Kamala Harris Addresses Mayor's Interfaith Breakfast
Mayor Brandon Johnson Presents Champion of Freedom Award to Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson
By Evangel Mamadee Yhwhnewbn
Columnist, ON AIR Daily News
The welcoming 40th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Interfaith Breakfast on January 16, 2026, at the Fairmont Hotel located on 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago, Illinois; this year’s theme commemorating his life and work was “Defending Our Democracy, Protecting Our Rights,” began with excerpts from his April 3, 1968, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop;” his last speech. He was assassinated the next day, April 4th.
Honoring this year’s theme: the Champion of Freedom Award was presented to Pastor
David Black and Jacqueline L. Jackson. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said these
awardees have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to uplifting our people and exemplifies the spirit of this award, which honors individuals, who unite and heal our communities.
Mayor Johnson said he was honored to recognize them for the many ways they strengthen Chicago and continue to advance equality.
Although, former Madam Vice President Kamala Harris, who served as the 49th Vice
President of the United States, making history as the first Asian American and Black
American to hold that office, was the Keynote Speaker, introduced by Emanuel “Chris” Welch, the 70th Speaker of the House of Representatives, it was Mrs. Jackie Jackson who torched our hearts with her accepting the award on behalf of all the People who championed her life, from when she was part of the future to now as part of the past.
She began with thanking her 17 year old, mother that allowed her to have life and she did not have to. She taught her to have an insult level. She talked about standing on the
broad shoulders of her husband, Jesse Jackson and the shoulders they stood on.
They wanted a tough town, Chicago is her kind of town and she thanked Frank Sinatra for singing it. She thanked her babysitters, housekeepers, Rev. Clay Evans and Addie Wyatt.
She was given a gift, not for her house but for her mind. "Let no one have power over you but God," she said. She told us to become the good person you want to see. She talked about 2 men. The 1st man Christ and the Golden Rule, treat everybody right.
The 2nd man was Rev. Dr. King, Jr. She mentioned his Letter from a Birmingham Jail, the March on Washington and talked about the insufficient funds. She called him, "the Most Prophetic Voice of our Century. "
"As you said, you were part of the future and being blessed because your days are long on the land that the Lord your God has given you; makes you part of the past but you live in the present, a gift that is needed in times like these."
John L. Alexander, Publisher of ON AIR Daily News, shares a moment with former VP Kamala Harris during Mayor Brandon Johnson's Dr. King Interfaith Breakfast January 16, 2026. Photo by City of Chicago.
The former Vice President said, “Mayor Johnson has championed the Spirit of Chicago and we thank God for him."
She said Rev. Dr, King loved America. A child beaten beyond recognition, the people were sick and tired of being sick and tired, in classes and on the street. She thought as she stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, yesterday, what would he think; sick and tired of being sick and tired.
"Social influencers taking control of our children and our lives. Calling the Civil Rights
Movement, reverse segregation. We are sick and tired of being sick and tired. Isolation
and loneliness has led to despair and people are angry and resigned themselves that it is
going to be that way; we’re turning on each other. Instead of throwing up or hands, let’s
roll up our sleeves because we are sick and tired of being sick and tired. In the Spirit of
Chicago, it is time to bear down.”
She got a standing ovation.
Thousands Protest ICE In Minneapolis
Shooting Death of Renee Good, Mother of Three, Sparks Outrage
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - In what appears to be another "George Floyd Moment" the citizens of Minneapolis filled the streets in protest of the killing of an unarmed citizen, this time by an officer from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Inforcement, the Federal agency known as ICE, rather than by the local police force. And this time the victim, rather than a black male, was a white female. The issue once again was the unchecked use of force, the public killing of an unarmed citizen, causing outrage, anger, and emotional trauma to those who witnessed the shooting of 37 year old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026. Other cities have mobilized for protests and many officials are speaking out against President Donald Trump for his defense of the shooting. As the nation becomes increasingly polarized on issues of immigration and foreign policy decisions that appear to move the nation toward war, there are those who are mobiizing for global peace efforts, beginning with a worldwide prayer for peace on Saturday, January 24, 2026. See Interna`tional.
Activists Call For Massive Voter Registration Drive
Citizens need to use these recent events as a catalyst for a major voter registration drive, stated Attorney Barbara Arnwine, President and Founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition in an interview on the show , "ON THE CASE with Chinta Strausberg." See the interview in its entirety at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXxV3lhtN_E
Jesse Jackson Jr. Gives U.S. History Lesson At PUSH
"Defending Freedom and Democracy In Challenging and Dangerous Times"
The Sacrifices of Those Who Fought For Civil Rights Made America What It Is Today
A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck ON AIR Daily News city late last night, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. There have been reports of multiple injuries and several fatalities. Rescue teams are currently working to search for survivors.
The ON AIR Daily News Raptors have won the championship for the second year in a row after a hard-fought game against their rivals. The team's star player, John Smith, led the charge with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Fans are celebrating in the streets and the team is set to receive a hero's welcome when they return home.
The Sacrifices of Those Who Fought For Civil Rights Made America What It Is Today
The Sacrifices of Those Who Fought For Civil Rights Made America What It Is Today
The ON AIR Daily News Raptors have won the championship for the second year in a row after a hard-fought game against their rivals. The team's star player, John Smith, led the charge with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Fans are celebrating in the streets and the team is set to receive a hero's welcome when they return home.
Rev. Veronica Johnson: "To Change The World, You First Must See The Vision"
Rev. Veronica Johnson: "To Change The World, You First Must See The Vision"
The ON AIR Daily News Museum of Art is proud to announce the opening of a new exhibit featuring the works of local artist Jane Doe. The exhibit includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces that showcase Doe's unique style and vision. Visitors are invited to explore the exhibit and attend a special talk by the artist next week.
Chicago Police will Stand Up For Citizens' Right To Protest, Honoring Rev. Jackson's Legacy
By Naimah Latif
ON AIR Daily News
The legacy of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson has been one of resistance to injustice, and in that spirit, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a "Right To Protest" Executive Order, empowering Chicago police to uphold the First Amendment rights of citizens to peacefully assemble and protest., stated Sheila Bedi, Chief Strategy Officer for Mayor Johnson. She spoke at the 84th Birthday Celebration of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. held Saturday October 4, 2025 at the Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters.
"I'm also the daughter of an immigrant and because of that., Rev. Jackson 's legacy means so much to me," she said. She noted that during her days as a Civil Rights Attorney in Mississippi, she tried to live up to Rev. Jackson's legacy.
Neighborhoods across Chicago have been shaken by ICE raids, with men, women and children reportedly being seized from their homes, handcuffed and taken away. Those who protest ICE practices are being threatened with arrest by Federal officers.
"What happens to one of us happens to all of us," she declared. Protesters who are standing up for the rights of immigrants will be protected by the Mayor's Executive Order.
"There will be standards for how the Chicago Police Department acts, so residents can identify the difference between a Chicago Police Department officer who is here to serve and protect us and the Federal Troops who are invading us."
She noted that the Mayor is making sure citizens know how to lawfully stand up for their rights.
"In the event that the Federal Law Enforcement try to interfere with peaceful protest on the streets of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department will be on the side of the FIrst Amendment, the Chicago Police will be on the side of the protesters," she said.
This disallows any attempts to intimidate those protesting the activities of ICE agents. The ICE agents have reportedly created terror throughout various city neighborhoods, arresting and detaining individuals in a manner that is said to be creating emotional trauma in families, particularly those with children.
Bro. Ishmael Muhammad of NOI Acknowledges Jackson Family's Sacrifice and Support of Father
Bro. Ishmael Muhammad, National Assistant to Min. Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, spoke at the 84th Birthday Celebration of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., acknowledging the sacrifices made by his wife and children in order for Rev. Jackson to become the world leader he has become.
First acknowledging and applauding the wife of Rev. Jackson, Mrs. Jacqueline Jackson, he said, "To the family, my brother Jonathan, Congressman Jonathan, my brother Jesse Jr., my brother Yusef, my sister Santita, thank you. You all have made a sacrifice so that your father could be what God has made him to be.
"And I'm here on behalf of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and the
Nation of Islam to just say Thank You Rev. Jackson. Thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for your dedication and your devotion."
And we will continue to push for a Rainbow Coalition. A Rainbow Coalition represents the Kingdom of God."
Former Cong. Bobby Rush Recalls How Rev. Jackson Saved His Life In Black Panther Days
Calling the Jackson family, "The First Family of America," former First Congressional District Congressman Bobby Rush recalled his days back in the 1960's as a member of the Black Panther Party when he literally had to run for his life after the police burst into the apartment of Black Panther leaders Fred Hampton and Mark Clark on December 4, 1969 and gunned them down as they lay sleeping in their beds.
I"They had a hit out on me as well," the former Congressman said. "Not an arrest warrant. A hit."
He described being hunted down to be assassinated by police, and how he fled to Rev. Jesse Jackson seeking protection. He was given sanctuary at the National Headquarters of what was then known as Operation Breadbasket, later becoming Operation PUSH.
Rev. Jackson was emerging as a national figure back then, after the 1968 assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had the nation in an uproar of riots and protest. Rev. Jackson was expanding the Civil Rights struggle to that of political and economic empowerment.
Years later, Bobby Rush ran for Second Ward Alderman in Chicago and won and later was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives where he served as Congressman of the first Congressional District. from 1992 to 2022, when he announced he would not seek reelection.
Friends, Family and Officials Gather To Pray For Rev. Jackson And Eat Cake In His Honor
Although a lung infection kept Rev. Jesse L. Jackson away from his 84th Birthday Celebration, he insisted that the party go on, requesting that he be brought a piece of his birthday cake. Youngest son Yusef Jacksoon presided over the Saturday Morning televised gathering and said Rev. Jackson was watching from his hospital room as various officials and dignitaries paid tribute to his global influence.
Volunteers Hand Out Bags Of Needed Groceries
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints were among the volunteers who helped feed hundreds of families as part of the free food giveaway on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters, 930 East 50th Street in Chicago. Volunteer Steve Madura explains that the Church partnered with Rainbow PUSH in this effort because this is what Jesus taught - to feed the hungry, help the needy and to fight evil by doing good.
An army of volunteers at the Rainbow PUSH Headquarters made the Saturday Food Giveaway a success, unloading food from the trucks, packing bags, and organizing tables where recipients could line up and receive free groceries. This was an opportunity for many who may be facing financial hardship to get enough food to last a while, without government red tape delaying the process. Hundreds received free grocery bags packed with hot dogs, roast beef, rice, pasta, butter cheese, pancake mix, and other commonly used items.
Seniors, parents with children, and single people needing a helping hand during hard times were all given grocery bags, no questions asked, as volunteers stayed hours after the PUSH Saturday Morning Forum, broadcast live from 10am to 11am, to distribute bags filled with enough food to feed families over the coming weeks. Many received bags while lined up inside the PUSH auditorium, more were fed as truckloads of food were unloaded and bags were distributed outside.
Dr. King Day Commemorated With A "Call To Action"
Author George Fraser Gives Insight On Families and Economic Stability
The PUSH People's Conference Featured A Special Breakfast Panel Discusson Hosted by talk show host Santita Jackson and PUSH CEO Yusef Jackson, examining African American Wealth Building. Author, speaker and CEO of FraserNet, Inc. George Fraser explains how building stable families is the foundation for economic prosperity.
John Hope Bryant: Raise Your Credit Score For Financial Empowerment
John Hope Bryant, entrepreneur, auhor, and CEO of Operation Hope, outlines some simple techniques for raising your credit score, and increasing your economic buying power at the Rainbow PUSH Economic Empowerment and Wealth Building Breakfast Friday June 13, 2025 at the Park Supper Club, 65 E. Garfield Blvd., Chicago..
Protesters Urge Boycott to "Target" Target For Non-Support of DEI
The Target corporation made promises to the black community after the George Floyd incident to be more racially inclusive in its hiring and promotion policies, but later reneged on those promises, stated PUSH CEO Yusef Jackson. Rainbow PUSH and a coalition of faith leaders led a protest march then held a prayer vigil outside theTarget store on State Street in downtown Chicago Saturday, July 14, 2025. Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. was also in attendance. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News.
Alderman Uses Outdoor Tent To Educate Residents
City Trims Trees, Brings Lights to 1200 E. 73rd Place
City Trims Trees, Brings Lights to 1200 E. 73rd Place
While camping out at 1200 West 73rd Place, 17th Ward Alderman David Moore distributed literature to local residents and passersby, educating them about available city services and encouraging voter registration. Photo by Marcus Robinson/ON AIR Daily News.
City Trims Trees, Brings Lights to 1200 E. 73rd Place
City Trims Trees, Brings Lights to 1200 E. 73rd Place
City Trims Trees, Brings Lights to 1200 E. 73rd Place
Trees blocking street lights and creating dark shadows on the street were trimmed down. Police brought additional spotlights to the street during the Alderman's camp out period to illuninate the area. The dumpster nearby held tree trimming debris. Photo by Marcus Robinson/ON AIR Daily News
Nation Celebrates Dr. King On President's Inauguration Day
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, Elected Officials and Leaders Choose to Attend Dr. King Breakfast
Governor J. B. Pritzker, and many others, chose to honor Dr, King's legacy for social justice rather than attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump in Washington, DC. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News
Speaking to the packed United Club Room in Soldier Field on Chicago's lakefront at the Rainbow PUSH Annual Dr.Martin King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Monday January 20, 2025 , Illinois Governor Pritzker praised the organizers for continuing to lift up the work of Dr. King and the movement for fairness and equality for all.
He declared, "700 mile southeast of here, however, a very different event is held in Washington, DC. As a new Administration takes office less than two hours from now, across America our most vulnerable communities are about to contend with new uncertainty about their future. Black children in public schools are facing the loss of hard won Child Care and Special Education. Black college students, scholarships and grants are on the verge of being cancelled. Black workers who have finally gained a measure of power to bargain for better wages are about to have that power taken away. The same losses are being threatened against so many people across this country. Many others have seen so many advances because of the vision and courage of Dr. King and those who have followed in his footsteps. But here in Illinois, let there be no doubt, we will not go back."
Another electd official attending the King Breakfast was Mayor Brandon Johnson. He spoke to the gathering following young students who were winners of the PUSH Excel Oratorical Contest. Mayor Johnson observed, "Aren't you glad that Black children now know their legacy, who they come from and where they are going?"
Referring to the inauguration of a new President of the United States, he said, " You know, this transition we are experiencing is only but a moment in time. You know the Bible says before that great day, the lawless man has to be revealed first, and that when lawlessness is revealed, one of the things we can anticipate is that the Great Day is nearer that what is being discussed."
Businessman, Former NAACP CEO Ben Jealous Urges Leaders To Invest In Youth, Unite For Progress
Dr. King Breakfast Keynote Speaker Ben Jealous reminds audiences of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.'s legacy of challenging corporations to refflect more diversity in hiring.Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News
Ben Jealous, Former President and CEO of the NAACP, resigned his position to direct his energy toward the development of new technology in Silicon Valley. He is now the Executive Director of the Sierra Club.As the keynote speaker for the Rainbow PUSH Annual Dr.Martin King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast , he recalled how Rev. Jackson's 1984 and 1988 Presidential campaigns were the catalyst for national political organizing efforts and how Rev. Jackson influenced tech company leaders to strive to be more racially inclusive in recruiting talent to hire for their companies. He urged leaders to help unite the youth and prepare them to create a future in technology. He noted that the American auto industry in Detroit is losing ground against Chinese auto manufacturing.
"If Dr. King was here today he would remind us ofthe tradition of lifting as you go. If Dr King was here today he would remind us of what is going to happen here tomorrow is a President who aspires to be King, in the British tradition of 'Divide and Conquer.' Dr. King carried the mantle of Frederick Douglass."
Chicago activists must prepare themselves to unite and organize, he said.
"The way you fight the strategy of divide and conquer is that you unite despite it all," he said "At Sierra Club, founded in 1892...we work every day to unite this country in the interest of humanity itself."
Mayor Brandon Johnson Says Fight For Economic Justice
"As a City our heart will always be aligned with the people who stand for justice," stated Mayor Brandon Johnson at the Dr. Marting Luther King, Jr. Breakfast at Soldier Field Monday January 20, 2025. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News.
Illinois Senate President Emeritus Emil Jones Honored
Yusef Jackson, youngest son and Santita Jackson, eldest daughter of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., along with Rev. Dr. Attorney Janette Wilson, present Senate President Emeritus Emil Jones with an award in recognition of his long time legislative service, his positive impact on social juistice and his significant influence in the transformation of Chicago State University into a first class institution of higher learning at 95th and King Drive on Chicago's South Side Accepting the award with him is his wife Patricia A. Jones. Chicago State' University's Emil & Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center is named in their honor. Photo by Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News.
Chicago Mayor Joins Anti-ICE Protest
Activists Call For National Shutdown Friday Jan. 30
Starting at the Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago crowds of outraged citizens gathered in cold and snowy weather Monday January 26, 2026, and marched through the streets, waving signs and chanting slogans, demanding an end to ICE, (Immigration and Customs Enforcement.) ON AIR Daily News
CHICAGO - Triggered by yet another killings of unarmed citizens in Minneapolis by ICE agents, and the repeated abuse of individuals in ICE custody, thousands took to the streets in Chicago on Monday, January 26th, despite the snow and frigid weather, and demanded the abolition of ICE and the holding accountable of the ICE agents responsible for the deaths of 37 year old Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026 and 37 year old Alex Pretti.on Saturday January 24, 2026. Both killings were captured on videotape.
Minnesota residents have taken to the streets in protest, followed by protest marches and rallies held in cities across the nation as citizens expressed outrage over the seemingly unchecked abuses by ICE agents attempting to arrest and detain men, women and children accused of being "illegal immigrants."
Mayor Johnson Says ICE Deadly Actions "Not OK"
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke to anti-ICE protesters who filled the streets despite the wind and snow declaring,"'Let's keep organizing, let's keep pushing, let's stand together, let's stand up for America!" in the background, a protester's sign reads "Fight Fear, Stop Deportations, Abolish ICE! " Naimah Latif/ONAIR Daily News
As of January 2026, eight deaths have occurred as a result of encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A total of 32 people died in ICE custody in 2025, culiminating on December 31, 2025, New Year's Eve, when an off-duty ICE agent shot and killed 43 year old father. of 2 Keith Porter, Jr. outside of his apartment complex in Los Angeles. Circumstances surrounding the shooting continue. to be disputed, as there is no available video of the incident.
Growing rage over the behavior of ICE agents has prompted activists to call for a national shutdown on Friday, January 30, 2026, urging all to stay home from work, keep children home from school and to refrain from all shopping in order to make a huge economic statement across the nation and to demonstrate the power of the people over a Federal Administration that some have categorized as an "oppressive regime."
Marchers Chant "Immigrants Are Welcome Here!"
Marchers Chant "Immigrants Are Welcome Here!"
Marchers Chant "Immigrants Are Welcome Here!"
Mayor Brandon Johnson leads protest marchers through downtown Chicago as the crowd chants slogans in Spanish and English, sending a signal to Federal government officials that the citizens across America will not be intimidated into silence. Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News
Chicagoans Say "We Will Not Put Up With ICE!"
Marchers Chant "Immigrants Are Welcome Here!"
Marchers Chant "Immigrants Are Welcome Here!"
A diverse and angry crowd declared "We will not put up with ICE" in solidarity with protesters in Minneapolis and other cities in response to repeated acts of aggression against city residents, many of whom are long time American citizens. Naimah Latif/ON AIR Daily News