Chicago Southside and Westside Faith Leaders Stand in Solidarity With CTU


Chicago Southside and Westside Faith Leaders Stand in Solidarity With CTU

The Needs of Our Children Must Come First

(Chicago, IL) On behalf of the Chicago faith-based community, we support the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) in their bargaining negotiations as they advocate for essential resources that prioritize the well-being of CPS students, educators, and families in our communities.

Education is a sacred trust, and we recognize that teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing the minds and hearts of our future generations. CTU is fighting for resources at the bargaining table. All kids in this city, regardless of their neighborhood, deserve access to afterschool programs, giving them access to arts, sports, and music programs. Now is not the time to be modest in our demands while our students fall behind Other school districts across Illinois have the necessary resources to empower their students, such as dual language classes and working librarians. We understand that teachers must be supported and valued so our students can thrive—creating a more just and equitable city in all our South and West side neighborhoods.

As leaders, we have witnessed the decay of our communities and the escalation of blight when 51 CPS schools were ferociously closed, predominately on the South and West sides. We are faced with CPS leadership that has not stepped up to the demands and needs that our young people face daily. Many of our schools have long been underfunded, underserved, and outright shut down in predominantly Black communities.

We stand with CTU in demanding a fair contract that ensures every student has access to the quality education they deserve, those who stand in the way of equity must be held accountable — we are no longer waiting. It is simply not enough to be adequate– just enough is not enough. Moreover, we recognize the importance of mental health support, adequate classroom resources, and equitable access to services that empower all students. These are not just union demands; they are moral imperatives that reflect our shared commitment to the well-being of our children and community.

The Chicago faith community is prepared to stand with CTU in solidarity and prayer to help amplify the voiceless–as faith leaders and as parents, grandparents, legal guardians, and pillars of our communities. Together, we can work towards a future where every teacher feels valued, every student receives the education they deserve, and our schools reflect our great city’s rich diversity and

potential.

In faith and support,

New Spiritual Light MB Church Pastor Walter Turner, III Lilydale First Baptist Church Pastor Alvin Love Mt. Carmel MB Church Robert Jones Saint James Industrial Baptist Church Pastor Warner Pitts New Exodus MB Church Pastor Andre Miles Change You Can Believe In Baptist Church Pastor Darryl Russell New Nazareth Baptist Church Pastor Jarvis Hanson First Unity Baptist Church Pastor James Boyd Greater Omega Baptist Church Pastor Ira Wheaton Paradise MB Church Pastor J.C. Boyd Travelers Rest MB Church Pastor Walter Taylor Pleasant Valley MB Church Pastor Floyd Skinner Rayfield MB Church Pastor Dennis Allen Rain Or Shine MB Church Pastor Mark Mixon Greater Shiloh MB Church Pastor Jesse Lee First Corinthian MB Church Pastor James Thomas New Covenant MB Church Pastor Stephen Thurston, III Alpha Temple MB Church Pastor A. William Staten Jr. Calvary Baptist Church Pastor James Flint Flesh Becoming Word Church Pastor William Jenkins Greater New Mount Eagle Baptist Church Pastor Davie Moore Rebirth Chicago Centennial Baptist Church Pastor J.D. Anderson St. Luke MB. Church Pastor Scott On’que True Light Church Baptist Pastor LaRue Kidd St. Matthew MB Church Pastor E.J. Brown

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