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“Equity is essential, but so is recognizing each other in a shared struggle” La Shawn K. Ford
La Shawn K. Ford’s life and career have been defined by an unwavering commitment to unity, equity, and public service. Elected to represent Illinois’ 8th District in 2006, Ford has built a record of legislative accomplishments reflecting his mission to create a fairer society. Drawing from his varied background as an educator, real estate broker, and community leader, he brings a people-centered perspective to the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the interests of Austin, Oak Park, and a handful of West Suburbs. Ford believes that his purpose in office is to lift up those most often overlooked in the system.
Ford’s journey to public office has been anything but conventional. From aspiring to become an Emergency Medical Technician/EMT to studying in seminary school, teaching social studies in Chicago Public Schools, and founding a real estate brokerage, Ford has spent his life serving his community in various roles. He entered public service to make a difference on a larger scale—an ambition that has only grown stronger since he began his career in the Illinois House.
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The People-Driven Path to Public Office
La Shawn K. Ford’s early career aspirations set the tone for a life devoted to service. Raised in Chicago, Ford’s initial dream of becoming an EMT was driven by the idea of directly helping people in moments of crisis. Seminary school soon followed as he explored a different path of service, and eventually, he began teaching social studies in Chicago Public Schools. Ford’s role as an educator, however, was more than just a job; it was a fulfillment of calling to make a difference in the lives of young people, to help them navigate a system he knew was stacked against them. “Teaching was never just a job—it was a mission to help young people understand the world around them and empower them to succeed despite the odds,” he said. But Ford’s time in CPS schools revealed to him just how much inequity affected his students—issues he knew one person alone couldn’t resolve.
After his teaching years, Ford his interest shifted to real estate, opening a brokerage that prioritized integrity and stability for first-time homebuyers, especially those from underserved backgrounds in an effort to make a difference on another level in the lives of others. His business grew rapidly, but he maintained a people-first approach. “Your desire is our pleasure,” became his brokerage’s motto, resonating with clients who sought security in an unpredictable market. In an era of risky subprime loans, Ford’s emphasis on steady investments over quick profits meant that many of his clients avoided the crisis that devastated others. His role as a broker opened his eyes further to the impacts of policies on property taxes, development, and economic opportunity—and that experience is what pushed him into politics. In 2006, Ford ran for the Illinois House, winning a seat and taking his “people-first” approach into state government.
Legislative Achievements and Policy Focus
Since taking office, La Shawn K. Ford has proven himself as a tireless legislator, co-sponsoring thousands of bills and authoring hundreds more, covering areas from criminal justice reform to healthcare and housing equity. Ford’s legislative priorities underscore his commitment to equity across the board. “Equity in schools, equity in jobs and contracts, equity in city services—these are not just talking points. They’re necessities,” he states. Ford has made it clear that these issues aren’t merely part of his agenda; they are the foundation of his work. His vision for Chicago involves ensuring that resources and opportunities are available to every neighborhood, from the west side of Chicago to the western suburbs.
In his work to address systemic inequities, Ford has prioritized funding for public schools, advocating for equitable budgets that allow underserved schools to thrive, not merely survive. His drive for educational equity reflects his time in the classroom, where he saw firsthand the gaps between what students needed and what resources were available. For Ford, equity is more than an ideal—it’s a practical requirement for improving the well-being of Chicago’s families.
His policy work extends beyond education to include health and environmental equity, too. Ford has spoken about the disparity in mental health services between his district’s urban areas and neighboring suburbs. “The opioid crisis impacts black and white communities alike, but in the western suburbs, people have access to recovery resources,” Ford explains, emphasizing how the lack of mental health infrastructure on Chicago’s west side has hindered families from dealing with the underlying issues of addiction. He also points out something as simple as the lack of tree cover in urban neighborhoods, noting how areas like Austin lack the greenery that makes suburban Oak Park more livable. “Asthma is a major problem on the west side,” Ford notes, “and lack of trees is part of that—our streets get hotter, our energy bills are higher, and air quality suffers”.
Standing Firm on Controversial Policies
Ford’s passion for addressing difficult issues is evident in his push for an overdose prevention site in Chicago, a project he believes is crucial in tackling the opioid epidemic humanely and practically. The proposed site would provide a safe, supervised space for those struggling with addiction, connecting them with resources while helping reduce overdose fatalities. Though controversial, Ford remains undeterred: “It’s about saving lives and creating pathways to recovery,” he says. He points out that such sites have seen success in cities like New York, where overdose prevention initiatives have helped reduce fatalities. His advocacy on this issue shows his commitment to exploring realistic solutions to complex public health issues, even if they’re not always popular.
In addition to harm reduction, Ford has fought continuously for formerly incarcerated persons with re-entry. A new initiative was recently announced to give individuals with prior felony convictions the opportunity to serve in local government. Inspired by the belief that “we are a country of second chances,” the initiative aims to lift the ban that currently prevents people with felony records from running for office. “If people have paid their dues, they should be able to serve,” Ford insists. His advocacy in this area aligns with his principles of redemption and unity and emphasizes his belief in building a more inclusive democracy.
Unity Amid Division: Building Bridges Across Chicago
One of Ford’s most defining principles is his call for unity. Representing a district that spans inner-city neighborhoods and affluent suburbs, he views his position as an opportunity to bridge divides across race, income, and geography. “We all face challenges, but we have different resources to deal with them,” he says. Ford frequently discusses the importance of acknowledging each other’s struggles to work toward shared solutions. He’s concerned about the growing separation between communities, an issue he believes has been exacerbated by political polarization and competing agendas. Reflecting on the divisions he observes in Chicago, Ford sees unity not as a political ideal but as a practical necessity to tackle issues like crime, health disparities, and education gaps.
Ford has spoken candidly about how social unity is threatened not just by racial divides, but by tensions between migrant and Chicago resident communities. He describes encounters where communities clash over jobs and resources, revealing the deeper insecurities that complicate progress. “Equity is essential, but so is recognizing each other in a shared struggle,” Ford notes, emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding between groups, not division.
Despite the personal and political challenges of advocating for unity, Ford believes it’s a message worth pursuing. He acknowledges that unity is difficult to achieve but insists that it’s the only way forward for his district and the city at large. “If we can’t address these issues together, we can’t fix them at all,” he says. He regards his role as not just about representing his constituents’ interests but challenging the political status quo if it means bringing people closer together.
The Future of La Shawn K. Ford’s Vision
As Ford looks to the future, he is candid about the challenges ahead. He knows that the work of creating equity and unity is far from complete and is prepared to continue pushing for systemic change on behalf of Illinois’ 8th District. Reflecting on past social movements, Ford is aware that lasting change depends on visibility, public awareness, and relentless advocacy. “People have to see the change to understand it,” he says, citing the impact of the civil rights movement and recent calls for police reform. To Ford, unity, and equity aren’t just ideas—they’re actionable goals that require commitment from all sides.
Ford’s career stands as a testament to what it means to be a true public servant. From his days in the classroom to his work in the state legislature, he has held every role with an unyielding commitment to justice, unity, and the well-being of his community. As he moves forward, he hopes to inspire others to approach public service with the same focus and resolve.
In a political landscape often marked by division and gridlock, La Shawn K. Ford offers a vision of unity and accountability, grounded in practical solutions and a genuine concern for the people he represents. Through his legislation, community engagement, and advocacy, Ford remains committed to building a future based on equity, compassion, and shared purpose.