Chicago City Wire

Debra Silverstein, alderman of Chicago’s 50th Ward, said in a press release that Mayor Brandon Johnson should condemn the Chicago Teachers Union's (CTU) post honoring Assata Shakur. Silverstein argued that the post promotes extremism rather than supporting children's well-being and unity in schools.

"Mayor Johnson must repudiate this rhetoric and call upon the Chicago Teachers Union to apologize for their outrageous post," said Silverstein, Alderman, 50th Ward. "Our kids deserve teachers who lift them up, not political extremists who use divisive rhetoric that tears communities apart."

Assata Shakur, originally named Joanne Deborah Byron, was convicted in 1977 for the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike. In 1979, she escaped from prison and eventually fled to Cuba, where she was granted political asylum. Her case remains controversial, and she is still listed on the FBI’s "Most Wanted Terrorists" list.

According to Chalkbeat Chicago, the CTU has frequently engaged in political causes beyond education, addressing issues such as housing, healthcare, and social justice. During its 2019 contract negotiations, the union advocated for affordable housing provisions—a move criticized by city officials as outside the scope of labor talks. These efforts underscore CTU’s broader strategy of linking educational demands to wider social policy.

Silverstein has represented the 50th Ward since 2011 and was the first woman and only Jewish member of the Chicago City Council at that time. Her ward includes diverse neighborhoods such as West Ridge, known for its mix of immigrant communities. Throughout her tenure, she has focused on safety, infrastructure, and community cohesion.