In a heartfelt celebration of community, generosity, and hometown pride, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined actor and comedian Mike Epps at the Christmas in the Wards Pre-Thanksgiving Give-Away held at Kennedy-King College on November 21st. The event, part of the long-running Christmas in the Wards initiative, brought food, warm clothing, and resources to families ahead of the holiday season.
Giving Back in Chicago
Christmas in the Wards distributed thousands of dollars in emergency food assistance this November as community needs continue to rise. Mayor Johnson and Mike Epps were on site supporting families and volunteering alongside local organizations. In addition to turkeys and winter coats, volunteers served 500 hot meals courtesy of S2Grills, with help from a network of nonprofits and city partners.
What made the occasion especially memorable was the participation of the school’s choir, whose uplifting performance filled the gymnasium with music that captured the spirit of the season. Families and volunteers alike gathered to listen, turning the event into more than a giveaway — it was a moment of celebration and unity.
Real Conversations About Community
Following the choir’s performance, Johnson and Epps took part in a community panel, where they shared laughs and personal stories with attendees. Topics ranged from favorite Chicago foods — from deep-dish pizza to local soul food favorites — to reflections on personal journeys and the importance of grounding success in one’s roots.
During the panel, attendees heard how both men found success coming from humble beginnings. Mayor Johnson, who grew up outside of Chicago and later became a teacher and union organizer before being elected mayor, spoke about the formative power of community, education, and service in shaping his life.
Epps reflected on his rise from stand-up comedy stages to Hollywood films like Next Friday and The Hangover — emphasizing how laughter, resilience, and connection to others helped him pursue his dreams.
A Friendship Between the City and Culture
Beyond the stage and panel, the event highlighted a unique friendship between civic leadership and cultural influence. Mayor Johnson even shared how he once attended a Mike Epps show in Chicago, describing it as a night that reminded him of the power of humor and gathering people together — a fitting connection to the day’s mission. (Local attendees recalled seeing the mayor at a recent Epps performance.)
Roots Run Deep
Although Mike Epps grew up in Indianapolis, his ties to Chicago run strong — especially through his wife, Kyra Epps, a Chicago native and accomplished television producer. Kyra has invested in her hometown through community partnerships and advocacy, reinforcing the family’s connection to this city.
Both Johnson and Epps champion giving back — whether through political leadership, entertainment, or hands-on philanthropy. Their presence at Christmas in the Wards reminded Chicagoans that success can — and perhaps should — be used to uplift the communities that shaped us.
A Season of Hope
As volunteers, leaders, and residents headed home with full hearts and warm meals, the message was clear: true community support goes beyond food and clothing — it’s about shared stories, shared laughter, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity and joy during the holidays.
