huds

In an effort to speak out against police aggression targeting African-American men and the killing of Michael Brown, community members in Chicago will convene to create a short video and release a photo.

“Hands Up. Don’t shoot!” is meant to gather protesters in solidarity to stand behind the family of Michael Brown, and to stand up for the lives of black men. 

From Hands Up. Don’t Shoot!

Where: Midway Plaisance and Ellis Ave

Being situated in the heart of Chicago, split between the privileged University and Hyde Park communities and the not as privileged neighboring communities of Woodlawn, South Shore, and Washington Park, we have a wonderful opportunity to come together in solidarity across the racial divide. We will make a wonderful collage of people affirming the core values of fairness, humanity, equality and optimism in our community and country. I look forward to seeing you there.

The killing of Michael Brown and the protests in Ferguson, Missouri have been a wake-up call for me about race and racism in America.  I trust I’m not alone. Until recently, I was unaware of just how unrelenting the pervasive and fatal inequality of our society is. As I learn more of the unending supply of stories and realities about race and inequality, the more frustrating the situation appears and the answer to the question “What can I myself, as one person, do about it?” seems to grow further and further away. People who grew up living these realities might be perplexed that today, many people like me (liberal, white, and well-educated) often sit on the side lines plagued by inaction. I hope that inaction stems from simply not knowing what to do and the futile hope that racism will peter out on its own. If that is the case, then there is a cure.  Before people can actively change, they need to be aware, awakened and brought together.

Please spread the word. If you can’t be there yourself, be there in spirit by encouraging your friends who can attend to do so. Come out and make a great use of your lunch break. Share this on Facebook, email your list hosts, tell your classmates, tell your aunts and uncles, tell strangers you meet on the sidewalk-they won’t be strangers for long. If you are able to come 10 minutes early (11:50), that will be helpful in getting everyone in the picture by 12:05.

For more information, click here. 

Black lives matter.

Sound off below!