Lori Lightfoot Becomes First Openly Gay Female African-American Mayor of Chicago
Lori Lightfoot was sworn in on May 20 as not only the first female African-American, but the first openly lesbian mayor of Chicago, reports CNN.
Lightfoot promised reform, job growth and to fight the city’s growing gun violence problem.
“We are a proud city with a proud history. In this moment, I can’t help but look at all of you and think about what lies ahead and what we can be together,” she said.
“Putting Chicago government and integrity in the same sentence sometimes may seem a little strange,” she added. “But friends, that’s going to change, because it’s got to change. For years, they’ve said, ‘Chicago ain’t ready for reform.’ Well, get ready because reform is here.”
Lightfoot’s 90-year-old mother sat in the front row during her 40-minute-long inauguration speech. Lightfoot beat 14 other candidates to become Chicago’s mayor.
“I’m looking ahead to a city of safe streets and strong schools for every child, regardless of neighbourhood or ZIP code,” Lightfoot said.
“A city where people want to grow old and not flee. A city of sanctuary against fear where no one must hide in the shadows. A city that is affordable for families and seniors, and where every job pays a living wage. A city of fairness and hope and prosperity for the many, not just for the few, a city that holds equity and inclusion as our guiding principles.”
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