Mayoral Candidate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia receives community endorsements at Devon Avenue Rally

Chicago: On Saturday morning, a press conference/rally was held at Patel’s Café on the corner of Devon and Rockwell Ave’s. The press conference was highlighted by numerous of community organizations officering their endorsement of Jesus “Chuy” Garcia for Mayor of Chicago. The rally was well attended by both local 50thWard residents and other Chicagoans at large. Attendees from the crowd cited that this was the first time they had seen such a diverse group of people gathering together for a common agenda on Devon Ave. 

Ahmed Khan who served as Master of Ceremonies said, “This is testament to who our candidate is. His vision and mission has brought together people from all different walks of life for the common goal of reclaiming Chicago back for the people. For Chuy to have recently received endorsements from former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson and former US Presidential Candidate and founder of Democracy for America Howard Dean, this all shows how diverse his support base is.”

The press conference began with Susan Patel, owner of Patel Handicrafts, thanking the audience for attending.  The speakers of the event included 50th Ward Residents Evelyn Miks, MoveOn Chicago Council Coordinator, and George Milkowski, 50th Ward Green Party Committeeman. Following them was Sam Holloway, Chicago Firefighter and Green Party of Chicago Board Member, Mansur Tadros, Editor of the Future Arabic Newspaper, and Elsie Sy-Neibar, President of the Filipino Times Newsmagazine.

 The Indo-American Democratic organization represented by Ram Vilivalam and recent 50th Ward Aldermanic Candidate Shajan Kuriakose announced their endorsement. Elected officials 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and Cook County Clerk David Orr also addressed the crowd in support of Jesus “Chuy” Garcia. 

Upon arrival, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia said, “I feel inspired by this diversity. This room is an example of what we can do in Chicago if we work together.” After meeting with the crowd at Patel’s Café, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia visited local surrounding businesses. 

Among other  prominent attendees of the event were Amer Chaudhry, American Muslim Alliance, Salim Akhtar, American Muslim Taskforce-PAC, Sher Rajput, Community Activist, Liaquat Ali Khan, owner of Par Birdie Foods on Devon Ave, Mohammad Kaiseruddin, Chariman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Farhan Karar, SEIU-HCIIMK, Theresa Mah, former Asian American Liason for Pat Quinn, Steve Spagnalo, Board Member of Northside Democracy for America, and Chris Zala, Executive Director at Northside Community Resources, and many others residents and local business owners.  Sound support was provided by Mujeeb Ahmed of Masti Grill. 

Also this weekend, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia attended a strong lineup of fundraisers held by Peace Taxi Association at Doostan Restaurant, by UMMA a grassroots Muslim political organization at Hanging Gardens Banquets, and by Dr. Zaher Sahloul at his residence.