All in Parades

MLK Day

On January 19, 2026, over 60 groups held a rally in Jane Byrne Park (site of the Old Water that survived the 1871 Great Chicago Fire). Ostensibly, the demonstration was a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, but the focus was on abolishing ICE, ending the war on Venezuela, removing Donald J. Trump from office, income inequality, and events unfolding in Minneapolis. Here are my thoughts about and images from the day.

GazaPalooza

Today, I attended another pro-Palestinian demonstration; this one at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Upper Wacker Drive. The heritage Palestinians apparently chose this location because it provided maximum visibility to those headed to Lollapalooza. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration and the march that followed.

Are You Wearing a Suit?

Chicago’s Ukrainian Community scheduled an emergency march and rally following the Oval Office dress down of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who actually was stylishly attired in his battle fatigues. I was not going to miss the Sunday rally at Jane Bryne Plaza, followed by the march to Daley Plaza. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.