Ald. Quezada confirmed amid racial discussions
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Anthony Quezada was confirmed Monday by the Chicago City Council. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
The City Council confirmed Cook County Commissioner Anthony Quezada on Monday in a 32-11 vote to replace Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (now Parks CEO) in the 35th Ward.
Why it matters: Quezada's confirmation process sparked frank discussions about racial language after an 11-year-old social media post, in which Quezada used the N-word to refer to friends, surfaced.
- Last month, Quezada, 29 and the youngest current alder, issued a statement saying he regretted the post, written when he was 18. Some alders accepted the apology, but others did not.
What they're saying: "If I had an affair with Beyoncé and Jay Z catches me … I would regret that Jay Z came in there, but you will never hear me say I'm sorry for sleeping with Beyoncé because I wouldn't be," Ald. David Moore said, explaining his rejection of Quezada's statement.
- There's "a difference between regretting writing something down and being godly sorry — godly sorry — for hurting a group of people."
The other side: Several other Black council members, including Emma Mitts, came out in support of Quezada, who was tapped for the seat by Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying, "I've been called all kinds of names and it don't make no difference as long as you treat me right, treat me as a human being."
Between the lines: Mayoral appointees often draw unanimous confirmation votes from the council. The split vote reflects continuing divisions in the body.
- Some alders even objected to Quezada's automatic placement in his predecessor's committee slots.
Quezada's take: "I understand why my council colleagues took the votes that they did. I do not hold it against them," he said after the council meeting.
- "I think that there are a lot of tensions right now everywhere, and we have to make sure that we're working together, that we're bringing people together."