Power to the People
The Interim Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held its first public meeting on September 29 at Malcolm X College. The over-capacity crowd of community members underscored the enthusiasm of organizers and community leaders from across the diverse makeup of the Chicago Metropolitan area. They came to celebrate the fruit of their labor after years of demonstrations, marches, petitions, hearings, mediations, and coalition tables calling for police accountability and community oversight.
"Power to the people," Frank Chapman, a prominent and iconic organizer for human rights, proclaimed during his public remarks to the commission. "All power to the people," the room roared in response. That call and response became an ongoing chant between speakers and audience members throughout the night, along with a charge to the committee to remember the will of the people who fought to create the commission. Yet another was a promise or warning when one man said, "We will hold each of you accountable." To that comment, everyone applauded.
Public comments lasted a little over an hour, with speakers representing Chicago unions, grassroots organizations, and the Empowering Communities and Public Safety (ECPS) coalition that helped to pass the People's Ordinance. Community Renewal Society is a founding member of this coalition and a driving force behind the ordinance's passing. Strong emphasis in comments raised an urgent need for the mayor to provide the commission with a full staff and operating budget. In light of the mayor's recent approval of a $100 million budget for the Chicago Police Department, the call for operational funds was resounding and urgent.
Following public comments, a new chair and officers were elected, and the committee immediately took action. Newly elected chairperson Anthony Driver spoke to the importance of inclusion and committed to ensuring all policy materials will be printed in Spanish and English. He invited the community also to alert the commission of other languages needed. "Someone brought to my attention that the material was not in Spanish. I apologize to you for that, and it won't happen again," Driver promised, signalizing a commitment to honoring all Chicagoans.
Interim Commissioners Cliff Neils, Anthony Driver, Yvette Loizon, Remel Terry, Isaac Troncoso, Oswaldo Gomez and Beth Brown introduced themselves, giving shout-outs to their neighborhoods. They also gave us insight into their intersection in this work and the ways this work was meaningful for them and their families. After articulating their hopes and goals, the commissioners emphasized a need for the community to remain involved in electing District Representatives in February 2023.
When asked about their impressions of their first public meeting, Commissioners Rev. Beth Brown and Oswaldo Gomez reaffirmed the importance of people power, inclusion and unity. "I think the most exciting part of this first meeting was seeing all of the people who showed up and listening to all of the people who were willing to make a public comment," expressed Rev. Brown. "I was able to experience the moment of decades of work and the people's solid commitment to making sure that we really are going to work together."
Commissioner Oswaldo Gomez shared, "The most exciting thing for me was public comment. I think this commission is based on community, and having the community come here and critique the work we have been doing, talk about our shortcomings and also guide us. I expect the community going forward to continue to critique because we will be listening."
Community Renewal Society remains a vital partner committed to listening and engaging the ongoing work of the ECPS Coalition. Alongside the coalition, we will encourage community participation in the monthly public meetings and in identifying district representatives that genuinely reflect the diverse voices and calls of the communities we serve. We invite our member congregations and volunteers to become involved as this work is a matter of life or death as we insist on police accountability and public safety in Chicago. The CRS Police Accountability Issue Team meets October 19. We invite both congregational and individual participation in our Issue Teams. Register to attend.
The spirit of hope and unity resonated. For a moment, we could capture a glimpse of the possibilities of community inclusion, oversight, trust and yes, power to the people.
All power to the people!
Larry Dean, Organizing and Policy Associate
Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton, Executive Director