Power to the People!

On February 15, Community Renewal Society gathered to demand Chicago City Council members vote ‘no’ to arbitration behind closed doors for police misconduct cases and vote ‘yes’ for a ceasefire in Gaza. We were among a strong presence of Black and Brown solidarity. Our chants rang through the halls while the hearings on the two votes proceeded. We successfully showed our solidarity with Palestinians and protected transparency! Check out photos and videos from the demonstration below.

“Participating in the Arbitration and the Ceasefire votes was incredibly uplifting. Upon arriving I could feel the electricity in the air. Walking into City Hall, it was clear that the power of people was a very important force. Not only did we arrive with a plan but we had enough people to exceed the capacity limit for the court rooms to hold. Additionally, for those who were not able to be in the court room, the collaboration did not end. I remember the faces and names of the people who’ve been advocating for months for the cause and their voices have not lost strength. America’s funding of the Israel siege is a sentiment that everyone in attendance agrees is a step backwards in the progress of humanitarian efforts. Big voices in the crowds shouted “That aint right,”“End the violence,” and “Free Free Palestine.” Chicago is just one of many cities in solidarity against the violence and we weren’t afraid to let it show. The people had no quit and it was inspirational to be a part of the processes of change.” – CRS Community Organizer Biliah Mandela Castleberry