NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.
In this profile, learn all about the 24th ward, which covers parts of North Lawndale, Douglas Park and Little Village.
Demographic
- Total Population: 54,909
- White: 3.98 percent
- Black: 85.72 percent
- Hispanic: 9.55 percent
- Asian: 0.23 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Michael Chandler
Ward Committeemen: Sharon Denise Dixon (democratic committeeman), Larry Nelson (republican committeeman) and Antonne Cox (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Frank Bass, Vetress Boyce, LaDarius Curtis, Sherita Harris, Vernell Hollis-Swanigan (withdrawn), Wallace Johnson, Regina Lewis, Denarvis Mendenhall (removed), Larry Nelson, Michael Scott, Jr., Darren Tillis and Roger Washington. Ald. Michael Chandler is not seeking re-election.
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Violent, poor, struggling
Economic Engine: Sears, Roebuck and Co. used to be a big employer in the North Lawndale neighborhood along with Western Electric and Zenith and Sunbeam, but when the companies moved out, many people lost jobs and the area began to struggle economically. Lagunitas Brewing Company, however, is now located in the 24th ward and has the potential to be an economic booster.
Where People Eat: Restaurants include several fast food places, Marvin's Murry's Fish and Chicken, Chicago Steak and Lemonade, Hook Fish and Chicken, Fresh Off the Grill and New Pine Valley.
Where People Drink: Bars include Sky Box Sports Bar and Green Tomato Cafe.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include New Mission Temple Church of God in Christ, Faith Community Baptist Church, Divine Tree of Life Missionary, Greater Rock Missionary Baptist, New Star of Bethlehem, Revelations International, Sunrise Baptist Church, First Grace Baptist Church, Jesus CHrist Holy MB Church, Eagle Eye International Church, Redeem Tabernacle Church, Our Lady of the Resurrection, Harmony Community Church and St. Paule Ame Church.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Michael Chandler was alderman of the 24th ward from 1995 until he lost to Sharon Denise Dixon in 2007. Chandler won the election again in 2011. Dixon won 52 percent of the vote in 2007, defeating Chandler in a runoff. In 2011, Chandler won 60 percent of the vote, defeating Dixon in a runoff.
Landmark: Cook County Jail and Homan Square, where the original Sears, Roebuck and Co. was built
Ward Expert: Charles Leeks, neighborhood director for Lawndale at Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Inc.
