Will Black Americans ever achieve equality?

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Chicago Tribune Opinion

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Good morning, Chicago. I have friends whose son tested into an elite public school in Chicago. And I've heard from friends whose children also faced the same process and pressure. So I had some familiarity with selective enrollment when I read Eder I. Aguilar's op-ed on what it's like for Chicago's eighth graders to get the test results and find out if they made the cut at their hoped-for high school. He speaks not only as a CPS teacher but also as a former student who faced the same moment of truth. What he has to say is compassionate, enlightening and essential. Please don't miss his piece.

Also in commentary, Willie Wilson expresses dismay at President Donald Trump's posting of a video depicting the Obamas in a deeply racist way. He notes that plenty of Americans have doubts that Black people will ever achieve equality in our nation.

Regarding endorsements, the Tribune Editorial Board today shares its preferences for Illinois Senate candidates in the 6th, 9th, 14th, 33rd, 36th, 56th and 59th districts. Plus, our letter writers have a lot to say about elections, particularly about the 9th Congressional District race. I highly recommend reading that double-size offering of letters.

Navigating election season is always challenging. We notably don't publish letters that promote a particular candidate, but we do want to hear from you if you have election-related thoughts. Please click the link below and send us a letter.

We'll be back tomorrow.

— Colleen Kujawa, opinion editor

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Willie Wilson: Americans are not optimistic Black people will ever achieve full equality

The racist video of the Obamas posted during Black History Month is hurtful and underscores the pessimism Americans have regarding equality.

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Eder I. Aguilar: My message to 8th grade CPS students who face the verdict of their high school test results

Every year at my school in Logan Square, I experience the cutthroat application process each Chicago eighth grader faces.

Read more →

Letters: Consider all demographic groups when voting for a 9th Congressional District candidate

I think the needs of all the population groups in the 9th Congressional District need to be considered in choosing a representative.

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Editorial: Nick Uniejewski for Illinois 6th Senate District Democratic primary

We like Uniejewski's sense of urgency around housing and self-described willingness to challenge the status quo.

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Editorial: Ahmed Karrar for Illinois 14th Senate District Democratic primary

We believe Karrar's optimism and genuine enthusiasm for the job could do some good in Springfield.

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Editorial: Patrick Hanley for Illinois 9th Senate District Democratic primary

Hanley articulated a thoughtful approach to the need to expand housing development.

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Editorial: Jessica Breugelmans for Illinois 33rd Senate District Republican primary

Breugelmans has made a great appeal on this issue and education more broadly, which matters greatly in this district.

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Editorial: Kevin Hall for Illinois 56th Senate District Democratic primary

Hall tells us he's all for increasing the efficiency of government and also appears laser-focused on bringing down costs for Illinoisans.

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Editorial: Beekman for Illinois 36th Senate District Republican primary

Illinois 36th Senate District could be winnable for Republicans, we believe Beekman has the experience needed to do just that.

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Editorial: Paul Jacobs for Illinois 59th Senate District Republican primary

State Rep. Jacobs hopes to move over to the Senate and has long fought for fiscal responsibility.

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