David Boykin, the chairman of the police council responsible for improving policing in some of Chicago’s most violence-plagued neighborhoods, has been absent from work for nearly a year. Despite not attending any council meetings since April 2025 and failing to respond to emails or phone calls from his colleagues, Boykin continues to collect his city paycheck. His fellow council members, Aisha Humphries and Ciera Whitaker, are now calling for his resignation, citing his absence as a hindrance to the council’s functionality.
The 6th District Council, which includes Auburn-Gresham and neighboring communities, was established as part of a police reform initiative following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Each council consists of three members who receive a $500 monthly stipend. Boykin, who was elected as the chair of the council, has been unreachable and unresponsive, according to Humphries and Whitaker. They have publicly expressed their frustration with Boykin’s lack of engagement and are actively seeking his resignation.
In a letter dated December 5, Humphries and Whitaker highlighted Boykin’s prolonged absence and lack of participation in council activities. They emphasized that his continued neglect of his duties has prevented the council from effectively serving the residents of the 6th District. Despite their efforts to communicate with Boykin, he has remained unresponsive, further exacerbating the council’s operational challenges.
City officials have confirmed that Boykin has received $5,000 in taxpayer money since April 2025 without fulfilling his responsibilities. While there is no clear mechanism to remove him from office unless he resigns, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has acknowledged Boykin’s ongoing receipt of his monthly stipend. The lack of performance standards or enforcement mechanisms within the council’s bylaws has allowed Boykin to retain his position despite his prolonged absence.
The situation involving Boykin came to light as a result of his public comments regarding the death of David Curry, a man who died following a confrontation with a Chicago police officer in June 2024. Despite activist groups condemning the incident as a “police crime,” the Civilian Office of Police Accountability cleared the officer of any wrongdoing. Boykin, who was active on the council at the time, publicly criticized the officer’s actions, calling for justice on behalf of Curry.
While Boykin’s absence and lack of engagement have raised concerns among council members and city officials, the CCPSA has emphasized the importance of accountability and transparency among elected officials. District Councilors are expected to uphold their responsibilities and serve their constituents diligently. As the situation with Boykin unfolds, Humphries and Whitaker continue to advocate for his resignation in order to ensure the effective functioning of the 6th District Council.
