Today, I attended a pro-Palestinian demonstration marking the six-month anniversary of the war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7, 2024. Here are my thoughts about and images from today’s demonstration.
All in Chicago
Way of the Cross
Chicago’s Daley Plaza was served as the first station for the annual Way of the Cross processional through the streets of Chicago on Good Friday ending at Holy Name Cathedral. Here are my thoughts from and images from what was an uplifting event—even for nonbelievers.
Eric Alexander
Late Sunday afternoon, I caught Eric Alexander’s set at Chicago’s famed Jazz Showcase. Here are my thoughts about and images from Alexander’s performance.
Greg and Fred
Saturday night I stopped by Mike Reed’s Constellation Chicago to hear alto saxophonist Greg Ward pay tribute to the great Fred Anderson. Here are my thoughts about and images from the performance.
Green
St. Patrick’s Day is the real deal in Chicago, so I headed out to capture those wearin’ the green on Saturday. Much to my surprise, pro-Palestinian demonstrators ‘crashed’ the festivities mid-afternoon. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.
Winter JazzFest
On February 23, 2024, the Jazz Institute of Chicago held its Winter Jazz Fair at the Chicago Cultural Center. The day-long festival provided a welcome and much needed relief from the Winter blahs. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.
Mayor Johnson Breaks Tie
On my way to the gym and on my way back, I stopped at City Hall because the City Council was considering a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel. The lobby was filled with pro-Palestinian demonstrators awaiting the results of the vote. Here are my thoughts about and photographs from the demonstration.
Ceasefire Resolution
Chicago’s Palestinian Community held a rally at Daley Plaza on January 27, 2024 to urge the City Council to adopt a cease fire resolution. Here are my thoughts and images from the demonstration.
Loops With Jeff Parker
Tonight I attended a performance by Chicago guitarist Jeff Parker and the New Breed. To my ears, the music was inspired by early-Seventies Soft Machine, but with far more electronics added to the mix. Here are my thoughts about and images from the evening.
Unity Day
On Sunday, January 21, 2023, Chicago’s Ukrainian Community celebrated Ukraine Unity Day, as well as the 50th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America—Illinois Division with a banquet at the Ukrainian Cultural Center. Here are my thoughts about and images from the event.
'Block' the Drive
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has castrated the Chicago Police Department, which was made evident once again today when a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators shutdown DuSable Lake Shore Drive for nearly three hours. For my thoughts about and images from what turned into an ordeal for thousands of Chicagoans, click on the link below.
Police Escort to Safety
I was going to skip today’s pro-Palestinian demonstration, but the snowfall made the event irresistible. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
"#Abandon Biden"
On December 30, 2023, a group of Palestinian advocates held a press conference in Chicago announcing the expansion of their #AbandonBiden campaign to all 50 states. The group hopes to build a coalition to defeat President Biden in 2024. I attended the press conference. While the imagery is not dynamic, the event could be a watershed in the 2024 Presidential Election. Here are my thoughts and images, including ones from the annual Muslim American Society-Islamic Circle of North America Convention that was held at McCormick Place, drawing 30,000 attendees.
No Joy
On Saturday, I attended a rain-soaked pro-Palestinian demonstration that included some theater both inside and outside of the Michigan Avenue Zara store. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Killed By Israel
On Friday while waiting for a bus, I read a breaking story reporting that Israel had just killed three hostages who were shirtless and holding white flags. I then saw a ‘Kidnapped’ sign for one of the now dead hostages. Here are my thoughts about and two images that capture this creepy coincidence.
A Hanukah March
I attended a rally late this afternoon held by members of the Chicago’s Jewish Community (and others) demanding a cease fire in Gaza and calling for the end of U.S. aid to Israel. The event included a celebration of Hanukah and a march to Boeing’s Chicago offices. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally and march.
Doctors Take A Stand
Tonight I attended a demonstration by Palestinian health care workers outside the Art Institute of Chicago that was meant to call attention to the ongoing medical crisis in Gaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from this passionate, but rather low-key demonstration.
Picketing Boeing
On Friday afternoon, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators held a rally outside Boeing’s corporate offices, calling out the defense contractor for producing weapons that the demonstrators believe are being used by the Israelis in their crusade against Hamas. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
A Powerful Silence
On December 7, 2023, a lone man set up an elaborate display in Chicago’s Jane Byrne Plaza (the site of the Old Water Tower) in support of the Palestinian people. Here are my thoughts about and images from the event, including a summary of our conversation.
Taking Control
Today, I attended another pro-Palestinian demonstration and march in Chicago. Once again, the Chicago Police Department seemingly lost control of the situation. Here are my thoughts about and photographs from the day.