STARTING LOCATION: 5425 W Lawrence Ave (across the street from Ald. Gardiner’s office in the park).
Join us for a march and car caravan demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Amaud Arbery and so many others. We march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter to demand the immediate defunding of the CPD and an end to police brutality. We cannot remain silent as Black communities are continually terrorized by police, senselessly killed, and victims of systemic racial injustice and oppression.
We will march to demand Alderman Anthony Napolitano of the 41st Ward and Alderman James M. Gardiner of the 45th Ward to support the creation of the Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC).
In addition to these demands, we stand in solidarity with the ten demands of Black Lives Matter Chicago. You can read them here: https://www.blacklivesmatterchicago.com/10-demands-of-blmchi/?fbclid=IwAR2Aqfgs5m1pS-L2RT9-SLcVRwxe8oT7afl7UG15SNRWdHAn4jUcF65eB_g
After a short opening rally, we will march through Jefferson Park, Norwood Park, and Edison Park. We will walk in a loop returning to the starting point. The exact route will be announced later this week.
Please bring face masks, homemade signs, water, snacks, and walking shoes. This is a PEACEFUL protest. We do not condone violence or destruction of any kind.
We have been warned to expect counter-protestors. White and non-Black allies should be prepared to use their body and privilege to create distance between Black participants and police/counter-protesters.
Be on the lookout for a volunteer sign up form and more information throughout the week. We want Black voices and experiences to be at the center of this event; if you want to participate in organizing, provide input, speak at the opening rally or lead chants on megaphone during the march, please message us as soon as possible. We’ll also be sharing other anti-racism initiatives and educational resources you can reference throughout the week and beyond. PLEASE SHARE THIS EVENT AND INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!
COVID-19 SAFETY:
Considering COVID-19 has not dissipated, please wear face masks at all times and maintain social distancing as much as possible. If you are concerned about your health, we encourage you to drive in the caravan instead.
TRANSPORTATION / PARKING:
Attendees may use the Jefferson Park or Gladstone Park Metra Station as well as the Jefferson Park Blue Line stop. We will have more info on this soon!
event graphic by: Andrea Knowles