history
The significance of Juneteenth
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Rep. La Shawn Ford reflects on the significance of June 19th now being recognized as a state holiday in Illinois.
Derek Chauvin
Verdict in Minnesota just the first step in ensuring justice for all, state lawmaker says
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Rep. La Shawn Ford says there’s so much more that needs to be done to address systemic and racist failures of policing in the United States.
Homepage Featured
West Side faith leaders urge lengthy sentence for Derek Chauvin
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The Leaders Network says “we must remain vigilant for justice” until Chauvin, the former Minnesota police officer convicted Tuesday of killing George Floyd, is sentenced. David Cherry, Rev. Ira Acree, Rev. Cy Fields and Rev. Marshall Hatch say it won’t be until June whether we know if there has been true justice in this case.
Austin
Reparations discussed at Austin church
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Carl McCargo led a discussion earlier this month on reparations at the Third Unitarian Church of Chicago. He talked about the tragic legacy chattel slavery left behind, but he’s hopeful the U.S. can heal the inter-generational trauma caused by centuries of an oppressive system.
Faith
Two West Side ministers pray for country’s future in nation’s capitol
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Rev. Ira Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch were in Washington, D.C., Tuesday to pray for the country’s future and condemn white supremacy a day before President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.
News
Events planned to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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A number of events are being held this weekend to honor the civl rights leader, starting with an interfaith celebration at 10 a.m. Jan. 15. Other events are planned by Nonviolence Chicago and the Community Renewal Society on Jan. 18 and 19.
Community
West Side faith leaders demand congressional hearings on police raids
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The Leaders Network, a social justice group based on the West Side, sent letters earlier this week to four of Chicago’s U.S. House members demanding there be congressional hearings. The letter was sent to Reps. Danny K. Davis, Chuy García, Bobby Rush and Robin Kelly. Congressman Davis will meet with faith leaders Dec. 31.
reconciliation
West Side ministers call out Rev. Franklin Graham for silence on Black church desecrations
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Black Lives Matters banners at two historical black churches were destroyed last weekend in the nation’s capital after a pro-Trump rally. Faith leaders – including Revs. Ira Acree and Marshall Hatch – want Rev. Graham, a Trump supporter, to condemn these actions. Clergy from Chicago will travel to Washington, D.C., next month to push for healing and reconciliation just days before Joe Biden becomes the 46th president.
News
Austin group part of city-wide racial healing initiative
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Austin Coming Together is one of several organizations involved in a new initiative unveiled Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s Office of Racial Equity and Justice. The “Together We Heal” initiative calls on all residents to play their part in fostering connection, restoration and learning around the topic of racial healing. Chicagoans are encouraged to join in this challenge by hosting candid conversations, healing circles and other activities. The challenge will run from now until the end of January with a culminating, virtual healing summit that will reflect on progress made and build a path forward together.
Community
West Siders invited to racial reconciliation symposium this week
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The Kehrein Center for the Arts will be hosting the event on Thursday, Nov. 5 to discuss systemic racism and the history of disinvestment in Austin. The symmposium will be held virtually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register now.