Chicago Reporter (https://www.chicagoreporter.com/author/curtis-black/)
Curtis is an opinion writer for The Chicago Reporter.
Unlike so many times before, in the case of Laquan McDonald, justice worked. But not without the help of journalists, street activists, and extraordinary public scrutiny.
The failures of Rahm Emanuel’s education policies show the need for an elected school board and more accountability.
The mayoral race has turned into a rare opportunity for Chicago to resist autocratic politics and have a robust debate on the critical issues facing the city.
Although Rahm Emanuel is bowing out, the system that conspired to cover up the shooting must still be held accountable.
Parents have warned about the risks of closing and consolidating schools for years, but officials continue with plans that jeopardize student safety.
Like Ferguson, the city is using public safety systems punitively to raise money in ways that drive poor blacks and Latinos into debt and unemployment.
After years of unfulfilled promises and inadequate housing initiatives, it’s time for elected officials to get serious about integrating the city.
Unions are facing a new political landscape, but state workers have every reason to stick with them, union leaders say.
As Rahm Emanuel courts flashy projects amid a slew of scandals, it seems the mayor is more accountable to big-money donors than to neighborhood constituents.
The Chicago Police Department fails to follow the law and its own directives to allow those in custody a phone call to a lawyer within one hour of arrest, advocates say.