Dupage Policy Journal

Jeanne Ives, a former state legislator and founder of Breakthrough Ideas, has raised concerns over a video featuring Mayor Brandon Johnson wishing Chicago residents "Happy Africa Day." Ives said that if the video is authentic and not AI-generated, "every Democrat should disown him."

"What the hell is wrong with this guy," said M Ives. "If this isn't AI created and a mistake, then every Democrat should disown him."

Ives' comments were in response to Mayor Johnson's video, where he acknowledged the contributions of African communities. According to Johnson, "The African diaspora can be found in cities and countries around the globe and right here in Chicago. Our proud African communities have made indelible contributions to the growth and fabric of our amazing city." He added, "So this Africa Day, let us take a moment to celebrate the achievements of the people of Africa, the progress made by African nations, and the traditions and culture they have shared with us. And let us also show them that we will embrace and support them as they continue to overcome and face their challenges head-on."

SCreenshot of Jeanne Ives' May 26 post on X | X

Africa Day commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This information is provided by the webpage on Africa Day 2025 from the African Union.

Mayor Brandon Johnson has been an advocate for policies such as supporting the Chicago Teachers Union and sanctuary city initiatives. In March, he testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in Washington, D.C., alongside other mayors including Boston's Michelle Wu, New York City's Eric Adams, and Denver's Mike Johnston. A CBS report indicated that Johnson defended his immigration policies during this hearing. He said: "As mayor of Chicago, nothing is more important to me than the safety and well-being of all residents. We must not let mischaracterizations and fear-mongering obscure the reality that Chicago's crime rates are trending down. We still have a long way to go, but sensationalizing tragedy in the name of political expediency is not governing; it's grandstanding."

Jeanne Ives previously served six years as an Illinois State Representative for House District 42. She ran for governor in 2018 and sought election to represent Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020.