Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has never been known for his political finesse, but his latest Memorial Day messaging—or lack thereof—has triggered a fresh wave of frustration and mockery. At a time when the nation pauses to remember those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms, Johnson opted to focus his official pulpit elsewhere: namely, “Happy Africa Day” and a cringe-inducing shout-out to the “Latine” community.
And while that may fly at an activist summit in San Francisco, it’s a harder sell in a city grappling with crime, budget woes, and leadership that feels disconnected at best and disdainful at worst.
On Sunday, Johnson took to Instagram to post an enthusiastic “Happy Africa Day” video. On the same day, he pushed out a tribute to Chicago’s “Latine community” in honor of the Sueños Music Festival, using the latest in left-wing linguistic gymnastics. The term “Latine,” a linguistic cousin of “Latinx,” is even more obscure—only 3% of Latinos prefer either term, and most find them confusing or outright offensive, according to Pew Research.
JUST IN: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson wishes everyone “happy Africa Day.”
“Happy Africa Day, everyone!” pic.twitter.com/UiZC8fY8y4
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 26, 2025
The response was swift and harsh. Commenters flooded the posts, wondering if the mayor remembered what the holiday weekend was actually for—to honor fallen U.S. service members, not to launch a round of niche identity tributes.
By Monday, when mayors across America were laying wreaths and delivering patriotic remarks, Johnson’s accounts were silent. The most recent official post dated back to May 20—complete with fiery rhetoric about “the liberation of working people” and the typical class-war theater that’s become his brand. What was missing? Even a single enthusiastic word about Memorial Day.
Johnson’s misstep might be just another drop in the political bucket, but that bucket is already overflowing. His approval ratings have cratered to below 7 percent. Yes, seven. As in single digits.
HAPPENING NOW: Mayor Johnson attends the Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony. https://t.co/nG3sTci97N
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) May 24, 2025
It’s no mystery why. The city’s public safety situation remains in free fall. Residents continue fleeing. And Johnson, rather than listening or adjusting, lashes out—most recently at the Department of Justice, which is now investigating his hiring practices after he openly bragged about prioritizing race over qualifications. That probe is now underway, and Johnson’s response? He attacked the Trump administration, as if that were still a relevant scapegoat in 2025.
Saturday’s appearance at a wreath-laying ceremony was posted without commentary, in stark contrast to the full-throated enthusiasm for Africa Day. It’s not hard to connect the dots: patriotic remembrance takes a back seat to the preferred ideological rituals of the moment.
