About the Slate

NASSIR FAULKNER (he/him) is a queer Black man, community leader, public servant, and longtime North Side resident committed to building safer and more equitable communities by listening to and working alongside the people who call them home.

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Raised by his mother and his grandmother, who immigrated to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago, Nassir understands the importance of community, service, and looking out for one another. He has spent nearly a decade working in state and county government, building experience in public policy, communications, and community engagement.

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Nassir has lived on Chicago’s North Side since 2012 and has called the 48th Ward home since 2017. He has been an active member of the community, currently serving on Care for Real’s Board of Directors as Secretary to the Board on the Board. As a new voice in public service, Nassir brings both professional and lived experience to the 20th Police District Council. He understands that people come to conversations about public safety with different perspectives, and believes that everyone deserves to be safe, heard, and respected in their community.

REBECCA KLING (she/her) is an educator, community organizer, and advocate for change. She is a co-founder and co-owner of Better World Collaborative, a progressive communications and organizing consultancy, and has been part of the transgender rights movement in Chicago and across the country for more than twenty years.

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Along the way, Rebecca has also served as a union steward in the environmental movement, been arrested twice for civil disobedience (once in Chicago protesting against racialized policing, and once in Washington, DC, protesting against federal immigrant detention camps), and is currently on the board of directors for Harbor Camps, a summer camp for transgender and nonbinary youth, and the  all roles which have taught her the importance of community, working together, and friendship bracelets. 

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Rebecca has lived most of her adulthood in and around Andersonville, most recently moving back to the 47th Ward in 2020. She became involved in the 20th Police District Council following the ICE raids in and around Chicago in late 2025 and early 2026, and she firmly believes that–while no one can do everything–everyone can do something to push for a more just and equitable world.

ERIC SMITH (he/him) is a proud native of Appalachian Ohio with over 16 years of extensive experience managing projects in challenging environments across the Midwest. As a battle tested tactician, he has been honored to work for a diverse array of exceptional organizations including America Votes, Public Interest Network, Kim Foxx for States’ Attorney Campaign, and the U.S. Census Bureau gaining valuable project management, grassroots organizing, data analytics, coaching, recruitment, fundraising, and media relations skills.

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Eric is a relentless problem solver tackling any project he takes on with a modern, people-centered, and data-driven philosophy. Collaborating to find solutions, accomplishing mission goals, and exceeding expectations are his professional passions. 

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Outside of delivering results, Eric enjoys biking adventures, whipping up delicious recipes, cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, and exploring his home base Chicago, Illinois. He is happiest when chilling with his beautiful partner Desiree and their two mischievous kittens Lucy and Gizmo.