Mayor Brandon Johnson Celebrates City of Chicago's 189th Birthday

CHICAGO - Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson joined the City Club of Chicago, Chicago's Poet Laureate Mayda Alexandra del Valle, Chicago Historian Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, and local small businesses to celebrate the 189th anniversary of Chicago's incorporation as a city. The public event, held at Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's historic Water Tower Park featured the performance of an original poem by del Valle, remarks by Thomas on the history of Chicago and its people, and a cake-cutting ceremony honoring Chicago's birthday.

"As we celebrate 189 years of growth and progress, and our unique Chicago style, let us recommit ourselves to this city we love," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "By working in collaboration with our community partners, we will ensure that our city's best chapter is still ahead of us. By making critical investments in community safety, housing, mental health services, youth jobs, and neighborhood revitalization my administration is working every day to see Chicago thrive for the next 189 years."

Watch Mayor Johnson's full remarks here.

Watch the cake-cutting ceremony here.

Members of the public in attendance received treats from four local businesses, including Eli's Cheesecake-who provided the birthday cake-Ida's Artisan Ice Cream, Kym's Kitchen, and Ruby's Fine Hibiscus Tea.

Thomas discussed Chicago's place as the home of historic trailblazers and world-changing technological innovation while del Valle delivered "The Windy City Song," an original poem which explored personal experience growing up in Chicago and the intrepid spirit which defines our city.

"Everything that's dope in the world comes from Chicago," said Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, Chicago Historian. "And so on this birthday, I hope Chicagoans not only celebrate our city, but remember it is through our unity that we have given so much to the world."

"Chicago's 189-year history is one of resilience, innovation, and possibility. Just as in poetry, our city has always been a welcoming place where diverse voices have come together to share their creativity across cultures," said Mayda Alexandra Del Valle, Poet Laureate of Chicago. "As we celebrate today, we do so in gratitude to the Chicagoans who came before us and excitement for what's still ahead-honoring the stories, communities, and dreams that continue to define our city."

The Water Tower and the Water Tower Water Works are some the oldest buildings in Chicago, having first opened in 1869 the Near North Side landmarks were among the few structures that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

Photos of the event are available courtesy of the Peyton Reich | The Mayor's Office here.

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