This weekend, I marched through Chicago streets, near where my teenage brother, Christian, was murdered four years ago. His loss inspired me to start the Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety. Our mission is simple: prevent families from enduring what mine did.
Community members lined the sidewalks, offering cheers. This gesture showed me who truly supports these communities. I invited Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to join us through calls, emails, and public invitations. Their silence was notable. Two powerful officials ignored the families of murder victims gathering in their city.
Failed Leadership
Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson did not respond to the families who lost children. Their silence highlighted a failure to serve the people in Illinois and Chicago. The community noticed this lack of response.
Once, Chicago was a major economic center in the Midwest. Now, it’s a warning story. Ken Griffin, a successful investor, left Chicago for Miami due to rampant violent crime. Illinois has seen 1.6 million residents leave since 2000, causing Chicago’s population to drop to a near-century low.
The Toll of Violence
In the last decade, nearly 7,000 were murdered in Chicago. They were family members, friends, and neighbors who deserved to live safely.
Darren Bailey, the Republican challenger for Governor, emphasized that people in Chicago should not face a ‘death sentence.’ He stated that my brother Christian should be here today, reflecting the march’s purpose for safety and justice.
Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General Bob Fioretti noted that over 1,000 were shot in Chicago this year, with 220 killed. He declared this unacceptable.
Voices of the March
Apostle Anthony Wilson spoke, sharing the loss of his daughter Alicia Prince, who was murdered two months ago. His message was clear: no parent should bury their child prematurely.
Christian Maxwell, running for Congress, stressed that safety is nonpartisan. It’s about letting children walk safely. Christine McGovern, running for Illinois state Senate, highlighted the desensitization to children’s deaths on the streets.
We gathered at Morgan Park High School, where Christian once studied. The march signified a blend of pain and hope. The community’s support demonstrated they are not waiting idly; they demand action.
A Call to Action
The leaders who showed up were not political figures but community members. My foundation will continue to march in every city and state where necessary. Those who have lost family to violence know it affects all areas. Our mission to prevent such losses is unwavering.
Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, you missed the opportunity to stand with these families. The people of Chicago deserve leaders who are present when it matters. For more about upcoming events and involvement, visit our website.
Gianno Caldwell serves as a political analyst for FOX News Channel, contributing to political, financial, and cultural discussions. He joined the network in 2017.