# DuSable Day Reception 9.29.25

- Date: September 30, 2025
- Type: Video
- Length: 41:14
- Topic: Events
- Video: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvEuCxjz-tM)
- Transcript: Machine transcription, 4,694 words ([text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/youtube/xvEuCxjz-tM.txt))
- Mayor: [Brandon Johnson](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor)

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=0) Opening and musical tribute
- [4:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=263) Haitian cultural rhythms
- [9:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=585) Haitian-American Museum address
- [14:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=884) DuSable Heritage Association
- [23:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1426) Reflections on Chicago history
- [30:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1858) Mayoral address and conclusion

## Description

Mayor Brandon Johnson attends the DuSable Day Reception

## Transcript

[0:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2) Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We'd like to welcome the Honorable, the Great Mayor of Chicago, Mr. Johnson. Thank you. Thank you. On behalf of the people of Haiti, I would like to take this opportunity to do a special song that I wrote. It's called Chicago. The name of the song is Chicago, but it's dedicated to Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable. But in French, we say du Sable. So some of you might speak French.

[0:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=33) We say du Sable. Can you say that du Sable? See? It's like a defense. Du Sable. I wrote the song when they have the ceremony right there in the front for the unveiling ceremony for the statue. but the song was not able to be known, but we are asking you to evaluate it to see if you like it. After I finish doing the song, if you like it, you can say, yeah, I like it.

[1:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=64) And my name is Raphael Saintville, but they call me Raffo. So if you can Google me and check me out, put Raffo International Combo, and it will be alright. Now, are you ready? Chicago! You hear that? Chicago! Good to know, he's good to know, the beauty of yourself, to know, he's worth to know, the color of your roots, talking on the men, moving on, Jean-Baptiste Pourenne du Sabo, was a man of vision, village in post, paro city, everyday,

[2:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=152) hey she dance electric

[3:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=185) chicago help me we love you one more time disabo disabo we love you want to go to michigan city

[3:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=220) to see diversity Diversity. Love. This is our city. And the mayor knows better than us. The beautiful city. Don't mess up our city. Say, we love you. Thank you.

[4:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=254) There's a special rhythm of Haiti called Igbo. The Igbo rhythm is a special rhythm. When you hear it, you feel something. My ancestors used it when I was pregnant, and they played that song and that rhythm. They believed by doing so, the mother might have a pair of two babies, and they call it, in Haitian language, they call it marassa.

[4:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=294) and you say magasa say magasa Okay, now, there's a song appropriated to it. I'm gonna sing it. Sing. Marasa Ibolele, Ibolele, Marasa Ibolele. Come on, sing with me. Don't be shy. Marasa Ibolele, Ibolele, Marasa Ibolele. I don't hear your back.

[5:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=339) I said, magasa? Marasa Marasa Marasa Marasa Marasa Marasa Marasa

[6:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=370) Marasa Marasa Thank you so much Now we like to ask a young lady by the name of her to do a demonstration

[6:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=402) for us

[7:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=470) Tonight we only give you a little thing a little taste of it because the time is up for us but remember Ibolele

[9:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=588) Okay, bonsoir à tout le monde. I'm going to put myself together. This is very nerve-wracking, but I could do it. You've got yourself. Okay. Perfect, perfect. So, good evening, Honorable Mayor Brendan Johnson and everyone.

[10:20](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=620) My name is Elsie Hector Hernandez. I'm the founder and CEO of the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. located in the uptown, the museum's mission is to promote and preserve Haitian art, culture, history, and community in Chicago and beyond. The museum celebrates all Haitians, whether they are here in Chicago, in Haiti, or in

[10:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=655) the world. Tonight, we uplift Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable, a Haitian man and the first non-Indigenous founder of the city of Chicago. Let's remember that du Sable did not do it alone. It was with the support of his wife, Kitty Awa, a Native American.

[11:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=686) Together, they opened the first trading post at the mouth of the Chicago River. It is with much joy that today the city of Chicago is celebrating the man who left the town of San Mark in Saint-Domingue, currently Haiti, and ended up in the shore of the Chicago River late in the 1700s, where he was welcomed in the home and the hearts of Native Americans. Over nearly 20 years now, Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable exemplified the life of a successful

[12:01](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=721) business entrepreneur who understood the strategic importance of confluence of the Chicago River and Michigan and its connection to the world. A man of character who worked well with his peers and commended the respect of all those friends, and foes who dealt with him, the life of a man who enjoyed friendship, the arts, his family, and life itself. Haitians in Chicago and around the world for several decades have

[12:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=756) joined hands with all those who wanted to tell the story of DeSaba. This started with the DeSaba International Society in the 1970s, who provided scholarship for the education of black youth in Chicago. It reached new heights in 2000 with the creation of DuSable Heritage Association, who to this date has worked tirelessly with other groups to promote the historical and cultural legacy of DuSable and to bring life to the vision

[13:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=789) of late Mayor Harold Washington of creating a DuSable Park. At Hammock, the Haitian American Museum of Chicago. We have a 12-lesson curriculum with about Jean-Baptiste Prentissab available for the Chicago school system. These lessons teach about various aspects of DeSable, his life, and impact on Chicago. We have many great resources on the work and legacy of DeSable through our education

[13:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=822) program. It is encouraging and refreshing to continue the tradition of honoring the sound with you, Mayor, office this evening. For, in doing so, we are celebrating not only his accomplishment and his life, but also his vision of a place where people of all backgrounds can live in peace, harmony, and prosperity. On behalf of the museum, its board

[14:15](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=855) directors, diverse intergeneration staff, and the Chicago Haitian community, I thank you, Mayor Brendan Johnson, and everyone who continues to uplift and support this and what he did for Chicago. Thank you for inviting the museum to be part of this important celebration. Have a pleasant evening. Thank you. And now I will introduce the president of the Saab Heritage Association, Mr. Nicholas Paul.

[15:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=902) I just have four hours flying interesting. Flight delays, three hours. And I said, I have to be here. And I'm committed. I made it. I just made it here. I got some water. I'm good. First, I have to thank everyone here, of course, the cultural commissioner, which has been working alongside with the mayor.

[15:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=937) but I have a special thank you for Honorable Mayor Johnson. I've been involved in the Sabi Heritage for close to 10 years, and I say that not because I'm here, and I think I mentioned that to him one and one. I've never seen a mayor of this great city take the time to acknowledge acknowledge what our great DUSAB has done, has contributed in the city of Chicago.

[16:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=972) And that I give you a hand. We thank you. Come on, give him a hand for that. I feel bad saying that in front of you now, but the first time I told him, one and one, I appreciate all he has done. So that being said, continue your great job. We thank you. A great founder

[16:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1002) Of the city of Chicago Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable I was involved with St. Jude Children's Hospital for years And a good friend of mine Which I would say Hey, you can do that For your ancestor I'm like, who? They said, du Sable I'm like, who the heck is du Sable? my dear friend Dr. Piel will give me a book

[17:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1034) I should never have read it but I'm glad I did from the time I read the book I'm like I have to be involved so I started as a sample member actually I started as a donor and then I became a member and to my surprise I said you want to be the president and I'm like are you guys serious so I was doing just fine But I love the story. This is something I grew up in Haiti, never heard of the South. Even my time, 40 plus years in the U.S., never. But that story is so fascinating to have someone with a vision from Haiti.

[17:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1076) We're talking about the 1700s Coming from Mississippi, St. Louis, Chicago And find the love of his life Which is Gitiawa You can't write a better script than that And turn the city to one of the biggest hubs In the U.S. For those of you who don't know For years, Chicago has been one of the top hubs in the U.S. No matter what you hear, they tell you Please read

[18:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1106) Like I always tell people Don't believe everything I told you The Chicago History Museum is one of them The Public Library is two All those are documented That you can find out But interestingly People in Chicago sometimes They're like Oh we don't know about this I'm like The History Museum is one of the greatest places I discovered in Chicago I would sit like 2 or 3 in the morning

[18:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1137) The fascination is when you find one story And you got another one Oh, thank you You find one story And you dig, you find something else And I think it's amazing Chicago offers all those And I'm so happy now Our tourist department Starts seeing the value of this app I sit down a year ago I talked to one of our great friends Which is a mutual friend I said Glenn

[19:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1169) We don't promote this app without tourism. I said, what's the first thing we do when we go somewhere on vacation? We find out the history, you know, places to visit. I said, people coming to Chicago, they have no idea. They have a great, you know, founder. And to my surprise, a couple of months ago, I was so happy. They sent me a billboard to choose Chicago. For the first time, they have

[19:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1199) picture on that tourist promotion billboard. Just like our mayor, our attorney general, we should be embracing what we have in Chicago. And I love when he said, the city was founded under DEI. Which is true. So you can't go outside of that. And no matter what he said, no one says anything.

[20:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1232) He said it in Congress. He said it on TV. No one denied, because it's true. The city was founded. What a beautiful story. You have a Haitian guy, which is Saint-Domingue, it was called back then. His father was French. Come to Chicago, marry the Native American. I mean, you're talking about a mutt? I mean, seriously. So it's a beautiful story We need to share it Please promote it Tell people

[21:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1262) Go on social media It is a beautiful story And I'm glad you're part of it Thank you Including the Cultural Affairs Commissioner So I made it I'm glad This is the most The most $700 I've spent That I love people Because It costs And the phone I'm returning tonight It cost me $692

[21:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1294) Ticket And I determined to make it To make it here Because I flew Oh I love doing it Trust me I wish the flights were on time But I appreciate you guys This is a great crowd We need to do this more often First time a mayor When his office called and said I said, oh, Mr. Paul, the mayor is, you know, I'm thinking, oh, I want to see the mayor.

[22:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1325) That's great. I said, no, no, no, no, no. He's honoring to serve a legacy. I'm like, what? I said, I have to be there. So whoever your team is, I was shocked. I'm like, that's not his anniversary. It's not, you know, I'm like, I'll take it. So I call my board, and I'm pretty sure all of them, most of them are here. the Board of Tissab Heritage. Come on.

[22:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1356) This is a great honor. We should applaud it. And gathering here together, so I'm pretty sure, at the end of this evening, we guys were going to explore this little time that he took the time to put together. But the air conditioning is not working, but I'm okay. Thank you, Honorable Mayor. And especially Kim, which is part, you know, of the Commission of the Cultural Affair,

[23:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1391) because you can't do all those without the help. Thank you, Kim, for explaining to me, walk me through the process. I'm like, what is this all about? She did a real good job. Thank you, and I'm proud to make it.

[23:46](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1426) Thank you. Thank you. Really honored to be here. Good evening. I want to thank the mayor for taking the time to acknowledge the first non-native permanent settler of our city. I want to thank Commissioner Clunet and the good folks at DK's for putting this on. And when I was asked to speak, I started thinking about what I wanted to say. And the first thing I thought of is, you know, sometimes, sadly, in Chicago, it takes us a little while to get it right.

[24:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1457) But we always get it right. Chicago had this scourge called restrictive racial covenants. And then a black Chicago lawyer named Earl B. Dickerson got it right. Chicago had this terrible thing called redlining. Then a bunch of folks on the west side, the mayor says that's the best side, they filed a class action lawsuit and they got it right. And so that's in our heritage and in our origin, right? The first permanent settler, other people came to Chicago,

[24:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1489) but we had this thing called winter. And they was like, oh hell no, I'm getting out of here. No, thank you. The first person to permanently stay, though, is John Baptiste Point DuSable and his amazing indigenous wife, Kitsihawa. And when we talk about their legacy, I'm reminded of what this black dude in Chicago is doing right now. What DuSable does for our country is he allows for businessmen to take the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes, and then the Great Lakes through this portage that we call Chicago,

[25:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1522) and then connects them to the Mississippi River, which opens up western expansion for our nation. Now, that all looks good on the map, but you have to ask yourself, is it safe for me to do? And you know what John Baptiste Point du Sable proved for the French that were here and the Spanish that were here and the English that were here and the American, this newly starting thing called America, he proved that that route was safe. It reminds me today when people call me and say, hey, bro, can I come visit Chicago? I'll go, is it safe?

[25:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1552) I'll be like, hey, bro, it's a black dude in charge. It's hella safe. And it's been, it was so safe. DuSable makes this place so safe that the American government, directly across the street where the London house is today, establishes Fort Dearborn. You don't invest your money and your time and your engineering in a space that's not safe. And it is John Baptiste Point DuSable who makes this space.

[26:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1583) And it is him who's connecting us culturally. I lead historical tours, and I was honored that the Haitian American Nurses Association wanted to ride on the bus with me. And so I'm showing them. Yeah, right on. So, of course, I have to take them to America's oldest independent black history museum that happens to be named in honor of Chicago's founder, the John Baptiste Point du Sable Black History Museum and Education Center.

[26:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1613) And they love that space, right? keeping their heritage alive. And I took them to the Ebony and Jet building to show them a black man that was the first black man to appear in Forbes magazine. But about the fifth stop, this nurse stands up. She says, my brother. I say, yes, ma'am, because, you know, Ainties, whether they Haitian, Ghanaian, or African-American don't play. So I say, yes, ma'am. She say, where are we from? I say, y'all from Haiti. She say, where is the founder of Chicago from?

[27:24](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1644) I say, he's from Haiti. She says, so that means we know how to pronounce his name properly, huh? I say, yes. She said, you are burning my ears. It's du-sap, du-sap. Do not say du-sap anymore, du-sap, right? And it was in that cultural moment that even I learned the correct pronunciation. But it was all told to me in love, but it's this individual that brings cultures together. And, again, we should honor that. There's also another name that I want to drop on us Chicagoans. Her name is Miss Annie Oliver.

[27:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1675) Starting in 1926, she was the head of what was then the DuSable Remembrance Society. And it was her who took the time. DuSable, you see how they get on you? You know what I mean? I'm just a brother from the south side. I don't always pronounce it right, but you know what I'm trying to say. Don't be messing with me. So she starts this heritage in his honor because the city would not acknowledge this man. They wouldn't acknowledge him so much that when Wendell Phillips catches fire and we have to build a new high school,

[28:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1707) the new high school is called New Phillips. They ain't going to even give it the man's name. It was the community that fought to change the name of that high school on Wabash to Dusa. But Ann Oliver took the time to write the good people in Haiti and have them go through the historical records, and that's how we proved where he was born. And then she had the French folks go through their records, and that's how we found that Catholic wedding in Cahokia. She was a bad sister from the south side of Chicago that wanted to make sure that heritage was passed on.

[28:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1739) So I want to make sure that we acknowledge her today. And, yes, I encourage you all to please come to the DuSable Museum where we are doing our best to carry that legacy of founding and elevation and innovation in our city. But you can also make sure that you say that everywhere you go. So I look in the room and I see people like George Daniels. I see Mama Pat. I see Perry Armour. I see so many people who are fighters of Chicago. You let them know that we got that fighting spirit from a Haitian brother.

[29:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1770) that started our city. There's a lot of places you can go to learn about him. I hope you do go to the Haitian Heritage Museum here. You can also pull up to a place called Lior's on Halston Street. He teaches some Haitian food. Check out a mural. The best thing we can do for that community is to continue to treat it like what they are, a part of Chicago. And now I have the pleasure of introducing somebody that I absolutely love,

[30:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1800) despite the fact that he liked the Cubs, which is very, very weird to me, you know. I remind him all the time that the only reason you like the Cubs is because your grandpa was listening to WGN in the garage that day. And he ain't had any other station. That's it. That's the only other reason, right. But we all should be proud of the job that he is doing on behalf of our city. As a person who takes, you know, humbly tens of thousands of people across this city year in and year out,

[30:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1831) we can feel the work that's being done by your administration. I just took, I ain't supposed to say this, my boss is in here, I'm getting in trouble. I just took 48 white people from the suburbs of Nebraska, the old block, to talk about gentrification in history. And they were safe because we in his city. Please welcome our Mayor, Brandon Johnson. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good evening, everyone. And thank you to our brother Dilla for your impeccable work to continue to make sure that our story in this amazing city is told.

[31:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1876) And to all of the leaders, the community that is here today, I'm grateful that I see a couple of our alders in the room. Manah Hoppenworth of the 48th Ward, are you still here, Lenny? Let's give Lenny a round of applause. Thank you. And to the chair of our finance committee, the third ward alder woman, Chairwoman Pat Dow. Now, to all of the guests on this incredible evening, I want to welcome you and thank you

[31:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1915) for joining us on this special celebration for the individual who established this fine city, Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable. So I got a lot of work to do. I got to make sure that people pronounce du Sable's name right, Jules, Sears Tower. But this is an incredible story, and I'm grateful, though, that there was some recognition that this is not just about the Haitian community.

[32:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1954) This is about the people of this city. It's about our globe, and I'm grateful that Kristen Reynolds is here from Choose Chicago, and Choose Chicago recognizes that you don't come to the dopest city in America without first hearing about Jean-Baptiste Pointe du Sable. So thank you, Kristen, for that. And we are celebrating, really, the resiliency of the welcoming spirit

[33:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=1985) that we've established in this city a long time ago. I'm grateful that we have Charles Smith here from World Business Chicago. Thank you for your leadership, sir. And, you know, look, long before Chicago was a globally renowned city, long before the invention of the skyscrapers and, of course, the Chicago Cubs. Thank you. There are two fans in here. Listen, at least we playing tomorrow, Sox fans.

[33:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2018) Just saying. We got at least two more games. But you know, the man who established this city, he saw the potential in this land He made a home at the mouth of the Chicago River along, of course, with his wife From the Potawatomi Nation, Kirihawa And they built a thriving settlement that welcomed traders and travelers and families from around the world He said from the very beginning that the city of Chicago will always be a business-friendly city

[34:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2052) and that it will be centered around the love story of what I believe is the greatest story to be ever shared between a black Haitian immigrant and a Pottawatomie woman. I can't think of a more dynamic duel to ultimately... ...become the first black family of the city of Chicago. And the prime location that he chose laid the groundwork for our city to become the nation's third largest city in America.

[34:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2085) And Dusab was a pioneer. He was not just a pioneer from the physical sense, but building the first permanent settlement in Chicago. But it was really about his vision about what community can be. That this is why it's important that we establish our roots on good ground Because when the winds come and when the rain falls We will not be tossed to and fro from the different doctrines that try to divide us And even as there is an attempt to divide this city now

[35:18](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2118) Aren't you glad that our city was built on a firm foundation by a black man? Because what he did was he built relationships with people across cultures and languages And he laid the groundwork for Chicago's spirit of inclusivity His story reminds us of a couple of things Number one, his story reminds us that Chicago will always be a city for immigrants It's why people from around the globe come to Chicago

[35:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2152) I don't think it's ironic, I think it's prophetic that a black Haitian immigrant opened up the doors for immigrants from around the globe to call Chicago their own. See, Chicago was shaped by the people from around the world because we chose to invest in their labor, their ingenuity, and their hopes into this land. Let me be clear. We will always value and stand up for Chicago's immigrant communities

[36:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2187) because this story reminds us that Chicago has always been a diverse city. We were founded again by this Haitian man and a Potawatomi woman, and since that establishment, we've continued to open up our arms to people and cultures from around the globe. We have continually strengthened the diversity of our communities by always being a welcoming city.

[36:58](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2218) I actually find it to be that much more prophetic that the welcoming city ordinance, that that baton was passed on to Mayor Harold Washington who declared us to be a welcoming city over 40 years ago because black people always know the assignment. You can build better, stronger, safer communities through the lens of black liberation because through the lens of black liberation, we don't leave anybody out. It's the diversity that makes us strong.

[37:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2255) It's why Chicago is truly home. And finally, our brother's story reminds us that Chicago has many strengths. It's the waterways that made Dusab's trading post a successful for so many different entities that come through our city. It connects the beauty and the bolster of our city. Our city exists today because of that understanding. It's the entrepreneur spirit that DUSAB possessed that provides evidence that throughout Chicago and so many different communities where local businesses and thriving industries can continue to grow.

[38:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2293) In fact, we are the most diverse economy in this country because of what was established here. The bravery and determination exhibited by DUSAB is still a part of Chicago's soul. And we honor him. We honor him in our museums, our monuments. along Jean-Baptiste Point du Sable Lakeshore Drive. And we honor him today with our gathering, enjoying all the local performers and the food, and we embody that spirit that was established here a long time ago.

[38:44](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2324) But perhaps the best way that we can honor his life and legacy is by carrying out and moving the legacy forward. Let us fight to ensure that Chicago will always be the kind of city that anyone can call home, plant roots in and thrive. Let us ensure that Chicago is the kind of city where immigrants and diverse communities are protected, honored, and included in every facet of life. We can stand up for our immigrant community and push for reparations all at the same time. This zero-sum

[39:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2357) game is no longer the game of the day today. And so let us follow his example. Let's be brave. Let's be determined. Let's be bold. Let's make sure that we're building a brighter future. Thank you to everyone that is here today that has made this day possible. And thank you for participating in this celebration. I do want to give a special thanks to our D.K.'s Commissioner, Clunet Hedspeth. Thank you.

[39:48](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2388) Of course, to our Council General who is here today, Mr. Council General Emmanuel, thank you for being here, sir. Now let us look to our community partners who embody the inclusive, resilient spirit that we fought for collectively to ensure that posterity can live to see the day that we ultimately put into effect. And so God bless you all, and I believe the best way that we can ultimately honor the man who established this city.

[40:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2422) I don't know about you, but don't you think the city of Chicago deserves a DuSable Day? No, hold on a second. I mean, I'm talking about a day where people from all backgrounds can come to Chicago and celebrate the establishment of the city. I'm talking about parades. I'm talking about activity. I'm talking about making sure that the world knows that this love story that was brought to you by a black man and a Potawatomi woman can be the love story that unites this nation once and for all.

[41:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/mayor/videos/xvEuCxjz-tM?t=2460) God bless you all. God bless Dusam. God bless the greatest city in the world, the city of Chicago. Happy Dusam Day. Happy Dusam Day.

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