IC-SS Weekly News: June 5, 2023
People’s Hearing on Police Crimes
The movement can’t stop. This meeting is about people who were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they didn’t commit. Some of these people were as young as 15 when they went to prison. This is the legacy of John Burge. We need to free them all!~Frank Chapman, CAARPR
On Saturday at a South Side church, CAARPR held its People’s Hearing on Police Crimes, and Indivisible Chicago-South Side was among many groups endorsing this important event.
People’s Hearing – photo by Steven Dornbusch
Ms. Gill, one of those testifying, said: “My brother was imprisoned unlawfully and has been targeted by staff at Menard Prison. He’s been kept in solitary confinement without room to stand up straight or extend his arms fully. He’s being punished for telling his family about the conditions he’s kept under.”
People’s Hearing – photo by Teri Watkins
The People’s Hearing was attended by many elected representatives in Chicago’s recently launched District Councils. Through their ongoing efforts, District Councilors are listening to the community and working with the Chicago Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) to help prevent police crimes.
District Councilors at People’s Hearing, with guest Fred Hampton Jr – photo by Teri Watkins
What can you do to help stop police violence?
- Get informed. Visit the online Chicago Police Torture Archives.
- Follow and support organizations including CAARPR and Chicago Torture Justice Center.
- Attend meetings of your local District Council (see box below).
2nd District Council Meeting – June 15
The 2nd police district covers much of Bronzeville, Kenwood, Hyde Park, and Washington Park. Live there? District Councilors Julia Kline, Alexander Perez, and Ephraim Lee invite you to attend 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.
To follow the work of the 2nd District Council:
- Attend the Thurs. June 15 meeting of the 2nd District Council: Register here.
- Visit the 2nd District Council website.
- See the 2nd District council webpage at the City of Chicago website.
Need to check which district you live in? 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
Help Asylum Seekers + Save the Date
Right now, many people are sleeping in Chicago 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 an update). But we can help right now.
Help Asylum Seekers & Local People in Need Now
How to help People in South Side Police Districts 2 & 3:
- Volunteer to drive meals! Pick up prepared meals (breakfast or dinner) in Lawndale and drive the meals to District 2 or 3 police stations. Get info and sign up.
- Volunteer to donate and deliver a lunch or hearty snack. Get info and sign up.
- Contact Julia Kline (text 773-398-2280) to arrange a donation of most-needed items*. Right now, Julia is asking people to donate or lend large storage items to help volunteers organize the clothing and supplies that have already been collected:
- Clothing racks (greatest need)
- Shelving units
- Plastic storage boxes
- Milk crates, shoe racks, or other types of storage units
- Hangers
*Note: Depending on need, some items will be donated to community residents staying at local shelters as well as to new arrivals staying at police stations.
How to help People at Police Stations across Chicago:
- 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.
- And check out this list of ways to help, compiled by South Side Weekly.
Save the Date: Tuesday Evening, June 27th
Indivisible Chicago-South Side is planning a supplies drive and get-together at a Hyde Park home on the evening of Tuesday, June 27th.
We’ll ask people to contribute the most-needed items for asylum seekers and others sleeping at police stations – likely new/packaged underwear, new socks, and new or clean/gently-used carry-on suitcases, duffle bags, and backpacks.
We’ll serve a light meal and invite folks to bring beverages and treats if they wish. The most important thing will be your donation of supplies! Watch for more information and registration in next week’s newsletter.
Share Your Views with City of Chicago
Share your vision for an equitable downtown: The City of Chicago invites Chicago residents and visitors to take a short, 10-minute survey about their experiences downtown. Public feedback will be used to help shape the 2024 Central Area Plan Update.
Organizations and Opportunities
Indivisible Chicago-South Side shares information and actions from other organizations on issues important in our country, state, city, and communities.
Our Diversity on the Bench: Webinar, June 8
From Alliance for Justice, LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, the Black Leaders Caucus, and the Washington Bar Association: On Thursday, June 8th at 2:00pm CT (3:00 pm ET), Judge Darrin Gayles, Judge Staci Yandle, and Judge Jamar K. Walker will speak on the online panel: “Our Diversity on the Bench: New Voices, Better Society.”
This webinar will discuss the importance of having more Black LGBTQ+ judges on the bench to ensure justice for all. The panel will be moderated by AFJ President Rakim Brooks and Chair of the Black Leaders Caucus Justin L. Hill. It is time to celebrate, reflect, and push forward. Register here for this June 8 webinar.
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.
WHEN: Saturday June 24, 12:00-3:00 pm
WHERE: South Shore United Methodist Church, 7350 S. Jeffery Blvd
NOTE: Ald. Yancy has confirmed he will attend. Food & childcare will be provided.
INFO: See Facebook event. Questions? Call 312-880-7265.
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