Jun 20

Jun 20 World Refugee Day

Chicago, Musicians, Performance, Protest, Public Declarations

Today marked World Refugee Day in Chicago, with the sponsoring organization holding a rally in Chicago’s Daley Plaza to highlight the Power of Refugees. Unfortunately, the effort was a bust, with only several dozen people in attendance for speeches and a performance by Bassel & the Supernaturals. Among those speaking were Illinois State Representative Hoan Huyn, Celena Roldan, the CEO of Red Cross Illinois, and someone from Mayor Johnson’s office, who read a mayoral proclamation.

Looking at the website for the event, I am surprised by this year’s poor attendance. A photograph from what appears to be last year’s celebration shows a packed Daley Plaza. Given the influx of migrants during the last several months into Chicago from Mexico and Central America, I found the low attendance particularly puzzling.

Before I headed out to the event, I wondered whether there would be counter-demonstrators, protesting the use of city and state funds for the migrants while programs that long standing members of the community are demanding—affordable housing, increased mental health services, and more summer jobs for young Chicagoans who are on summer break.

Those who spoke, often related their own family histories, as well as the contribution that refugees make to Chicago once they arrive. Only one speaker addressed what have become controversial funding issues. She was demanding that the recently arrived migrants receive health care. The Pritzker Administration has paused health care funding low-income residents lacking permanent legal status between the ages of 42 and 64. As has become apparent in the early days of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Administration, both Illinois and Chicago are faced with tough budgetary choices, which has meant some needs are going unmet.

The one bright spot was a performance by Bassel & The Supernaturals. The leader, Bassel Almadani, is a first generation Syrian-American, so the band and its lyrics rooted in social justice fit right in, particularly with rhythms rooted in soul, funk, and world music.

Returning to the lackluster attendance. Most likely, it reflects the general malaise that plagues Chicago’ Loop. Workers have still not returned to the downtown office hub in full force. At noon, the sidewalks and restaurants in the Loop are still largely devoid of people during the workweek, particularly on Mondays and Fridays. Midday gatherings in parks and plazas have suffered as a consequence.

Hopefully, next year’s celebration will be more robust.

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