiming it was built by slaves and indigenous people. But let’s pause for a reality check. It’s like he’s reading from a script meant for a late-night parody show rather than delivering a serious speech as a mayor.
The area where Chicago now stands was originally inhabited by Native American tribes including the Potawatomi, Miami, Sauk, Fox, and Meskwaki. Contrary to the article’s implication, these indigenous groups were integral to the area’s history long before European colonization. Additionally, the first permanent non-indigenous settler was Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, a man of African descent who arrived in the 1780s and is considered the “Father of Chicago.”
Chicago was officially incorporated in 1837, and this development postdates Jean Baptiste Point du Sable’s settlement, which began many years earlier. It is important to acknowledge the role of both indigenous peoples and early settlers like du Sable in the establishment and growth of Chicago, which the original article fails to accurately represent.
Meanwhile, while discussing these tales of old, Chicago continues to wrestle with harsh realities today. Escalating violence rates, particularly the staggering numbers over holiday weekends, paint a grimmer picture of the challenges the city faces. Even with the overflowing issues of crime, the mayor seemed adamant to turn away potential federal aid spearheaded by none other than former President Trump. Apparently, Johnson sees the spirited option of a protest more fitting than actual solutions to enhance safety in his city.
Calls for aid might seem like a political faux pas to Johnson, but when city leaders like Joe Scarborough point out the obvious dangers, maybe it’s time to set aside the megaphone and open a history book. Chicago, at least according to logical thinking and historical fact, was indeed shaped by indigenous peoples and individuals of African descent such as Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Echoes of Johnson’s rally cry might sound impressive to some, but to many, they only serve as yet another act in the comical soap opera of modern politics. As Trump hints at plans for a grand crime crackdown, one can only hope for more practical solutions to prevail over fantasy-laden speeches.
