"It has been a point from the beginning of my administration to make sure that we always are investing in our young people and empowering them," said Mayor Brandon Johnson as he addressed Ald. Jeanette Taylor’s (20th) Youth Explosion last Saturday.

Held on June 1 this year, the Youth Explosion is an annual community event that provides youth "a safe space and an encouraging space for youth" with access to resources at Dyett High School, 555 E. 51st Street. 

This summer, Johnson continued, his administration is aiming to double the number of youth with summer jobs: “We’re going to hire 28,000 young people.

"I want you to take full advantage of all the resources that are here," said Johnson, looking around to the more than 100 young people gathered. "These organizations want to connect with you all, and I want you to connect with them," he said. 

More than 50 government agencies and businesses were present at the event, including representatives from the Chicago Fire Department, the Citizens Office of Police Accountability, United African Organization and Blue Plate Catering.

"That’s what it’s gonna take you all for us to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago. We have to continue to work together," Johnson continued.

As he continued to speak, his voice became more emphatic. 

"We’ve already built 100 affordable homes, there are 700 more that are coming on line. And then finally, the pain and the suffering that has been promulgated through our communities for a long time, have gone unaddressed,” Johnson said. “There were other administrations that refused to invest in our people. In fact, they’ve taken things away. That’s why two days ago, I announced that I’m opening up three closed mental health clinics.”

"And this is just the first year y’all," he continued, noting that homicides, shootings and robberies are down.

"I didn’t mean to get all extra, but I just feel good on the South Side. You all make a West Sider feel real good," Johnson said. "Just know that a better, stronger, safer Chicago is already here."