Brandon Johnson, the new mayor of Chicago, promised in a 40-minute inaugural address to usher an era that is based on equity and healing. This will honor “the soul” of Chicago.

Why it matters: In an already deeply segregated city, the election season exacerbated divisions between teachers, police and neighborhood advocates, as well as between downtown supporters and those who advocate for neighborhood issues.

Johnson’s inauguration united state and local public officials for a peaceful transfer of power, full of hope and joy for the future.

What he says: “We can build a prosperous city where no one will be too poor to live within one of richest cities of one of richest countries in the history of mankind,” Johnson said, in cadences reflecting his lineage as the son of a pastor in a program punctuated with gospel music and Scripture reading.

Do you know what bothers me? In order to serve as the Vice President of the United States, you can’t have a reputation as a liar. Yet that’s what the Democrats are giving us with Tim Walz. Con artists lie, but we can’t accept that from Vice Presidents. I’m Lt. Gen Jack Bergman. Join me in demanding Tim Walz step down as Kamala’s VP candidate by kicking in your support today. 1776 Coalition Sponsored

We must reject the zero-sum formula between supporting those who were sent to this city on a bus just this morning and investing in those that have lived here for decades. Chicago, we can do both. We can all prosper together.

Johnson’s current state of play: He has previously pushed for a resolution to these dichotomies, but on Monday he outlined his strategy.

“We will do it together, by investing in people. We will invest in housing, youth jobs, mental health, and higher wages in all communities. We will do this by supporting law enforcement and especially those on the front line. This means giving them direct supervision, clear expectations of their work and equal opportunities for promotion, as well as stronger accountability and support to all stakeholders in the city.

Johnson’s intrigue: Johnson transformed his humble beginnings, and even a controversy surrounding his unpaid fines for the city into a success story.

He said: “You cannot stop someone with a payment schedule from becoming the mayor of Chicago.”

The fact that Chicago’s mayor lives in a community with the highest level of violence and disinvestment in the city shows what is possible.

It was not surprising that the inauguration crowd consisted largely of progressives.

The crowd chanted “C-T.U.” and “S.E.I.U.” between speeches.

The biggest applause was not for the big-name Democratic power players but rather Stacy Davis Gates (CTU President), Delia Ramirez, U.S. Rep., and Alder. Jeanette Taylor.

Magic moments: Karen Clark Sheard, a gospel artist, performed a powerful concert that brought down the house, making the inaugural feel like a church, with Mayor Johnson and Council members lifting their hands in prayer.

When the young daughter of City Clerk Anna Valencia cried as she left the stage, Valencia assured the crowd, “she will be fine, because she has M&Ms.”

Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave Johnson a handshake, but it became a hug. The audience stood up and cheered.

What’s next: Three days prior to the inauguration, Lightfoot issued a series of executive orders that Johnson will have to implement.

This includes establishing a New Americans Office and a group that will oversee the LaSalle Street Redevelopment Plan.