Northeastern Illinois University hosted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on February 26, 2026, for a public discussion focused on civic leadership, human rights, and challenges faced by current college students. The event took place in the university’s main auditorium and was open to the campus community.
Mayor Johnson joined a panel with students Leslie Lozada and E’Nya “Winter” Terry, as well as DeWitt Scott, Director of the Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs. Urban Community Studies Professor Zada Johnson moderated the conversation.
University President Katrina E. Bell-Jordan welcomed attendees and introduced the mayor. “Founded in 1867, NEIU is a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to expanding access, advancing opportunity and preparing graduates for meaningful careers and lifelong success,” she said. “It is in the context of access, opportunity and purpose that we are honored to welcome Mayor Brandon Johnson to campus today.”
Panelists discussed how institutions can expand opportunities by removing barriers such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental health concerns, safety issues, financial stress, and uncertainty from federal policy changes.
Mayor Johnson addressed institutional responsibility: “The first thing that we have to do — civic as well as our public institutions — we have to believe our students when they express the pain and turmoil that they’ve experienced,” he said. “It’s the strongest partnership, I believe, that exists today. Our public institutions, as well as our government, are best positioned to fight for our humanity and there’s no better time than the time that we’re living in right now.”
Students Lozada and Terry highlighted resources like the Student Pantry and student organizations as important supports during their education. Lozada described her experience: “From my experiences working in Student Media, that is a big issue — people are trying to find different events around campus to supplement a lunch or an early dinner, if they have night class.” She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of The Independent newspaper.
Terry noted that many students living on campus rely on services such as the Student Pantry for basic needs. She also emphasized mental health support offered by Northeastern Illinois University through TimelyCare—a virtual mental health platform available at all times—and programs like Barbershop Talks held weekly at the Pedroso Center.
“When you want to feel human again, you go to Barbershop Talks,” Terry said. “You get rooted in your purpose and you feel as though you can take on the rest of the week and take care of yourself.”
Throughout the event Mayor Johnson underscored collaboration between cities and universities: “My administration is committed to meeting young people where they are and centering youth voices in our efforts to build safer, more affordable communities for all,” he stated in a press release about the event. “I am grateful to NEIU for the opportunity to discuss our shared challenges and potential solutions with some of our city’s brightest students, and I look forward to continued partnership with NEIU to build career pathways, expand opportunities and ensure Chicago is thriving. Today’s conversation is a reminder that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are leading in our present.”
The discussion was part of ongoing efforts at Northeastern Illinois University—including its College of Arts and Sciences’ themed semester focusing on human rights—to address key student issues through academic programs aligned with global initiatives such as the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
