Chicago's Democratic Mayor, Brandon Johnson, recently announced a $17 million investment in 18 minority-owned small businesses, a move he believes encapsulates the "soul of Chicago."
This investment, he explained, is aimed at ensuring that undocumented immigrants arriving in the city are provided with food.
During a press conference, Johnson stated, "The $17 million investment for these 18 black and brown small businesses... really captures what I call the 'soul of Chicago'." The mayor further elaborated on the role these businesses have played in responding to the crisis. "I actually think it's quite fitting that we are in this wonderful small business because it has been black and brown small businesses that have stepped up in this moment, in this crisis, to respond to these families who are arriving here," he added.
The investment, a collaboration between the city of Chicago, the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and BJ's Market among others, is directed towards minority-owned businesses. The initiative has reportedly led to a surge in revenue for the participating businesses, enabling them to fulfill more food orders for the city's undocumented immigrants.
When questioned earlier in February about the impact of the border crisis on Chicago, Johnson responded with a passionate defense of his administration's efforts. Do you not understand that you have not had a mayor like me?" he retorted. "I have a wife, I have children, they have schedules, and plus, we still have public safety that we have to address, we still have the unhoused that we have to address, I still have a budget that I have to address, and Im doing all of that with a black wife raising 3 black children."
Johnson has previously attributed the influx of undocumented immigrants in Chicago to Texas, accusing the state of sending more undocumented immigrants to the area. The mayor's recent investment announcement underscores his commitment to addressing the needs of these individuals through the support of local businesses.
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