First Black, Trans Woman Becomes Water Reclamation Commissioner in Chicago

Precious Brady-Davis is the first Black transgender woman in the history of the state to be appointed as a commissioner of a water reclamation district. The environmental advocate was sworn-in Wednesday according to ABC 7 News.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is the agency that works to protect Lake Michigan. The agency manages stormwater and wastewater. The agency works to mitigate flooding and convert wastewater into clean water.

Governor JB Pritzker appointed Brady-Davis to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Kim du Buclet. Buclet was appointed to the Illinois General Assembly. Despite an unsuccessful campaign for the seat in 2022, she has now been given the opportunity to serve in this capacity.

“The appointment of a lifelong advocate and trailblazer like Precious Brady-Davis will bring another fierce voice in defense of environmental justice and equity to the MWRD board,” Pritzker said in a statement. “I am proud to appoint her to this essential role and hope that Black, trans youth across Illinois see a role model for civic engagement and service to others.”

According to Block Club Chicago, Brady-Davis’ swearing-in took place at the same center where she used to work as a youth outreach coordinator a decade ago.

The Role

Brady-Davis emphasized the importance of the role, particularly in the context of the ongoing climate change.

“Climate change is here, and we need action now,” she said. “We need leaders who see and speak the truth, and I am here to meet the moment.”

She will participate in her first board meeting this week.

Making History

The CEO of LGBTQ+ rights organization Equality Illinois, Brian Johnson, praised Brady-Davis for never backing down when fighting for what she believes in.

“Now more than ever, we need trans voices in rooms of power,” Johnson said. “Precious will be a powerful voice for change in protecting Lake Michigan, the source of our drinking water, and will inspire more trans people across the country to run for public office.”

Other elected and appointed officials were in attendance at Brady-Davis’ ceremony, including former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

“Today is an important milestone to celebrate, but we also need to make sure that Precious gets on the ballot, has the resources she needs, and we are not complacent on the sidelines,” Lightfoot said.

About Precious Brady-Davis

Before her current role, Brady-Davis held positions as the deputy press secretary and regional communications manager for the Sierra Club. In addition to working as a youth outreach coordinator at the Center on Halsted, she served as the assistant director of diversity recruitment initiatives at Columbia College Chicago.

In 2021, the newly elected official released her biography, “I Have Always Been Me.” Her memoir details her childhood trauma and journey as a transgender woman. And in 2016, Brady-Davis was also the first transgender bride to appear on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress.”

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