Congressman Danny K. Davis, Westside Black Elected Officials, and Community Leaders Denounce Donald Trump’s Economic Policies That Harm Black Communities

Chicago, IL – [Date] – Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), joined by Westside Black Elected Officials and community leaders, held a press conference today to condemn Donald Trump’s economic policies and financial decisions, which have disproportionately harmed African Americans and working-class families. The speakers emphasized the devastating impact of Trump’s administration, which prioritized corporate interests over everyday people, cutting vital programs and services that communities rely on.

“Donald Trump’s financial policies have gutted funding for minority-owned businesses, weakened housing protections, cut safety net programs, and widened the racial wealth gap,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis. “We are here today to say loud and clear: We will not stand by while our communities are under attack. We are not going back!”

Trump’s administration has proposed and implemented policies that:

• Eliminate funding for minority-owned businesses, limiting opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to create jobs and build wealth.
• Community Health Centers: Critical federal funding supporting over 30 million low-income patients is frozen, creating chaos for those relying on essential healthcare services.
• Rollback housing protections, leading to increased evictions and foreclosures in Black communities.
• Slash social safety net programs, including food assistance and healthcare subsidies, putting a heavier burden on low-income families.
• Push tax policies that favor the wealthy, further widening the racial wealth gap.

Speakers at the press conference included Ald. Emma Mitts, Chairperson of Westside Black Elected Officials, who decried the attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion:

“As Chairperson of the Contracts Oversight and Equity Committee for the City of Chicago, I hear firsthand how diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are being erased. These policies have helped ensure economic opportunity for Black communities. Now, we are being told to go backward. Well, we refuse.”

State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford underscored the impact on education and public institutions:

“Trump’s cuts to Pell Grants and affirmative action programs will devastate public universities. Black and minority students will struggle to access higher education, and diversity programs will be dismantled. This will impact not just Black students, but all students.”

Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps emphasized the privatization of essential services:

“This is about oligarchy—the wealthy few taking from the many. Public hospitals, public education, and social services are being privatized, making access to healthcare and education harder for those who need it most.”

President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Kari Steele linked these economic cuts to climate change and infrastructure:

“Infrastructure funding is critical, but under Trump’s leadership, we saw key environmental and infrastructure investments neglected. We are moving forward, not backward, and we need leaders who prioritize clean water, climate resilience, and public health.”

Community Leader Jackie Reed called out Trump’s divisive leadership:

“A nation divided cannot stand. And that’s exactly what Trump has done—divided families, communities, and the nation. We cannot allow his policies to strip our communities of resources and dignity.”

Community Leader Donald Dew echoed the urgency of action:

“Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of the fierce urgency of now. That urgency is here. Trump’s policies are a direct threat to the most vulnerable—people with disabilities, mental health needs, veterans, and children. If we do not act now, our communities will suffer.”

Dr. Elizabeth Lockhart focused on the attack on veterans:

“Trump’s policies have hurt veterans—those who put their lives on the line for this country. Their healthcare, benefits, and resources are being stripped away. How can we call ourselves a great nation if we abandon those who served?”

Community Leader Stephen Robinson issued a stark warning:

“Donald Trump has put everyone on the menu. If you think you are exempt, you are wrong. Black, brown, white—his policies hurt all working people. We must unite to fight back.”

Former Senator Rickey Hendon closed with a call for accountability:

“We must stand up and demand leadership that works for the people. The facts are clear—Trump’s policies favor the rich and leave the rest of us struggling. We will not go back.”

Congressman Davis and community leaders urged immediate action to ensure economic justice and accountability.

“Elections have consequences,” Congressman Davis concluded. “If we want an economy that works for everyone—not just billionaires—we must organize, mobilize, and vote.”