How Bobby Rush went from Black Panther to Congressman
Rep. Bobby Rush has represented Illinois’ 1st District since 1993. His path to Congress was more unconventional than many of his peers’. He was co-founder of the Illinois Black Panther Party, an alderman, and eventually, the only person to ever beat Barack Obama in an election. He’s been an advocate of racial justice, but hasn’t been without controversy in the district. Rush is not running for reelection this year, paving the way for a younger candidate to step in to lead a district that includes not only Chicago’s South Side, but also rural areas like Frankfort and Mokena. Chicago Sun-Times columnist and ABC 7 commentator Laura Washington tells us about Rush’s legacy and what the race for his seat could look like.
Guest:
Laura Washington — Chicago Sun-Times columnist and ABC 7 political commentator
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
How Close Are Bears to New Stadium? Plus, Bulls Clean House
State lawmakers are rushing to finalize a megaproject bill for the Bears’ stadium proposal in Arlington Heights. But what is exactly in...
CTA Drops Unarmed Security Guards. Plus, Chi’s Booming Film Industry
CTA ended its multi-million dollar contract with Monterrey Security on Friday, letting go of roughly 250 unarmed security guards. The tra...
Why Is the Cinco De Mayo Parade Canceled? Plus, What’s Next For Aloha Motel?
For the second year in a row, the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade in Little Village is being canceled. We ask contributor Brandon Pope and Ju...
Chicago Floods Worsening, May Day Plan, and National Library Week
Chicago just saw the rainiest start to spring in recorded history. What does that mean for areas vulnerable to flooding, tornadoes, and d...
O'Hare Cuts Flights, Airline Super Merger, and Nightmare Chicago Blunt Rotation
Earlier this year, both United and American announced a record number of summer flights. Now, as we approach some of the busiest travel m...
Tipped Wage Veto, New Zoning Chair, and Back of the Yards Coffeehouse
This week, the City Council voted to block the mayor’s veto on the subminimum wage freeze. Was it successful? Plus, who will lead the pow...
Why Are CPS and the Archdiocese Beefing? Plus, Ford City Mall Ordered to Close
Hundreds of Chicago Catholic school students have found out some additional resources they rely on, like tutors, classroom aides, and aft...
Extremism in CPD, Sky’s Quick Turn Around, and ‘Safronia’ at Lyric Opera
City Council is expected to vote on a measure that allows the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to investigate Chicago police offi...
Will CPS Close on May Day? Plus, Silver Room Block Party Returns
CPS CEO Macquline King says schools will remain open on May 1, as members of the CTU and Chicago School Board have voiced support for can...
West Ridge YMCA For Sale, Indie Concerts Archive, and Chicago’s Worst Trades
Chicago YMCA locations have fallen on hard times in recent decades. After the West Ridge location closed in 2021, neighbors fought to sav...