Activist Who Helped Release McDonald Video Running For Alderman

CHICAGO - William Calloway, a Chicago activist who was a major part of the police shooting video of Laquan McDonald have been released to the public, has announced his intention to run for a spot on the Chicago City Council. Calloway announced Monday that he will seek to be the alderman of the city's 5th Ward, which covers much of the Hyde Park, Woodlawn and South Shore neighborhoods on the South Side.

Calloway is the third active candidate in the 2019 election for the 5th Ward alderman seat. His opponents are incumbent 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston and Gabriel Piemonte, the former editor of the Hyde Park Herald. Another former candidate, Joseph Michael Carr, has dropped out of the race.

"Change is coming for the 5th Ward," Calloway wrote in announcing his candidacy on Monday.

“During my time as a community organizer, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Chicago citizens in the fight for justice. I hope to continue that fight on behalf of citizens of the 5th Ward,” Calloway said.

He was one of two men who filed the Freedom of Information Act request that eventually led to the release of the video that showed former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke fatally shooting McDonald in 2014, the Chicago Sun-Times and others have reported.

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Calloway plans to address education inequality, food deserts and ensure public safety by combating gun violence and police brutality if elected, according to his campaign website.

"He promises to lead with transparency and bring key community stakeholders together to work towards solutions that positively impact residents across the ward."

Change is coming for the 5th Ward. Today, I announce my candidacy for Alderman of the 5th Ward. Read more: https://t.co/tkqztS5Q4t pic.twitter.com/ueFJiYyoZM
— William Calloway (@Callowayfor5) November 12, 2018

Piemonte issued a statement on Calloway's candidacy announcement in an email to media.

"William Calloway is my brother, and I love him," he wrote. "I welcome him to what will undoubtedly be some challenging months in this campaign. Mr. Calloway and I agree on many things and disagree on others. Our fields of expertise and experience are different in important ways. The voters of the Fifth Ward will consider us and decide for themselves."

Piemonte said he will not challenge Calloway's petitions and that he hopes both challengers will have their names on the ballot in the February aldermanic election.

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Kruzel