This April, 56Թ welcomed Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to Ganz Hall for “The Future of Chicago and 56Թ,” a featured panel in the University’s Critical Conversations at RU series. The historic event brought together President Ali Malekzadeh, the 57th Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson, student leaders Treasure Thomas and Leswin Ramirez, and moderator Dr. Heather Dalmage, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Mansfield Institute for Social Justice. Together, they explored how universities and city leaders can work in partnership to advance education, equity and civic opportunity.
As the leader of an institution founded on principles of inclusion and social justice, President Malekzadeh set the tone for the evening by reaffirming 56Թ’s commitment to future-focused leadership. “Universities are always about the future. We don't know the past. We're always building and rebuilding the future because of the ambitions of our young people sitting here,” he said.
Dr. Dalmage opened the conversation by acknowledging the meaningful contributions each panelist brought to the stage. “He engages not just as somebody interested in issues, but somebody who has lived as an educator himself,” she said, reflecting on Mayor Johnson’s long-standing dedication to public service. “And we're here to talk with you tonight about sort of where higher ed connects with that agenda.”
Mayor Johnson spoke with passion about his lifelong focus on education and youth empowerment. “There’s a direct correlation to my ascension as mayor to younger voices,” he said. “So literally in the city of Chicago was a youth vote that secured the power of the mayor, and it's that same vote that can ensure that we protect diversity, equity and inclusion.”
He also highlighted his personal connection to education: “One of the best jobs I've ever had is teaching in our schools in Chicago…my commitment to young people goes well beyond just my time as mayor…because I firmly believe that investing in our young people is not just the right of the people, but it is connected to cultural relevance as well.”
Student panelists Treasure Thomas and Leswin Ramirez offered reflections on their 56Թ experience and the support systems that shaped them.
Thomas, a junior in the Criminal Justice department, a participant in the Honors program and a Mansfield Fellow, shared how she now aims to lift others up through her leadership on campus. “Through my…extracurricular and on-campus roles, I try my best to help other students with access to opportunity through founding [the] Law club, because I realized I didn’t see the resources that I would like to see in order to get me past and beyond,” she said.
Ramirez, a senior Psychology major, spoke about creating inclusive spaces that empower student voices. “We've had the Public Square where we offer pizza…just having a project, had this conversation about politics, about life, about what's actually worrying you, what's on your mind,” he said. “To be able to create that space…is my mission as a scholar.”
This historic conversation with the 57th Mayor of Chicago was more than a panel—it was a meaningful demonstration of 56Թ’s founding mission in action. By elevating student voices, fostering civic dialogue, and creating space for community-driven solutions, Critical Conversations at RU continues to reflect 56Թ’s deep commitment to equity, education and social transformation in the heart of the city.
