#United States #Chicago #Northeastern Illinois University #Brandon Johnson #Lakeside Chat

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Engages in Dialogue at NEIU

On February 27, 2026, Brandon Johnson, the 57th mayor of Chicago, visited Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) for a special event known as the Lakeside Chat. This dialogue aimed to shed light on civic leadership, human rights, and the myriad challenges facing contemporary college students.

The event gathered a diverse mix of students, faculty, and staff, all participating in discussions aimed at promoting public discourse around critical issues that impact students today. This initiative aligns with NEIU’s thematic focus for its College of Arts and Sciences semester, aptly dubbed, "Staying the Course for Human Rights: From Awareness to Action". This theme reflects NEIU's mission to serve as an access-oriented, urban-focused institution dedicated to empowering students.

NEIU President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan expressed, "At Northeastern Illinois University, expanding opportunity means meeting students where they are and tackling the barriers that impede their success." The event underlined a shared commitment with the City of Chicago to strengthen communities by focusing on education, workforce development, and tailored student support services.

The conversation was moderated by Dr. Zada Johnson, a professor of Urban Community Studies at NEIU. The panel featured student perspectives alongside insights from the mayor. Notable student panelists included Winter Terry, an undergraduate majoring in Political Science with a focus on Criminology and Philosophy, and Leslie Lozada, a 2025 NEIU graduate now pursuing a master’s degree in Communication, Media, and Theatre. They were joined by Dr. DeWitt Scott, the Director of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs. Together, they highlighted key themes including access, belonging, and persistence within the NEIU community.

The discussions delved into various pressing concerns such as students' fundamental needs, encompassing housing and food insecurity, mental health resources, campus security, support for students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ rights, and the challenges faced by DACA and undocumented students. The panel underscored that addressing these matters is vital for ensuring educational equity and facilitating long-term economic mobility.

Mayor Johnson expressed the significance of collaborative efforts between city administrations and public universities in enhancing opportunities for students and the communities they serve. He stated, "My administration is dedicated to engaging with young people directly and amplifying their voices as we strive to create safer, more affordable neighborhoods for all. I thank NEIU for the chance to engage in meaningful discussions with our city's promising youth, and I anticipate ongoing collaboration to create career pathways that ensure Chicago thrives. Today's conversation demonstrates that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are vibrant leaders of today."

As a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution, NEIU proudly caters to a diverse student demographic, including adult learners, first-generation college students, and working professionals. University officials reiterated the importance of supporting students holistically to foster degree completion, ensure workforce readiness, and drive community impact.

The event concluded with a Q&A session and an enthusiastic call for sustained collaboration between NEIU and the City of Chicago to enhance career pathways and fortify the workforce pipeline for historically marginalized communities.

Key Panelists' Backgrounds

• - Dr. Zada Johnson: Holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and serves as a professor of Urban Community Studies at NEIU. She oversees the University Without Walls program, supporting adult learners.
• - Leslie Lozada: A graduate student in the Communication, Media, and Theatre program, earned her B.A. in Anthropology in 2025. She actively engages in student leadership roles, including editing the university’s student newspaper.
• - Dr. DeWitt Scott: Director of the Angelina Pedroso Center at NEIU and an adjunct professor. He holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Chicago State University.
• - Winter Terry: An undergraduate focusing on Political Science, Criminology, and Philosophy, serving as a senator in the Student Government Association, advocating for equity.

As an institution, Northeastern Illinois University provides over 40 undergraduate programs and more than 50 graduate offerings. Located on a picturesque 67-acre campus in Chicago’s Northwest Side, NEIU has a rich history dating back to 1867 and is recognized as the longest-standing four-year public Hispanic-Serving Institution in the Midwest. NEIU’s various campuses across Chicagoland, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center and El Centro, further exemplify its commitment to serving a diverse student population.