IC-SS Weekly News: May 29, 2023
2nd District Council Meeting – June 15
The 2nd police district covers much of Bronzeville, Kenwood, Hyde Park, and Washington Park. Do you live in this district? You’re invited to the June meeting of the 2nd District Council at King College Prep, 4445 S. Drexel: Thursday, June 15th, 6:30-8:00 pm (doors open 6:00). Register here.
Second District Councilors Julia Kline, Alexander Perez, and Ephraim Lee are eager to increase public safety and police accountability by working with the community and nominating people to serve on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). (Read about the 2nd District Council’s first public meeting in the Hyde Park Herald.)
Julia Kline, Alexander Perez, Ephraim Lee at May meeting of 2nd District CouncilTo follow the work of the 2nd District Council:
- Attend the Thurs. June 15th meeting of the 2nd District Council: Register here
- Check out 2nd District Council website
- See the 2nd District council webpage at the City of Chicago website
Not sure if you live in the 2nd police district or a different one? Here’s how to find your police district and get info on your elected District Council.
- Find your police district (and ward) on this WBEZ interactive map. Or use this form on the CPD website.
- Get info on all 22 of Chicago’s District Councils on this City of Chicago webpage. Below the paragraphs describing the purpose of the District Councils, you’ll find links to specific info on each District Council.
People’s Hearing on Police Crimes: 6/3
Join the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (CAARPR) Saturday June 3rd for a People’s Hearing on Police Crimes & The Injustice System. Indivisible Chicago-South Side is among the endorsers of this important event. Register here.
We’ll hear from people affected by police crimes and connect with efforts in our local communities to demand justice. It will also be also be opportunity for newly elected District Council members to hear from individuals directly impacted by state violence.
Food will be provided, and the event will run from 3:00-7:00 PM, with the first half being testimony from survivors and family members and the second half involving breaking into groups by police district to discuss plans going forward.
- WHEN: Saturday, June 3rd, 3:00-7:00 pm (food provided)
- WHERE: Gorham Methodist Church, 5600 S. Indiana Ave.
- RSVP: Register here for the event.
Organizations and Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and actions from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
Act on Cancer-Causing Ethylene Oxide: Deadline 6/12
From the Union of Concerned Scientists: Millions of people across the United States and Puerto Rico are potentially exposed to ethylene oxide, a hazardous air pollutant which is used in gas form to make other chemicals and to sterilize some medical devices and dried food products. The EPA is currently engaging the public on stronger protections from the cancer-causing chemical ethylene oxide.
In 2023, the Union of Concerned Scientists mapped and analyzed some ethylene oxide facilities and found grave environmental injustice and deeply concerning hotspots where more than one sterilization facility was located within 10 miles of another, compounding the potential exposure of the nearby community.
Now is the time to act: Submit a comment to the EPA today and protect communities and workers from the invisible toxic ethylene oxide. Deadline: Monday, June 12.
South Shore CBA Summit – June 24
From Not Me We: In February, 88% of South Shore voters supported the referendum for a CBA ordinance. [CBA = Community Benefits Agreement. See details at South Side Weekly and Obama CBA Coalition website.] Mayor Johnson supports the ordinance, and 5th Ward Alderman Desmon Yancy has committed to moving the bill forward.
On Saturday, June 24, join Not Me We and the CBA Coalition at the CBA Summit to hear about the impact of displacement on our neighbors in South Shore, read and discuss the full text of the CBA housing ordinance before it is submitted to City Council, and learn how you can join the fight against displacement.
Ald. Yancy has confirmed attendance. Food and childcare will be provided.
WHEN: Saturday June 24, 12:00-3:00 pm
WHERE: South Shore United Methodist Church, 7350 S. Jeffery Blvd
Info: See Facebook event. Questions? Call 312-880-7265.
Help Asylum Seekers & Migrants in Chicago
Right now, many people are sleeping in police stations because there’s nowhere else to go. We’ll look to our new Mayor and City Council to relieve this crisis (here’s a start). But we can help right now.
1. Help people sleeping in 2nd police district station (Wentworth):
- On campus: Drop off new or gently used clean clothing, new or gently used clean luggage/backpacks, new/sealed toiletries or OTC meds, or other items listed in the graphic below at UChicago’s Center for Identity and Inclusion, 5710 S. Woodlawn, during these hours: 9:00am-9:00pm Mon-Thurs; 9:00am-5:00pm Fridays.
- Off campus: To find out the most urgent needs for people staying at Wentworth police station, to arrange a donation of items, or to help pay for them, text Julia Kline: 773-398-2280.
- NOTE: The 2nd district volunteers have secured the services of a catering company, so the meal train mentioned in last week’s newsletter is currently not needed. Instead, donate! (See the two options listed above.)
2. Help out citywide:
- Donate funds to the Chicago Police Station Response Team webpage on the Open Collective website.
- Buy needed items on the Amazon wishlist administered by Instituto del Progeso Latino and shared by the City of Chicago.
Newsletter Notes
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