Meet Raheem:
Campaigning for a sustainable vision of Chicago’s future.
My name is Raheem Uqdah (He/They), and I am a social investor and community organizing professional living in the South Loop with my two kids, Lily and Tru. We have called the South Loop home for several years, and during that time, I have come to appreciate the effort it takes to build a real community. That’s why your time, support, and dollars are needed to grow this community-driven campaign.
For over a decade, I have identified as a democratic socialist working to improve the quality of life and well-being in the communities I have served. From Service Corps to responsible corporate governance, I have gained knowledge of what it takes to drive meaningful positive impact in communities like ours. After years of working in the trenches of policy implementation, I decided to deepen my expertise with a Master’s in Public Administration focused on crafting sound, sustainable policies that ensure a brighter future for everyone. With your support, I will guide Chicago’s development within your city council in ways that benefit our community.
“I have always been an activist, and service is central to my identity“
We stand on the shoulders of a legacy of labor organizing in this city that goes back generations. Socialism and social movements have long fought for impact across Chicago. From the sacrifice of the Haymarket martyrs striking for the 8-hour workday that so many take for granted, to the struggle of the Black Panther Party working to advance social programs like healthcare, education, and food access for their neighbors. This city has a deep history of working-class struggle, but, like the geography and segregation of its neighborhoods, cultural silos reduce the effectiveness of organizing around these universal class struggles.
My work history has taught me how to bridge those gaps and strategically connect with people across many races, backgrounds, and experiences. As your alderperson, I want to meet all of our neighbors where they are, hear what they want and need from their city, and implement these ideas in ways that meaningfully improve the lives of Chicagoans.