All About the Badass Black Woman Standing Up Against Trump and His War on Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union leader Stacy Davis Gates defends public schools and Black families against Trump’s attacks.

By Asheea Smith Published November 12, 2025

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates speaks to the City Club of Chicago at Maggiano’s Banquets on Grand Avenue on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

In the heart of Chicago, one Black woman has emerged as a powerhouse in the American labor movement: Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and leader of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT). At a time when public education, health care, and resources feel under siege, Davis Gates has positioned herself at the intersection of activism, advocacy, and community leadership — standing up to President Donald Trump’s political attacks by defending families and public education.

A steadfast advocate for Chicagoans, the union boss has her eyes set on the prosperity of Black residents in her city by any means necessary, leading a fearless charge against militarized operations including ICE and the National Guard — deployed under Trump’s direction. And since Chicago’s been targeted by the administration, Davis Gates hasn’t flinched in the face of terror. (snip-so much MORE-go read it; it’s not long)