Kim Foxx Made the Wrong Decision
By now you have likely heard that no charges will be filed against the officers who killed Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez in 2021. Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney, says that there is insufficient evidence to charge the officers. The shootings were caught on tape.
And so, we are left asking, what amount of evidence is required to hold the Chicago Police Department accountable for snatching the lives of young Brown and Black boys?
Following the announcement last week, people took to the streets and to social media to condemn the decision. The themes of those condemnations were accountability and justice.
It is important to note that the call for accountability and justice is not simply about putting officers in jail. Rather, it is a demand that those who kill our loved ones be made to answer for those killings in the full view of the public. It is, as many have said, the least we should expect.
We are clear that the decision by Foxx is the wrong decision. It is immoral and reeks of the kind of corruption that is all too familiar with Chicago policing.
It sure does feel hard right now. And our hearts are indeed broken.
Our hearts are broken by the decision of the State’s Attorney.
Our hearts are broken for the families and the communities of Adam and Anthony.
Our hearts are broken for the long line of Black and Brown children who have suffered fatal attacks by men and women sworn to protect and serve our communities.
Our hearts are broken that the police don’t have to answer for their violent acts.
Chicago is indeed a tale of two cities. On one hand, there is a storied history of police violence and corruption. On the other hand, there is a richer and deeper history of everyday people taking these moments to make demands of the system. These demands lead to the kind of city we all want to live in.
It sure does feel hard right now, but our spirits are resolute.
Our spirits are resolute that our voices will join those that have already been raised to demand justice.
Our hearts are resolute that our bodies will join those who take to the streets.
Our spirits are resolute that, in our small corner of the world, we will do what we can to change it!
Before the week is out, consider calling Kim Foxx and letting her know that, while she has done some good work, she has made the wrong call in this matter!
Community Renewal Society is committed to increasing police accountability in Chicago through citywide coalition, constituency and capacity building.
In July 2021, our member congregations helped to pass the Empowering Communities for Public Safety Ordinance. This ordinance creates the most democratic and progressive civilian oversight of the police in the nation. CRS Policy and Organizing Staff and the Police Accountability Issue Team will continue this work by recruiting candidates for District Council positions with the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability.
Some District Council positions will be filled by persons directly impacted by the criminal justice system. If you are interested in becoming a district council member or would like to nominate someone to run for the district council, please fill out this form.
In Solidarity,
Keron Blair
Capacity Building Manager for Organizing and Policy