You everybody for joining us for this committee on health
and human relations. Uh, I am chairwoman rossana Rodriguez
Sanchez. The time is 105 on February, 18th of 2025. And
this meeting is now called to order.
On today's agenda, we will review resolution R
2024000012436. Which was introduced by Alderman Lopez to
express support for victims of slavery.
Before we begin, I will call the role to establish Quorum.
Vice chair Ramirez.
Alderman Robinson.
Uh, alderwoman Gutierrez.
Uh, Alderman Lopez.
Uh, Alderman Coleman.
Alderman, chol Lopez.
Other 1.
Uh, Other Woman Cruise.
Alderman Ramirez. Rosa.
Alderman Lawson.
Elder woman, I hope and worth all the women had in share
woman, Rodriguez, we have 7 members present. We have a
quorum
Um, I don't see any non members.
We have a request for remote participation, citing rule 59
from other woman Haden and Alderman Janie. Um, can I get a
motion to approve, the remote participation of this elders?
Other 1 so moves. All those in favor. Please signify by
saying, I
Opposed say name in the opinion of the chair of the eyes,
have it?
Um, alderwoman Haden.
Okay, they're not here yet. When they come in they will be
um
counted towards Forum, we have 4, um,
Public speakers for public comment, we are going to start
the period. Now, it's limited to 30 minutes and each
speaker is going to be limited to 3 minutes.
um,
we didn't receive any virtual um any requests for virtual
public speakers. Um so we're going to start public comment
with Miss Jessica Jackson.
Track of time.
Go ahead, ma'am.
so,
the mere fact that you all have this, um,
Platform with 1 second, Mr. Jackson, I don't think your mic
is. We can't hear you around the record. Yeah, let's just
make sure your mics on sorry.
Okay, turn back.
Flip my time back. There you go. That's fine. Um,
Thank you. The mere fact that, um,
This platform is being held and talking about expressions
of slavery and you don't even have any black Alderman
there.
Now, it's not your fault.
It's a testimony of just how sorry and pathetic, the black
ultimate are in City Hall, which has allowed you all to do.
all type of things that you all shouldn't be allowed to do.
But the fact of the matter is, the fact that you have
Africans in here today talking about expressions of
slavery.
Slavery in America happened to us black Americans, not
them.
In fact, the Africans of today don't even associate
themselves with black Americans.
They don't even associate themselves with us and their
little Minds.
They think they're Superior to us. So for them to come over
here and think that they should be getting some type of
Rights.
And in the in the conversation of slavery, it's a straight
up insult. Now, what you all are trying to do is bring them
in on this immigration junk?
That's what y'all trying to do. You trying to bring them in,
on this immigration junk, when, you know, dog on, well, the
conversation of slavery is not behind black immigrants up
to today. It's behind black Americans, and you all have yet
to address that issue. And you Sanchez. Rosa Rodriguez.
Sanchez, you won't even give me the Dignity of talking
about the hate crime, bill for black people that I was
trying to get going and you're going to have the audacity
to try to bring them in here and try to front.
Like you trying to do something for black people, they not
black Americans but we're not going to waste our time in
here. The real fight is going to be taking place federally.
So whatever y'all think y'all going to do today in a, in a
just, just a matter of time. It's going to get undone
before y'all get real comfortable. Don't pack don't, don't
don't unpack your clothes because you gonna get sent back.
You better check that paperwork because if it ain't right,
ice coming to get y'all, too. You, I don't care if your
skin is black, you don't get to come over here.
And ride the Black American wagon for something that you
think you gonna get. Don't look at that clock. Like, you
rushing me because I'm gonna see you
In a form, much bigger than this, in a form. That's gonna
be bigger than 3 minutes. You can believe that. And
anything you think that you gonna do today? It's gonna get
undone Africans, are not black Americans, the slave trade
was on us, not them, they don't even associate with us.
Don't play no games to a black people. That's why the
Democrat Party in trouble right now messing with black
people not them.
Not them.
We got the power in America, you better understand that.
Thank you. Miss Jackson. Um,
Next, um, I have Mr. Sims
Rosa think it's funny. We getting you too believe that
Rosa.
They think they are. You can say my name Taiwan I did. I
you could say Taiwan Sims Taiwan the same gentleman. You've
been ignoring or y'all. This committee has been ignoring
concerning human rights.
But hey, how good afternoon committee?
Law man, sitting next to you.
Y'all chose to attack me and my constitutional way. Why not
observe my human rights? Like for the fact that I've been
homeless? Still
I woke up. You know, where I woke up this morning. I woke
up at 8:25 North Christiana Avenue Chicago Illinois, 60651
Salvation Army, the Freedom Center, right. However, my hmis
number is 355 061. Also, my chhs number is G 0154234.
These numbers should have observed. Well, been in some
consideration into getting me housing. 1 is from 2024
almost a year ago but the other 1 is from July.
2021.
Still no housing.
Still I wake up in an emergency shelter where there's a
older gentleman 73 years old dealing with incontinence who
has to urinate in a cup. But he got these young people
around them, berating them about it. But there's also was
was a Hispanic gentleman possibly older than him. That just
kept pissing on himself because he was dealing with
inconsonance, but he is trying to get off a military
military type c.
Later in the night. This is inhumane treatment.
But hey, we have a humanitarian supposedly sitting in at
the head of this committee.
Right. Take the mask off because Kyle was wearing masks. I
keep telling y'all this cow was wet masks. Let's let's
let's just face it head on for the fact that yes, there's
an agenda. There's an agenda against black Americans.
There's an agenda against the American people. Write Rosa.
Right. Hey Mr. C, Joe Lopez head of housing in real estate.
Why am I still homeless?
And why am I still homeless Rosa? Why am I still homeless
committee?
Why am I still homeless?
Why is the public? What is 70%?
black Americans homeless in the city of Chicago, their
city, and yet these individuals who y'all bought over here,
the new arrival initiative, you all have housed, the
governments, family got housing at what they own a home. In
2 years, there's been Americans striving for decades to
have home ownership.
Tell me, how does this make sense? But once again I
understand her pain. We're going to have a discussion about
individuals who are not in this country who have not
strived for civil rights who have not fought lived died.
Only soil As Americans. We are Americans.
but there's no observation for the American people, we're
going to have these 4 long discussions about what
But here, I'm a reality standing in the room.
At the failure and at the disregard.
Of American people. So help me out once again. See Joe
Miss humanitarian, Rosa, and the rest.
Thank you for your comments. Uh, next I have George
Blakemore
My name is Mister K. I have a title.
Anyway, I have the concerns still. I'm outraged. I see these
these Mexicans, while a a black people.
blue black people from americania, wherever saying that they
are a modern-day slavery and we want to give them sanctuary
when you have millions of black men and women and boys, and
girls right here, that you're not giving Sanctuary, you're
not giving them jobs, good contracts and service. I'm
outraged and 1 black, a play, look all Mexicans.
All Hispanics. Then uh it's something wrong with our
Let me say modern day. Slavery, American, I know the
history but they you got modern day slavery right here in
the city of Chicago.
You got black faces with and how places selling black
people out, giving them Sanctuary. But let's, let's go to
the Hispanics.
Now, no, no. Did you come over on a slave ship?
Have you ever been enslaved in America?
but when you away the across the Rio Grande of Puerto Rico,
or wherever you, where Puerto Ricans supposed to be, uh,
uh, part of the United States, it's something evil here.
It's something bad here. And what's here, is that modern
day slavery.
When the black man go call got free, 1415, whatever
Amendment. But what did he go right back on the plantation
as a sharecropper? It's
All elected officials.
Do they know?
It's terrible, Mr. Blakemore, how many blacks do you have?
I see 1. So right there.
All Hispanic saying modern day slave?
They you don't, they didn't come over. Even if you came
over, you didn't come over on rape.
You didn't come over the whole world here with me. Got the
wrong 1, you see. And don't tell me where the move. This is
shameful, this is evil. This is wicked.
Wicked load out.
All Hispanics.
Oh and did you wait across with your friends? Can you come
on the slave ship? Did you know you did and we still on the
right hand Plantation in a can
And for that in your back America.
Me.
if they came over they didn't come on the slave ship know
they didn't
That's right. And getting something good.
Thank you, thank you for your comments. Uh, our next uh,
and last
Public comment is by FASA alum.
Good afternoon members of the committee on health and human
relations. My name is fasika alum.
And I'm here today in response to this proposed resolution
which raised the number of questions and concerns for me
about it. Its intent and factual accuracy.
first, you know to clarify, it talks about modern-day
slavery sighting, the global slavery index as its source of
data, which by the way, defines modern day slavery as
including forced labor, forced marriage.
Debt bondage, forced commercial, sexual exploitation, and
human trafficking.
so, according to this index,
For those that may not know the top 5 countries for
modern-day slavery. Are North Korea itria Mauritania Saudi
Arabia and turkey.
Furthermore Asia and the Pacific have the largest number of
of people in modern-day slavery at 29.3 million people. So,
my question is, this resolution only focuses on Africa? And
I'm curious about that selectively out outrage. So why is
that we should be opposing? Modern-day slavery everywhere.
And then in subsequent, uh, paragraph it mentions the
ongoing enslavement of Africans in Arab states and sexual
trafficking of women signing, a number of countries, Libya
Algeria, Lebanon Oman, and so on. But what this resolution
does, not address is why and how people from sub-Saharan
African countries end up in these places and spaces.
That these are largely migrants fleeing persecution, armed
conflict, and severe economic hardship, that African
migrants seeking refuge in Europe and Crossing failed
States. Like, Libya are often targeted and exploited. By
criminal gang gangs looking to capitalize on their
vulnerability. That women, who travel to Arab countries
with Promises of work are deceived into situations of
forced labor, physical abuse, and sexual exploitation. I
have family members that would identify with that.
And what this resolution does not mention is that these
migrants are very much like the migrants that came to
Chicago in the last couple of years. So, Alderman Lopez,
you you proposed this resolution. So are you really for the
liberation of migrants across the globe, if you're not for
the liberation of migrants in your own community?
Lastly, many of these countries mentioned in this
resolution, many of the people from these countries have
are seeking Refuge. They are refugees seeking legal
Pathways to imitate. However, this resolution does not
highlight the decline in refugees that being accepted from
these countries. Yet, it lays the blame elsewhere. So I'm
not convinced that this resolution comes from a genuine
intent to stand in solidarity with Africans or other people
facing exploitation prosecution and modern today's slavery.
We would welcome and support such a resolution, but this 1
is not it.
Thank you for your comments. Um, our first item of business
is the
thank you.
Is the approval of the rule 45 report from our January 2025
meeting. Can I get a motion to approve the January 2025
rule, 45 report, some move by Elder woman Fuentes all those
in favor. Signify by saying I
In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. We will now
move on to matters before the committee item 1 on the
agenda is Alderman Lopez resolution number R 2024000012436,
which was introduced to express support of victims of
slavery.
We have a number of guests with us today, including
commissioner and human relations. Commissioner Andra, as
well as some video text-image.
Thank you, chairman.
And good chairwoman, excuse me and good morning, or good
afternoon. Now, members of the committee. Um,
I'd like to thank you for.
Scheduling, today's hearing to discuss.
Chicago standing in solidarity with all of those who are
victims of modern-day slavery.
We can recognize the the impact the historical impact
slavery has had in our country.
In our states and in our cities.
That is not in congruent.
With being able to recognize exactly what's going on in the
world today.
42 members of the city council.
Signed on to this resolution.
Standing calling for the city of Chicago to stand in
solidarity.
With those who are the victims of modern-day slavery, human
trafficking exploitation and persecution.
On the greater continent of Africa.
That's not to say that. It doesn't happen anywhere else.
As 1 of our speakers mentioned.
But we do know that it is often overlooked.
And so many things are.
On the continent of Africa itself.
Just recently.
For the city council.
I can say that. I actually spoke.
With regards to the persecution and killing of 5,000
Catholics in Nigeria.
And many had no idea what I was referring to.
Our own State Department.
Recently called out.
What was happening in Sudan and it was barely a fifth page
article in the newspaper.
Many people look to Chicago for leadership as they should.
being the most American of American cities and having taken
up many issues and led the way on many things that are of
higher moral standing,
this resolution is no different.
This resolution.
speaks to the
Fate.
That Muslims Jews Christians and everyone in between face.
Across dozens of states on the African continent.
Burkina Faso Cameroon the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Libya Mali. Mozambique Niger, Nigeria, Somalia Sudan,
Lebanon.
Even Saudi Arabia and the United Emirates.
This is something that has touched many corners of the
African continent.
But this isn't my story to tell.
Ladies and gentlemen.
This story belongs to the victims.
Who have experienced this firsthand?
Who have seen?
The degradation of humanity, bless you.
Live. And in person.
And who are willing to bravely stand up and tell their
story?
in the hopes that the city of Chicago will stand with them,
Joining us today.
Are Simon Deng.
Of South Sudan.
Who was enslaved as a child and has spoken up.
Gloria Hulu.
The head of the Leia Foundation.
Representing Gia sharibu.
Who is taken captive in a school raid and forced into
slavery and human trafficking.
That would Sall, Sall Sall.
Muslim Refugee from Dar 4.
And a spokesman for his tribe.
Who was under constant?
Assault.
Francis pil, bolbok.
A Dinka treisman from South Sudan who was enslaved for 10
years.
And wrote of his story, in my Escape From Slavery.
Stephen Anita.
president and co-founder of Icon the international
Committee of Nigeria on Nigeria a country that
As I said, has suffered some of the worst attacks murders
and kidnappings in modern history.
Reverence of Manny kapang, the author of Theologian and
researcher.
Who himself has been a Target in Nigeria.
And Hassan El Kyer.
Chicago of the Chicago mauritanian, community.
An anti-slavery activists for Mauritania West Africa.
which has a country which the global slavery index has
previously ranked as the nation with the largest,
Percentage of enslaved, people.
Madam chairman, I'd welcome all of them to give their
stories at this time.
Can we have the witnesses uh come forward to the mic?
You can take a seat on the table in front.
I want to acknowledge Elder woman, Cruise Elder woman,
Gutierrez and Alderman jansy. Um, who are now present for
the role.
Um, in the interest of time because we have a lot of
speakers. I ask that we limit testimony to 5 minutes, we
will make sure to let you know when uh
When the 5 minutes have passed.
Uh, are we starting with Simon?
Is that okay?
Go ahead, sir.
Good afternoon. Good afternoon first. Let me thanks.
Members of the city council of Chicago.
Thank you very much for having me before you today.
In front of your committee.
I'm humbled.
To be here.
And more. Thanks goes to.
Dear friends.
Who might be come to know very shortly.
Councilman's Lopez.
My name is Simon Den.
I'm from Sudan.
By tribe.
When I was 9 years old.
I was kidnapped.
From southern Sudan.
Brought to a north and I was given away as a gift.
Members of the councils.
when we talk about the slavery,
as being mentioned,
Is getting started with me.
Slavery goes back.
Even to the time of Romans.
The time of pharaoh.
An extra.
And others.
I become a victims.
In my country, simply because of my color.
every single person in Sudan, a black persons,
In the eyes of the Sudanese, who called themselves Arabs.
You are an Abit, a slaves.
No matter who you are.
The people of southern Sudan.
Fought.
To resent.
What being imposed on them?
Where they have to pay a big price.
4 million. Southern Sudanese was a Slaughter.
In the names.
Of slavery by the government who consider itself as an Arab
in African country.
People of southern Sudan.
Resisted.
because their brothers in the north rejected them,
Today Sudan is not longer 1 country.
To Sudan today is 2 countries and this reasons.
Of the dividing 1 country into 2 is because of the issue of
the slavery.
Of thousands. Southern Sudanese.
Was taken into the slavery.
Up to today.
Thousand is still in bondage.
As a slaves in the northern Sudan.
When I came here, I came purposely
I came here.
With 1 ticket, a ticket of no return.
And I become an activist using my freedoms to free those
who might live behind.
Because they are in a situation where they cannot defend
themselves where they cannot say no.
Dear members of the councils.
when we talk about the slavery,
I was hurt.
Hurt by people who look like me.
They don't know what it, what it mean to be a Slave.
As a child, I went through a lot.
I went through a lot even that I cannot even describe to
you.
most the thing that I went through,
Because I was not being considered as a human being.
I was a slave.
Kids in my age.
They will gain on me.
To torture me.
And then we call it in Arabic.
with the slave for
fun in which I cannot defend myself.
All I have to do.
Is to Weaponry like this.
And cry for mercy.
And that's why.
When I become.
Free persons.
I use every single minute.
Of my time.
Even to liberate 1.
And I used to go back.
Using other avenues.
Other countries.
Through Kenyans.
To go and liberate people from the slavery in Sudan.
These are facts.
to a point that we have to take
Members.
Of Americans leaders.
In Sudan, to prove to show.
The evidence of the slavery in that country.
When we talk about slavery, it is not something.
That the human being.
Should be subject to.
Mr. I'm sorry to interrupt your time has expired. Do you
want to wrap up? Sure.
what I want to say to the members of the councils
It is in the very States.
Instead of Illinois.
When we have a courageous leader.
Abraham Lincoln's.
Who issue emancipation?
Today.
With all my tears, I'm appealing to you.
Look in your conscience members of the councils.
And support the resolutions, which Mr. Lopez put before you
and I beg you.
just,
For 1 person.
For 1 person to get his freedom because of what your
actions.
Thank you.
Thank you for your comments. Um for sharing your testimony
with us. Um, I'm going to move to Gloria Paulo.
Thank you very much, ma'am.
You will have 5 minutes and then I will tell you when you
have 1 minute left so that you can
Wrap-up. Thank you. Thank you very much. And please permit
me to stand on the already established, uh, protocol that,
my brother here has done. So I give you all your respect so
that I can go straight. My name is Gloria, Assam the Pulu
and I come from Nigeria. I am a Christian woman who has
come to plead with you to please listen to The Plea that I
want to give concerning my Christian people. And not just
my Christian people because we are going to an extreme
enslavement of women and girls. I want to focus so much on
that because my brother can cover up with all the others.
But then
Even the non-christians who are moderate, Muslims are also
going through the same thing. So I want to appeal to you
today.
To help us.
To take action.
by supporting the resolution, because in my country,
we have a population of over 200 million people.
All Blacks.
And by 2025, 50 will be the fourth largest country on
Earth.
And if Nigeria is left to implode because of the extremist
activities that is going on in the country.
I don't think the wall.
It's going to be able to stand the refugees and stand.
The population that will flood everywhere. So, I beg you
today.
Because I want to use.
Women like Leah sharibu, who is a young Christian girl?
That was abducted.
On February 1928 by tomorrow. Leah sharibu is going to be 7
years in captivity.
She is just a face of thousands of girls and women.
Who are taking away from their villages.
Their parents are killed their fathers are killed. Their
brothers are killed.
Their Villages are burnt and then they are taken into
captivity.
In the hands of the extremists in the bushes.
And they are made to become sex slaves, sold to other
countries and forced to be.
Converted.
From religion, that is not their own.
And they are also written a daily basis, Leah sharibu 14,
year old.
Was taking a long side, 100 and 9 other girls.
She was the only Christian girl.
All others have regained their freedom by tomorrow. She
will be 7 years. She's still there. Why? Because she boldly
refused to renounce her Christian faith and she stands at
the face of Those whom.
We are using under my Foundation, Leah Foundation, as the
president to speak against our plight, and to plead with
the world, please?
Look at a huge black nation.
That needs to stand to support Africa and to be stable so
that the world can have its stability if you allow all of
us to go into enslavement.
All our young ones, having the youngest population on Earth.
To also become extremists. I don't know where the world is
going to be and how the world is going to be. So I beg you.
To please stand like.
the First Lady, Michelle Obama stood for 276 girls that
were taken
on May 14th.
204.
She stood and supported the H. Bring Back Our Girls.
but since that time, we have nobody
Around the world, speaking on our behalf and thousands when
I mean thousands on a weekly basis if not a daily basis.
Are going through this enslavement.
Sold as sex slaves. Mr. Do you have 1 minute left? So, I
beg you today.
To please.
Support us.
and,
Vote for the resolution. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony. Uh, next we have Stephen
andava
Thank you council members. Um, Stephen and other uh, are
represent International committee on Nigeria icon.
Uh, I would like to establish here this afternoon.
To everyone present here that I'm grateful. I my wife and
my 2 boys are grateful for the opportunity. The United
States of America has uh given to us, I came to this
country some few years ago.
and I never knew I'll be able to uh, pursue my Graduate
Studies but thankfully for the opportunity, the United
States of America has granted me with my family. I have 3
masters degree.
I have established businesses. I live in Atlanta.
So for me, yes, America is not perfect but is
self-correcting.
And it holds a place in the global community. So, I'm
really, really grateful. And also grateful to council
members who are here today, listening to us
in 2014, the whole world went wide with the adoption of
chibo guests by buku harand out was designated by
President, Obama government as foreign terrorist
organization.
There was a hashtag like Dr. Gloria Pudu earlier said.
Bring back championed by First Lady, Michelle Obama.
Till this day, half of the guests are still in captivity.
So that sex lives.
As we speak, there is still ongoing egregious atrocity,
committed against women and children in Nigeria, and even
in sub, Sahara Africa, this ahead.
UNICEF has it in their report.
Last month that over 18 million children are out of school
in Nigeria, Millions live in the internally displaced
people's camps inside their own country in Nigeria.
Because they can't go back to their homes.
Here comes with land grabbing where people have lost their
cultures.
Their civilization.
I would like to congratulate all the council members here
and also other man, Ramon Lopez for sponsoring this
resolution.
The city council of Chicago for creating time to listen to
us this afternoon, with our testimonies.
History will be kind to you that. Why the world?
Lack, the will to see.
You have the will to see and not just to see but to speak.
Long live.
The city.
Council of the city of Chicago.
Long live, the state of Illinois.
Long live, the United States of America. Thank you.
Thank you for your testimony.
Next, we have Reverend sanika Fang.
Good morning. I want to see, is this opportunity to thank
the alderman.
Lopez and other members.
Of his.
Council.
For this opportunity.
Indeed.
A lot had been said so far.
But what is happening in most countries in Africa?
uh,
by telling a story is not enough.
You just have to be there where the action is taking place
to know.
What is going on?
However,
our being here.
Is to be voices for the voiceless.
And it is our prayer that this resolution presented by the
elderman.
That God will give him a father, wider and louder voice so
that this thing will resonate throughout this country.
I stand before you today.
In Show.
That in the 21st century.
Black people are still being enslaved.
In Africa.
This horror.
Is not.
This horror is not a relic.
Of the past.
It is happening right now.
In the most or in the midst of mass killing carried out by
terrorists.
Extremists in Nigeria and across Africa.
now, when we talk terrorists,
It is difficult for some of you to know.
Who is a terrorist and what terrorism means?
I think the closest that America came to is the bombing of
the towers in New York.
But when you talk of terrorism,
Especially what is happening in Africa.
None of you here.
Has ever been sitting watching TV with your children?
Or lying down resting.
and then,
Somebody illiterate.
Unthinkable will enter your house and burn your house.
Should you arrive? Should you? Your children should
everything.
And try to kill you.
This is what terrorism in Nigeria is all about Villages are
being wiped out.
Churches are being burned.
Close.
Especially women and children, you know, in civil in war.
The greatest victims are the women and the children they
cannot run like the men, they cannot Escape.
so,
I want to.
say that, uh,
The issue of slavery.
In Africa or in Nigeria and especially the terrorism that is
happening.
Is something of concern.
People should be concerned about it, and avoid should be
raised against it.
I myself, I was a a victim.
Sleeping in the Night 2 a.m. in my house with my wife,
after we have prayed.
We went to bed to rest.
I tell you, there were guns.
Shouting asking about my, about my house. Where is the
house? Where is he?
But God, help us.
Some of you have never experienced that, so we want to
thank this city hall.
Thank the alderman.
For this resolution.
And we are calling on.
You to support this resolution.
so that
a president will be set. Others will follow.
People are being killed.
River in 1 minute left and and the numbers are staggering
adding every day.
And we don't even know.
When terrorism will finish, especially in Nigeria.
People don't sleep people. Cannot go to the Farms, people
cannot go to market, people cannot attain churches,
sometimes soldiers or police have to guard them.
When you are not living in peace.
And you are not free.
Sickness, anything can happen to your body and your mind.
So pleased, we are calling on this city hall to support the
alderman. Thank you very much.
Thank you, everyone for your testimony. Uh, next I have
here.
Did I say your name, right? Yes.
Assalam alaikum. Hello everyone.
My name is Hassan.
And this President Community monitoring in Chicago.
My father was a slave and my grandfather was a slave.
And 2 years ago, I work for 9 country to be here in
America.
I work 1 month, 5 days to be here because I need freedom.
Slavery is still exist in 12 Regional.
Of my country. Mauritania
We must need.
We must end slave in mauritanian.
Across Africa.
Slavery. It's something shame and now 2025
still have in my country.
Thank you city of the Chicago.
Thank you for the mayor. Thank you for all the uh
politician.
Old, my people, we need freedom.
I'm here right now. We need freedom.
and,
This time will be stopped slavery in my country.
And God bless America, and God bless Chicago. Thank you so
much.
Thank you for your words. Um, next I'm going to go to uh, a
virtual speaker uh Francis spiel.
Bolbok.
Can we do that? Jonathan
Right now.
Okay.
We have 2 videos though.
Should we do the videos first? Okay, so um, there are 2,
um, witness that could not be here to provide testimony and
they send videos. So we are going to watch, uh, a video of
of 4.
Took when my Mecca, um, is the first video that we have.
Hello, my name is from the ebo tribe, in eastern part of
Nigeria. My country is on that Terror assault.
I joined the United States military because of what
terrorists did uh, on American soul on September 11th 2021.
That is an example of what my people in Nigeria face every
day.
Currently my people because of Christian killing in the
northern part of Nigeria, my family fled for their life and
went back to the eastern part.
But as he stands today, these terrorists are all over the
country. Killing every killing people, killing Christians,
and nothing happens.
for example, on February 2nd 2025
These terrorists went to a church while they were having
service and killed over 40 people.
Killed the pastor and burned the church down.
America fled its own slave. America always stand for for
the victims of Oppression, all over the world.
Therefore, please people of Chicago pass. This resolution
stop Terror in Africa. No, 1 is helping us. I Turn to You,
people to help us, please. Thank you.
Uh, next we have a video from that would Sy. My name is D.
I am Sudanese American.
I came to United States at the refugee from Sudan, foreign
exile.
I would like to to people understand what's happening today
for my people in for, in Sudan.
in particularly a western that for
I am from masalit as negro.
We are 99% which basically 100% are Muslim.
but, because of
Uh, we are black Africans. That's why the atrocity
happening in in Sudan and in that form.
The International Community United Nations organized as
what happening in therefore, but genocide.
uh, that's was, uh,
Uh, CSU 200023.
And recently. Now, what happening also is a genocide
organized by the US Congress.
And African unions, 1 of the worst atrocities happening in
Sudan.
Even though we are African Muslim.
And nobody recognized.
Our Islam.
we just the killing our people because we are just black
African doesn't the reason
so, you want the people to understand in the world, in, in
United States and including people in in Chicago,
uh, my ethnic group has been
Buried alive, people, believe it or not that never happened
before.
So, we need people to understand to stop those extremes.
Extremists that killing indigenous women and children.
And some remain taking slave.
and and call them a bit in Arabic, language mean the slave
That's what kind of the challenges. That's our people
facing today.
So we need your help.
And be 1 you to spread our words.
And help us, we can stop those.
Extremists.
Uh not spread any other and other part of the world, but
it's already happening. But we want you to understand how
the people of Africa going through how the people of Darfur
and how the people of Western particularly going through.
even though I mentioned my beginning,
The United States. Congress is mentioned it. As what
happening in Sudan? They didn't know any definition is
genocide, especially particularly what happened in that for
and the killings including the officials leaders.
And official governments.
That people who become part of the government of Sudan
after the peace agreement.
My dear friend.
The governor of that for has been killed.
And his body drawing in the street of AA.
and hundreds of,
My people been very alive.
I'm not here talking about.
The, the other.
Other stuff. But I'm talking about those other people.
And we need your help.
And any decisions and any actions will help.
We want our people to understand how difficult it is.
And people in the history, they never hear about, even
people buried alive.
and,
Wherever the the the ladies who see look like the
beautiful, if they can take it and take, take it as a slave
sexy slave.
And it's happening for many, many years.
Nobody talked about it.
We've been talking about this for for many years. Also,
here in United States.
But we need still a lot of work. Need to be done.
So, please help us.
if you're watching this video,
And if you hear about it, therefore atrocity.
Before.
and now it's happening and so many other African countries
happening also
So let help us.
And any resolution that you take will help us to stop those
atrocities happening from African people.
Thank you for watching.
And please.
Spread our word, please help us.
The last testimony, we are going to hear is from Francis P
Bach.
I believe that they are participating virtual.
There's still not answer, they're not here.
Did you okay?
Okay, well we're we're going to move on. Um,
Can I get any questions or comments from committee? Um, I
have other mamas, Rosa
Um, well, thank you so much to all of the community
members. Uh, that came to testify today.
um, I believe that your testimonies are extremely important
and um to take time out of your day to speak to this issue.
Shows just how important that this is for you and your
community. Um, so I'm glad that we are having this hearing
today and that you all have been, uh, here with us to share
what is going on. It's a shine some light on this issue.
Uh, I'm supportive of this resolution. Um, I've taken some
time to review it. Um, I do have some concerns about the
third, whereas Clause, uh, that is pointed at the United
Nations. Um, a quick Google search shows that the United
Nations has established a special repertoire to deal with
modern-day slavery. They also recognize um a day towards
the abolition of modern-day slavery. Um, and so from my
research, it appears that, um, the United Nations is, um,
taking up this issue and is working on this issue. Um, so I
am a little bit concerned about the third whereas Clause
saying that they have not, uh, looked into this issue. Um,
and I think that that actually takes away from the
resolution as a whole um, because it seems as if it's more
pointed towards the United Nations as opposed to
highlighting this issue. So, um, I I would like for us to
consider striking that third whereas clause.
Um, so that this can focus explicitly on this issue. Um, but
also because I think it's important that if we are adopting
resolutions that, um, we'd be accurate and per, uh, you
know, a quick Google search. The United Nations is working
on this issue and has taken this issue up. Um, so I, I
think for accuracy, uh, I would um, motion that we strike
that third Warehouse Clause, um, prior to adopting this,
All right, we have a motion on the floor to strike the
third whereas other man.
Yes, the 1 related and let me just make sure it's the
Clause related to the United Nations.
Um, all of the I have that correct.
That, that is the third way as close.
Let me go back to the resolution.
Alma Lopez.
For the sake of expediency, I would, I can accept that as a
friendly Amendment and you could just strike out the entire
third recital.
Okay. Um,
Oh, we still wait. I'm being told that we still need to
vote on it Alderman. So uh all of those in favor of
Ramirez. Uh roses motion to strike the third whereas please
signify by saying I I opposed in the opinion of the chair
of the eyes have it. Um do I have any more questions or
comments? Uh, I'll remember Bernette.
Thank you very much. Um,
so first of all, I just want to thank you all for your
testimony.
I'm sure, uh, to to reflect on.
uh, the tragedies that's gone on, in your countries, it has
to be hard to, to even talk about it because it brings
about pain and memories. So I, I just want to thank you all
very much for coming down and expressing and sharing that
with us. You know, being a, a African-American myself. Uh,
I guess it goes without saying. But uh, from my DNA I have
a a a nice percentage of Nigerian like most of us. I
probably came here as a slave from Nigeria, my family. My
my ancestors, uh,
It's unfortunate that a lot of us.
In America aren't aware of all of the tragedies and things
that's going on and that slavery is still happening over in
Africa. Um,
But whatever reason.
You don't get too much of that exposed and Express in the
media.
Um, you know, they tell us about everything else but they
don't tell us about these things that's going on in our
countries, of course, we know if things that's happening in
in sedan and and some other places, but I haven't it's my
first time here in about Nigeria and please excuse my
ignorance. Um so this is a, a big light for me. Um, if
there's anything that I can do to help with this calls uh
you know slavery anywhere is bad. And uh and and all of
society should stand up against uh, treating human beings
like that. Uh, no matter if it's white slavery, black
slavery, Latino slavery, Asian slavery. We all should stand
up and fight against uh treating people croyons that's
involved with the city are involved.
Um if so I'd like to be in tune uh I like to help. I'm sure
sure that um all of the African-American uh Alderman in a
Caucus uh would like to be engaged and evolve but we need
to be aware.
uh, so I would like to en encourage uh or try to see if
there's a way that we can connect to um
So that we could be more informed about what's happening um
in Nigeria and and other countries in the diaspora so that
we can be more aware. And maybe there's something that we
can do see if there's anything that we can do to help with
this cause, but I I commend all of you for, uh, standing up
for making us aware from coming, from out of town to be
here to express yourself. Thank you very much. But um,
also, uh,
my heart and and my condolences go out to
any family members and anyone uh that you're associated
with, that may be suffering or have suffered, uh, because
of this. So, thank you all very much for coming down, and
then I'll be remiss if I did not get my colleague, um,
Alderman Lopez commend him for bringing this to our
attention, and introducing this resolution. And I, I like
to sign on to this resolution, not not that I sign on to
everything he does. But this is 1 that I will sign on to.
So thank you all and thank you. Thank you. I'll remember
right now. Do I have any other questions or comments? Um,
if not I would like to take uh a second to acknowledge um
all of the guests that
Spoke today. Uh, thank you for sharing your testimony with
us. Uh, thank you for
coming and telling us about incredibly painful and, and
A horrible experience is that, you know, take a lot of
vulnerability for us to be able to sit in front of a body.
Um,
And share. So I I am grateful for, for you. Um for sharing
that with us, I have 1 question. Um, his I I have been
looking into um
The issues, uh, happening in Sudan and in the Democratic
Republic of Congo.
and um 1 of the things that comes up over and over Is
Mining and all of the destruction and I've used this and um
human rights abuses child, labor slavery.
That are associated with the extraction of minerals from
several different countries. Um, my understanding is that,
uh, in Congo, for example, is Cobalt and there are many
tech companies that are
involved with, um, with that and and the business practices
are
Terrible. Right? Because they are profiting from the
abuses.
Uh to people uh, same way in their fur for example is gold.
Um, and there is a long list of minerals, uh, that are
associated with the development of green technologies. Um,
that are that extraction in the way, in which that
extraction is happening. Is exacerbating all of these human
rights abuses and I wanted to ask that question. As are, we
looking also into the announcing
Those corporate practices that are being condemned by the
United Nations as well, because there are rules to the ways
in which these corporations should be doing business. You
shouldn't be profiting, right? Apple? Uh, Microsoft. All of
these companies Del shouldn't be profiting.
Of slavery, they shouldn't be profiting of the abuses of
people. So I wanted to bring that up and see if there is an
opportunity to include language around those abuses. Um in
this in this resolution because it is tied to it. I have an
article I mean I have read several articles um in the last
few weeks and 1 of them mentions.
um, this person call who is an expert on modern day slavery
and he talks about, um, the abuses, particularly in the
Democratic Republic of Congo. Um, and the, the solution or,
you know, what, what he is proposing, um, is that tech
companies? Start operating, according to the UN guiding
principles on business and human rights.
And they mentioned Apple. Alphabet Microsoft Dell, Tesla,
um, who all need to step up, efforts to ensure that the
supply chain due diligence is conducted and publicized to
ensure transparency in the process. They also talked about
creating a third-party system to verify, um, how these
products are being made and how the materials the raw
materials that are being used because the other part of
this, is that the people in Africa are not getting any
benefit from these Precious Minerals that are in its soil.
It is the companies that are getting all the profit um and
creating environments that are dangerous in all of these
countries. So I wanted to offer um, some language that we
can come up with in order to also include that in the
resolution and I don't know if anybody has anything else to
add to that.
I have, um, other sexual Lopez.
Thank you, Jeremy. And I also want to thank, um, uh, all
the witnesses that came and, and testified in front of the
committee, um, about the horrific events and, um, the
danger of dehumanization the genocide and the persecution,
uh, of human beings. I think no 1 should be subject of
that. I think human rights certainly, um, that things
should be uphold for every single human being. I, I would
like to also, um, add to the chairwoman request that we add
language. Um,
That can make sure this complete and recommend. Also, I
know all the member mentioned, um, the participation of the
block a because I think it's appropriate, I think that it
is important um, just because there's there's um, there's a
lot of uh, um,
Conflicts in the region that deserve or or attention, and
or care. And that, we want to make sure that this is, uh,
uh, is done mindfully and to do so. I think the
participation of the block caucus is essential. Um I would
like to um second all the women um
And the chairwoman Rodriguez Sanchez in terms of, um, the
very interest that are promoting such, uh, dehumanization
in the sake of funding and money and the evil of
imperialism. So I think it is important that, um, for the
sake of a complete resolution. I would like to Second the
chairwoman, um,
Suggestion to add, um, to do justice to the testimonies
that we heard today. I do think that we have to take our
time and make sure that we really focus on efforts that are
not only about resolutions, but actions, um, and starting
home is important, you know, it's slavery. Um the people I
want to take us back to the Civil Civil Wars and we do
think is important that we look at this very carefully I
really appreciate and I'll support this as well. And I want
well. And I want to um I make sure that the blog caucus in
particular is, is included, so that we don't miss anything.
Um, and I like to Second the, the chair woman's, uh,
language that was suggested. Thank you. Um, I think
Alderman Lopez, is it okay? If I go to, um,
Yeah. Okay.
Awesome. Yes.
Thank you. Just uh, I'm forgot a little bit. Thank you so
much for abolition and City.
And I have my militant in my country right now, 2 person in
the jail because he fights.
To slavery and the system there, he don't need anyone talk.
If you talk.
Maybe make you any jail or he kill you?
And please all my people, he need freedom.
I have the big militant. All time to talk all time of fight
the slavery and now 1 is the doctor, sambar and other. It's
sadhu still in the jail right now.
have couple months, Muhammad sambar, and 2 years, and
something s because he's black and he's militant and why
Governor make him in the jail? Don't need any War. Voice be
out.
Thank you so much, Mr. Lopez, thank you for everyone.
thank you uh, Alderman Lopez
Thank you, chairwoman. And I want to thank my colleagues,
uh, for your suggestion. I actually 100% agree with you
that we as a city.
while we can highlight,
Highlight the discussion today by passing this resolution.
As my colleague from the 25th. Ward said we also need
action. Um, I believe that if that is the will of this
committee to go that route, then I believe that the
appropriate way to do that uh and I'm happy to work with
whomever wishes to pursue this.
Would be to either amend municipal code to dash 9258, which
is slave slavery area, business, or corporate Insurance
disclosures or to add a new section into our procurement
stating that we will only do business and accept business
from those businesses that are responsible and in keeping
with the values that we just discussed especially as it
pertains to the the extraction of minerals. And the
profitability of those that is a, a different conversation.
And I'm sure the law department is looking at me right now.
But I agree. It's absolutely absolutely.
Imperative.
That if we are trying to do more than just simply issue a
resolution that stands in solidarity. If we're trying to
send a message, I mean,
Case in point.
This Dell computer.
Is probably made by the same things that you just.
Spoke out against these computers, the computers in our
office, the millions, that the city of Chicago spends on
all of those companies.
Can immediately.
Be brought in.
And taken a task. If we were to say that we are not going
to do business with individuals who do not respect the
human dignity, where they are getting their supplies.
It, it's funny because we would actually
hear people talk about, you will get fair market coffee
before you get a fair market computer.
And the City of Chicago's procurement.
Can be the vehicle upon which we affect exactly what it is,
is, that you're referring to Chairman, and I would be more
than happy to help you with the ordinance. That makes that.
So I think in the short term,
I think I would if there was a way to incorporate language,
so be it. But I think if we truly want to be able to have
an impact, if you're truly wanting to send a message to
those actors who are taking advantage and as you stated
adding to the misery on the African continent.
Then there's no better place to get them than in their
pocketbook. And if the city of Chicago, the third largest
city, in America said, we are no longer going to do
business with those who exploit Africa and contribute to
slavery.
I guarantee you that would do.
More.
In a day than this conversation ever could.
This is a great start. This is worthy of our our approval,
but I personally believe that if you want to get the
conversation,
Then you get it there.
And hey, happy to help. Thank you, other man Lopez. So
seeing that you are friendly to 1 amendment in the, uh,
resolution. I am going to motion that do that we include
language in the resolution. Um, about tech companies and,
um,
following the UN guiding principles of business and human
rights. Um, I would
I'm going to ask for a vote now. Um, can I get? I am
motioning. I am motioning uh to amend the resolution uh to
include this language. Um,
I'm going to read.
Actually.
I'm going to recess for a few minutes to come up with the
exact language that we want uh to include in the resolution
and we will be back in a few minutes.
Want the word version so you could just add it sure.
Who am I?
Good, they don't know.
Because of the they don't have anybody.
War.
I've been there. I've been there a lot.
Thank you.
I thought it this the family is worth separate.
Right.
But they built third. They built 20 facility that made no
contribution United States.
But they couldn't build a proper out of school with these
children.
But now they got to share with homeless men and
convenience.
But we talking about what's happening at overseas.
Right now and we we really considering that too because we
just went on recess about it.
This is the reality of us America.
Here in the country where we don't get to believe, don't
run?
I watch this happen before.
Automatic power together. They have the real fast food
If you need help, I can help you with that, all right.
I'm happy to I had to do it before when Laurie was mayor.
Well, the committee back to order we're almost on Alderman,
Robinson.
Um, can I get a motion? You have a, you have the substitute
resolution in front of you, you also have it in your email
if you want to take a second to review.
Alan Lopez.
all of those in favor, accepting the substitute signify by
saying, I
Opposed say, nay in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it. Can I get a motion? Uh, so moved by Alderman Lopez all
of those in favor of passing. This resolution, please
signify by saying, I
opposed say, nay in the opinion of the chair, the eyes have
it.
And this item will be reported at the council meeting
tomorrow. February 19th.
Would there be no further business before the committee?
Can I get a motion to adjourn?
So moved by Elder woman Gutierrez.
Uh, here. No objection. So order and we are adjourned.