This past weekend, I joined a march in Chicago, near the spot where my teenage brother, Christian, was tragically killed four years ago. This profound loss led to the foundation of the Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety. Our mission is simple: no family should experience what mine did.
Residents and community members lined the streets, showing their support as we walked by. It was evident who is committed to these neighborhoods and who is not.
I extended invitations to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to join us. Calls, emails, and public invites on national platforms went unanswered. Not a single response from them to the families of victims gathering in their own city.
The leaders of this state and city have a duty to answer the cries of grieving mothers and fathers. The silence from these elected officials was telling.
Chicago, once a thriving economic hub in the Midwest, now stands as a warning. Ken Griffin, a prominent investor, moved his company and hundreds of employees to Miami due to the city’s crime. Illinois has seen a net outflow of 1.6 million people since 2000. Chicago’s population is also in decline.
Over the last decade, nearly 7,000 people have been murdered in Chicago. These individuals were friends, family, and neighbors who deserved long lives filled with opportunities.
Darren Bailey, the Republican candidate against Governor Pritzker, articulated the march’s purpose, stressing that the situation in Chicago equates to a death sentence for many. Christian should be here, as should all the victims.
Bob Fioretti, running for Illinois attorney general, underscored the city’s grim statistics, with over 1,000 shootings and 220 murders this year. A single night witnessed one death and six injuries. This cannot continue.
Apostle Anthony Wilson, whose daughter Alicia Prince was murdered recently, publicly shared his family’s pain. His words emphasized a demand for meaningful change.
Christian Maxwell, vying for Congress, reinforced that community safety transcends political divides. Christine McGovern, campaigning for state Senate, challenged the normalization of street deaths.
The media covered our march, amplifying our message. We began at Morgan Park High School, where Christian once studied. Walking those streets, I was reminded of the long-lasting pain, but also a spark of hope.
The people of Chicago, by showing up, proved they are not waiting for salvation — they demand action. The courage and determination displayed by marchers contrasted starkly with the absence of leadership from top officials.
The Caldwell Foundation for Public Safety pledges to continue marching across cities nationwide. Our mission to halt violence is unwavering and boundaryless.
Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson missed an opportunity to ally with grieving families. Chicago’s residents deserve leaders who stand with them when it matters most.
For those interested in participating in future events or learning more, visit our website. Gianno Caldwell is a political analyst for FOX News Channel, providing insights across various programming since 2017.
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