Mayor Johnson should put rapper's $150,000 campaign donation to better use: Helping young people
When you're mayor of Chicago, and a supporter who donated $150,000 to your campaign later winds up charged by federal prosecutors with funding a murder-for-hire scheme, there are only two sensible options to take.Either give the money back, or donate it to a local organization that does good work, such as keeping youth off the streets and providing them with positive activities.That's the situation in which Mayor Brandon Johnson finds himself. Chicago rapper Lil Durk, who gave the cash to Johnson's campaign in 2023, was charged last week with hiring hit men to travel to Los Angeles in 2022 and kill rap rival Quando Rondo. The gunmen fired on a car in which Rondo was riding. They missed the rapper, but killed passenger Saviay’a Robinson — known as Lul Pab — who was Rondo's cousin. Editorial Editorial But rather than returning Lil Durk's donation or allowing a local group to put it good use, Johnson found a third option that helps no one: He said he’s keeping the cash, and defended his choice with a stream of double-talk and side-stepping.Asked whether should return the money, Johnson told reporters "I don’t operate in feelings. I operate in truth and justice." He called Lil Durk "another example of a young Black man who grew up in severe trauma that led to life choices. That’s why he has been committed to finding his righteous path, seeking out truth and justice through his faith." Related Rapper Lil Durk arrested on murder-for-hire charges in Florida on way to international flight That just won't cut it, and frankly does a disservice to other young Black men who grew up in similar difficult circumstances yet never got caught up in a murder-for-hire scheme. Johnson said Lil Durk "has not been convicted of anything. ... It is not my position to determine the outcome of someone’s life."Indeed, the rapper hasn't yet been tried, let alone convicted, of these serious charges related to a crime that resulted in a person's death.But the mayor giving back the money — or better yet, redirecting it in a way that helps the community — does not erase Lil Durk's pre-trial presumption of innocence. And to imply that it would have any bearing on the outcome of Lil Durk's life is absolute hogwash.Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson understood this when she revoked Lil Dirk's key to the village and cut ties with his foundation in the wake of the charges."While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior," Thompson said.If the Johnson truly cares about stopping the violence in this city and helping young people, he should put Lil Durk's money where his mouth is — and give the cash to a group doing that important work.Send letters to letters@suntimes.com
When you're mayor of Chicago, and a supporter who donated $150,000 to your campaign later winds up charged by federal prosecutors with funding a murder-for-hire scheme, there are only two sensible options to take.
Either give the money back, or donate it to a local organization that does good work, such as keeping youth off the streets and providing them with positive activities.
That's the situation in which Mayor Brandon Johnson finds himself. Chicago rapper Lil Durk, who gave the cash to Johnson's campaign in 2023, was charged last week with hiring hit men to travel to Los Angeles in 2022 and kill rap rival Quando Rondo. The gunmen fired on a car in which Rondo was riding. They missed the rapper, but killed passenger Saviay’a Robinson — known as Lul Pab — who was Rondo's cousin.
But rather than returning Lil Durk's donation or allowing a local group to put it good use, Johnson found a third option that helps no one: He said he’s keeping the cash, and defended his choice with a stream of double-talk and side-stepping.
Asked whether should return the money, Johnson told reporters "I don’t operate in feelings. I operate in truth and justice."
He called Lil Durk "another example of a young Black man who grew up in severe trauma that led to life choices. That’s why he has been committed to finding his righteous path, seeking out truth and justice through his faith."
That just won't cut it, and frankly does a disservice to other young Black men who grew up in similar difficult circumstances yet never got caught up in a murder-for-hire scheme.
Johnson said Lil Durk "has not been convicted of anything. ... It is not my position to determine the outcome of someone’s life."
Indeed, the rapper hasn't yet been tried, let alone convicted, of these serious charges related to a crime that resulted in a person's death.
But the mayor giving back the money — or better yet, redirecting it in a way that helps the community — does not erase Lil Durk's pre-trial presumption of innocence. And to imply that it would have any bearing on the outcome of Lil Durk's life is absolute hogwash.
Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson understood this when she revoked Lil Dirk's key to the village and cut ties with his foundation in the wake of the charges.
"While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior," Thompson said.
If the Johnson truly cares about stopping the violence in this city and helping young people, he should put Lil Durk's money where his mouth is — and give the cash to a group doing that important work.
Send letters to letters@suntimes.com
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