I attended a Ukrainian rally and march commemorating the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The event was centered on 365 signs illustrating the the war’s cost. Here are my thoughts on and images from the event.
All in Public Declarations
Protesting Anna Karenina
By my estimate 25 or so members of Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered outside the Civic Opera House tonight to protest the Joffrey Ballet’s performance of a ballet based on Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. While the imagery was great, the message—a condemnation of all things Russian, including Leo Tolstoy—was less than pitch-perfect. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Tyre Nichols
Somewhere around 200 Chicagoans turned on a chilly Chicago evening to honor Tyre Nichols and other who have died at the hands of the police.
Slava Ukraini
Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Ukraine Unity Day commemoration, which was held at Chicago’s Ukrainian Cultural Center.
Holodomor
Tonight, Chicago’s Ukrainian community gathered in front of the Old Water Tower to commemorate Holodomor—the 1932-33 famine that killed between three and ten million Ukrainian. Nature did not cause the famine. It was man-made, the author being Joseph Stalin, who used genocide to suppress an Ukrainian independence movement. The Ukrainian community draws the obvious parallels between Stalin and Putin, so this commemoration was really a protest against the ongoing war in Ukraine. Here are my thoughts about the demonstration, together with my images from the event.
Columbus Day
I stop to photograph this year’s Columbus Day Parade on my way to my annual physical. The parade is a shadow of the one staged for Ferris Bueller’s Day Off; although the film did not identify the parade as the Columbus Day Parade. I ended up racing around so much that the doctor had to wait 20 minutes before taking my blood pressure because I was dripping with sweat when I arrived in his office—112/78.
Here are my thoughts about what I saw and the images I captured.
Counterproductive
Saturday’s abortion rights demonstration in Chicago’s Federal Plaza proved more interesting than I expected. A large group of Iranians participated, hoping to shine a light on the rights of Iranian women in light of the death of Masha Amini while in custody. I also was physically attacked (not by the Iranians). Here are thoughts on the experience, as well as my images.
Tigray Demonstration
Today, I stumbled onto a demonstration and march held to draw attention to the plight of Ethiopia’s Tigrayan civilians, who face famine, rape, and genocide. The marchers were particularly agitated about drone sales to the Ethiopian Government by the Turks and the Chinese. Here are my thoughts about and images from what proved to be a dynamic and color demonstration.
The Green Tapestry
I attended the second rally on Capitol Hill held by members of the Highland Park community who are seeking a ban on assault weapons. Here are my thoughts on and images from the rally.
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.