By Southwest Messenger Press · Updated October 31th, 2025

By Chicago Sun Times · Updated October 30th, 2025

Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Irvin joined Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Indian American Business Council (IABC), and community leaders at City Hall to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event, held in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, showcased Chicago’s cultural diversity and civic unity.

Treasurer Conyears-Irvin delivered one of the evening’s most memorable messages, emphasizing Diwali’s spirit of light, hope, and togetherness.

“Diversity is our strength — our superpower,” she said, addressing the audience and young children present. “You embody the world’s goodness. This builds bridges: today yours, tomorrow mine.”

Her remarks resonated with the theme of the night — building stronger connections between City Hall and Chicago’s growing Indian-American business community. Conyears-Irvin highlighted how economic inclusion and cultural understanding go hand in hand, reinforcing her office’s mission to foster opportunities across all neighborhoods.

Mayor Brandon Johnson also reaffirmed the city’s commitment to celebrating Diwali at City Hall each year, calling Chicago “a global city made stronger by its diversity.”

The celebration began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony led by Ajeet Singh, President of the IABC, and Consul General Somnath Ghosh, followed by lively performances from Ajanta Chakraborty and her dance ensemble.

The presence of the City Treasurer underscored the administration’s focus on inclusive growth — ensuring every community sees itself represented in Chicago’s economic and cultural future.

As Treasurer Conyears-Irvin’s office continues to champion financial empowerment and civic engagement, events like this Diwali celebration illuminate the city’s path toward unity through diversity.

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By Chicago Sun Times · Updated October 30th, 2025

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin Leads Free Homebuying Workshop to Empower Renters

Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin is spearheading a full-day event designed to give Chicago residents tools to transition from renting to owning a home. The workshop, titled “The Home Stretch — Your Financial Jumpstart to Owning a Home”.

This marks the first time the Treasurer’s office is hosting such a workshop, part of Conyears-Ervin’s effort to tackle the city’s housing affordability crisis and create pathways toward generational wealth through homeownership.

According to Conyears-Ervin, the median home price in Chicago has increased roughly 20% over the past five years. With rents reaching record highs, she argues the city must equip residents with the means to own real estate—not just rent indefinitely. “The purpose for me is really to address the housing crisis that we see in our city and our neighborhoods,” she says.

At the event, participants will connect with certified housing counselors, mortgage-readiness coaches and lending partners. They’ll also be able to earn a certificate to present to banks for down-payment assistance, receive a free credit score check via TransUnion, and obtain tools to reinforce their financial readiness.

Treasurer Conyears-Ervin highlights credit history and available funds as the biggest hurdles for many first-time buyers. “Many people do not know how to increase their credit score. They don’t even know how to begin,” she says. “People really want help and to be able to have all of these resources under one roof is a major affect. We’re looking for people to walk away with what they need to be able to purchase their own home.” 

In particular, Conyears-Ervin points to glaring racial disparities in homeownership and wealth in Chicago. Her office reports that only 40% of Black households in Chicago own homes, compared to 77% of white households. Meanwhile, the median net worth for Black households is reportedly $0, versus $210,000 for white households.

“Homeownership is within their reach,” Conyears-Ervin declares. “This is something that they can have access to, and everyone deserves housing.”

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By Essence · Updated October 29th, 2025

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