CHICAGO’S FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN FEMALE MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

Lori Lightfoot (far right), her daughter Vivian, and wife Amy Eshleman (second from left) held hands as Lightfoot prepared to be sworn in as the 56th Mayor of Chicago. Photo Credit: Jerome Simmons
Lori Lightfoot (far right), her daughter Vivian, and wife Amy Eshleman (second from left) held hands as Lightfoot prepared to be sworn in as the 56th Mayor of Chicago. Photo Credit: Jerome Simmons

Lori Lightfoot Sworn In As 56th Mayor Of Chicago

BY KATHERINE NEWMAN

Lori Lightfoot stood alongside her wife Amy and their daughter Vivian on Monday during the 2019 Inaugural Ceremony. Thousands of Chicagoans attended the event that took place at Wintrust Arena to see Lightfoot sworn in as the 56th Mayor of Chicago.

After taking the oath of office which was administered by the Honorable Susan Cox, Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois, Lightfoot gave her inaugural address where she laid out her plans to prioritize public safety, education, accountability, and integrity in the city over the next four years.

“I stand as your Mayor, humble and hopeful. I am honored to be the 56th Mayor of this great city. We are a proud city with a proud history and in this moment I can’t help but think about all of you and what lies ahead and what we can be together,” said Lightfoot in the opening remarks of her inaugural address.

Lightfoot went on to share her broad vision for the City of Chicago which includes making Chicago a trauma-informed city, improving public safety, repairing the city’s mental health system, and strengthening the neighborhood school network.

“I’m looking ahead to a city of safe streets and strong schools for every child regardless of neighborhood or zip code. 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 minimum wage. A city of fairness, hope, and prosperity for the many and not just for a few. A city that holds equity and inclusion as our guiding principals,” said Lightfoot.

During her inaugural address, Lightfoot announced that her administration would create a Mayor’s Office of Public Safety that will be led by a deputy mayor and responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive violence prevention strategy across the city.

“While we will specifically address the gun violence, our efforts will not stop there,” said Lightfoot.” We will reach out and support the growing community of victims and witnesses. We must recognize the importance of providing transition for our returning citizens and we will accelerate the development of our trauma-informed city by starting with repairing our broken mental health safety net.”

In addition to Lightfoot being sworn into office, City Clerk Anna Valencia and City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, and all 50 Alderman also took an oath of office during the 2019 Inaugural Ceremony.

“For the first time in the history of Chicago, women of color now hold all three city-wide elected offices. I congratulate you City Clerk Anna Valencia and City Treasurer Mellissa Conyears-Ervin on your inauguration, your victories, and all you’ve done and overcome to reach this historic moment,” said Lightfoot.

Following the Inauguration Ceremony, Mayor Lightfoot along with her wife, First Lady Amy Eshleman, hosted a public open house at City Hall.

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