Ald. Emma Mitts hosted the 5th annual Magnificent Mother’s Extravaganza in Austin to honor West Side moms with gifts, community resources, and a message of empowerment. Here she is joined by 15th District CPD Commander Carlin Morse (Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback).
On the eve of Mother’s Day weekend, Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) hosted her fifth annual Magnificent Mother’s Extravaganza in Austin, an event born in the depths of the pandemic and still powered by a grandmother’s kind of love.
Held outside her West Side public service office on Chicago Avenue, the Saturday gathering drew hundreds of local families, volunteers, and city officials — including Mayor Brandon Johnson — all there to celebrate and support mothers across the community.
A Mother’s Strength in Hard Times
“This event came out of the birth of a COVID,” said Mitts, who recalled the isolation, stress and uncertainty mothers faced in 2020. “Trying to just make it through, dealing with the kids of being locked inside the homes, I wanted to show love to them.”
The West Side alderwoman credited her own mother and grandmother for modeling a spirit of service.
“They were loving, kind people who believe in giving back each and every day,” she said. “No matter how hard the struggle is, we can overcome anything because they were strong. They birthed strong leaders in us.”
Mitts reminded the crowd of a mother’s sacred duty — and power. “You have to raise your children. It’s a mother’s job… so when they get old, it won’t depart from them.”
Mayor Johnson: ‘It’s Not Enough to Just Say Happy Mother’s Day’
Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback
In his remarks, Mayor Johnson offered heartfelt thanks to mothers and called for deeper investment in their lives and leadership.
“It’s not enough for us to just say Happy Mother’s Day. We have to show up on behalf of mothers and women,” Johnson said.
He noted that women comprise 65% of his administration, including many of the city’s top leadership roles — budget director, chief financial officer, and deputy mayors.
“When it comes to the infrastructure, the money, and development, the City of Chicago is being run by women — and mothers,” Johnson said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to advancing women’s rights in the face of federal attacks.
“Not only are we going to make sure that we protect the rights of women, we’re going to make sure that we do everything in our power to advance the rights of women,” he said.
City Progress, West Side Promises
Johnson spotlighted several citywide gains tied to his administration’s investments in public safety and equity:
- 29,000 summer jobs for youth — a 45% increase
- Nearly 4,000 affordable homes built, with 1,800 more under construction
- Reopening of closed mental health clinics
- Crime reduction: April 2025 had the fewest homicides since 1962
He also addressed long-standing infrastructure failures on the West Side, including unfinished water pipeline repairs and chronic flooding.
“We secured over $400 million to respond to the infrastructure,” Johnson said. “And we’re going to secure $90 million to go directly to households who lost property… We’re going to fix the problem and invest in those families.”
A Celebration with Purpose
Photo Credit: Tacuma Roeback
The event featured free furniture and appliance giveaways for mothers, food trucks, local vendors, music, and health screenings. GRUBHUB, World Vision, Black Men United, and the 15th District CPD participated.
For Mitts, this isn’t just a celebration. It’s a mission.
“We need to rely on the strength of our grandparents, our great-grandparents, to make it through these difficult times,” she said. “That’s why I stand here today.”
Below are more photos from the Mother’s Day Extravaganza event, courtesy of Tacuma Roeback:
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