A healthcare professional, Parker has been chair of Morgan Park High School’s Local School Council for a decade. Her son is a Chicago police officer, and she co-founded Moms of CPD, a group that aims to create positive interactions between officers and community members.
Parker did not respond to the Reader’s questionnaire, but in a since-deleted Facebook comment, she wrote, “I am a survivor of domestic violence at the hand of a Chicago police officer and was victimized by a system that protects officers. I am an advocate for holding CPD accountable for hiring more Black and Brown officers to be guardians of our neighborhoods! I live in one of the most violent beats in the 22nd District and want to feel safe in my community, just like my neighbors and the hundreds of people whose doors I have knocked on.
“I have volunteered for over a decade to advocate for Black children victimized by lack of equity in CPS. Do I support my children, including my son? Of course I do because I’m a great mom with amazing children, all working to make a difference in the world. I am an advocate for accountability for all. I am the only candidate trained and versed in restorative justice. I am the only candidate running in 22 who has relationships with residents and community leaders in every single corner of the district, and across the city for that matter. And that is what this role needs. Someone who can bring people together for healing and collaboration and do the job that many alderpeople in this city haven’t been able to do.”
Candidate questionnaire responses
Do you have experience as an activist or community organizer?
Do you have experience interacting with CPD?
Do you have experience working or interacting with government?
Should the city hire more police officers?
Is CPD adequately funded?
CPD reform:
Mental health crises:
