# Featuring Chicago’s Black Leaders: Vice Mayor Walter Burnett, Jr.

- Date: February 26, 2025
- Type: Video
- Length: 1:20
- Topic: Other
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEcfkHFHXu8)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 184 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/EEcfkHFHXu8.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Description

Proud to spotlight Vice Mayor Walter Burnett Jr., whose journey from Cabrini-Green to citywide leadership is a powerful testament to community, service, and second chances. Absolutely grateful to work alongside him in building a stronger, more inclusive Chicago. Watch now to hear more about his inspiring story. #ChiBlackLeaders #BlackHistoryMonth

## Transcript

[0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/EEcfkHFHXu8?t=0) Hi, I'm Walter Burnett Jr., Vice Mayor of the City of Chicago, Alderman of the 27th Ward, and Committee Chairman of the Committee of Zoning. Being the Vice Mayor is such an honor. It's a great opportunity to be more engaged with the actual workings of the City of Chicago. Growing up in Cabrini-Green gave me a sense of family. Everybody knew each other, but also we helped each other.

[0:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/EEcfkHFHXu8?t=30) You saw people who struggled. So a lot of the initiatives and things that I work on, like for ex-offenders, for returning residents, for people who've been on drugs and alcohol, folks who need jobs, all of those things is shaped from my experience in growing up with a lot of different folks. The message I would give to young black leaders who inspire to change their communities is never give up on your community. Always inspire to be better. Don't forget where you came from and continue to try to help people.

[1:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/EEcfkHFHXu8?t=67) My story is a story about grace and mercy and getting a second chance. So thank God for a second chance.

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Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/EEcfkHFHXu8 · Chicago Politics, an independent tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt