All in Demonstrations
Demanding Prison Reform
Today a group of demonstrators called for prison reform, particularly with respect to the Menard Correctional facility in downstate Illinois. Many of the speakers were related to inmates at Menard, resulting in some highly impactful speeches. Here are my thoughts, together with the images I made during the 75-minute rally.
Women and Children
Chicago’s Ukrainian community, organized and led by its female members, held a demonstration on Michigan Avenue and in Millenium Park yesterday, hoping to focus attention on the victims of Russian terrorism, including the children. The demonstration included a die-in, as well as the creation of a tableau of dolls and toys on the fence in front of the Consulate General of Ukraine. Here are my thoughts on and photographs from the dramatic rally.
Sunday Bonus
Today, I encountered what might be described as a bonus demonstration. I headed downtown for the Ukrainians, and ran into animal-rights activists outside the Louis Vuitton store on Michigan Avenue. This demonstration was rather low-key, although the police were present. For my thoughts and images, click on the photograph of the buff protester.
The Orange Tapestry
On Wednesday I attended the March Fourth Rally in Washington, D.C. Members of the Highland Park, Illinois and the Uvalde, Texas communities came to Capitol Hill, demanding an assault-weapons ban. The rally lasted 75 minutes, followed by a march. I heard some of the best speeches that I have ever heard at a demonstration. Here are my thoughts and the images I created.
Reopened
I made my third trip to Highland Park yesterday. The downtown had reopened. Two vigils were scheduled. Here are my thoughts and images from the day
The Invasion
A Saturday Afternoon Clash in the Loop. Pro-Lifers gathered in Federal Plaza for a rally and march, while a large contingent of agitated and angry counter demonstrators responded with taunts, signs, and geers. Here are my thoughts and images from today’s festivities.
Coping
Today marked the fourth day following the Highland Park July Fourth Mass Shooting. People quietly paid tribute to the victims, with drizzle occasionally falling from the skies. Once again, I made my way to Highland Park. Here are my thoughts and images.
Highland Park
I headed up to Highland Park today to witness the aftermath of yesterday’s mass shooting. Here are my thoughts and images from the day.
Mixed Messages
In addition to 4-days of Bluesfest, I managed to attend the Chicago March for Our Lives demonstration in Federal Plaza. Here are my thoughts and images.
Alito's Leak II
Today, somewhere around 5,000 abortion-rights advocates gather in Chicago’s Federal Plaza, and they then marched through the Loop, ending at the Ida B. Wells Memorial. Here are my thoughts about what I witnessed, together with my images.
Vijay Iyer
Pianist Vijay Iyer brought his friends to the Logan Center for the Performing Arts to perform Ghosts of Everywhere I Go, a commissioned piece of music intended to reflect the Black Experience in Chicago. I was fortunate to be in the audience with camera in had. Here are my thoughts and images.
Alito's Leak I
Following the leak of Justice Samuel Alito’s draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, a demonstration erupted in front of the United States Supreme Court. Within 18 hours, people were demonstrating across the country. Here are my images from the demonstration that took place today in Chicago’s Federal Plaza late this afternoon.
Red, Green, and Black
Toward the end of my walk celebrating the first nice day of the year, I encountered a demonstration by Palestinians in support of the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel. Here are my thoughts and images.
Sunflowers III
Somewhere around 1,000 demonstrators showed up in Water Tower Park for a demonstration in support of the Ukrainian people as they battle Russian imperialism and oppression. I was there, and here are my thoughts, together with some of the images I captured.
Sunflowers (I)
On Sunday, February 27, 2022, somewhere around 1,000 demonstrators in Chicago turned out in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s brazen attack on Ukraine. Here are Jack B. Siegel’s thoughts and images from the protest in Ukrainian Village.
Violence I
Taliyah McIntosh Joins Her Bus Driver Mother, Nina, in Taking a Knee for Transit Workers Who Have Been the Victims of Crime While on the Job
For the full story, click on the image.
Abortion Rights
Jack B. Siegel attended the Fifth Women’s March today in Chicago’s Daley Plaza. The rally subsequent march focused on abortion and reproductive rights. Here are Jack’s images from the day, as well as his thoughts.
Kenosha II
I returned to Kenosha today to witness President Trump’s visit to the city, and all that would result therefrom. Here are my images and commentary about my experience.