No surprise here. When I returned from New York, I had to focus on Gaza Solidarity encampments at DePaul and the University of Chicago. Here are my thoughts about and images from my visit on Wednesday and Thursday to the DePaul encampment.
All in Public Declarations
Captivity Kills
A small, but potent group of Ukrainians took to the streets today, as they have done two other times during the last month or so. Loud chants of “Thank You USA” could be heard as those holding Ukrainian flags and signs celebrated the House approval of the $60 billion Ukrainian aid package. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
CPD Permits March
On Saturday, April 20, 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied and then staged a march on Michigan Avenue, followed by a symbolic sit-in at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue. Unlike this past Monday, the Chicago Police Department permitted the march to proceed. For my thoughts about the demonstration and my images, click on the image below.
Finally
On Thursday, April 18, 2024, I attended a pro-Israeli demonstration outside the Tribune Tower adjacent to the river. The group was spirited. Surprisingly, there was not a single counter-demonstrator. Here are my further thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
DNC Preview?
During Monday’s pro-Palestinian rally, the Chicago Police Department changed the rules of the game in a likely precursor to August’s Democratic National Convention. There were arrests. Here are my thoughts about and images from the demonstration.
Humanities & Happiness
I had the opportunity to attend a conversation between New York Times columnist David Brooks and his wife, Ann Snyder tonight. The focus was on the role of the humanities in our life, particularly as people find themselves midway into their careers or racing toward retirement. Here are my thoughts about and images from the event, which was held in the David Rubenstein Forum on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus.
Biden Meet and Greet
President Joe Biden came to Chicago today for a fundraiser just off North Michigan Avenue. No surprise: pro-Palestinian demonstrators showed up, as did I. Here are my thoughts about and photographs from the demonstration.
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.
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.
Home-Court Advantage
On Saturday, March , 2024, Chicago’s Palestinian community held a march and rally in their own neighborhood—Bridgeview, Illinois—aka ‘Little Palestine.’ I made the hour + pilgrimage to learn about the community. Here are my thoughts about and images from my adventure.
Again?
On Monday, March 4, 2023, pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged rallies outside the Chicago offices of the Egyptian and Israeli Consulates General. Here are my thoughts about and images from both rallies.
Tenacity
Chicago’s Ukrainian Community marked the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of the community’s homeland with a rally, march, and mass. Here are my thoughts about and images from the anniversary commemoration.
A Show of Support
Russian dissidents who live in Chicago commemorated the second anniversary of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine hours before Chicago’s Ukrainian Community staged its own commemoration. Here are my thoughts about and images from the Russian demonstration and march.
'Play-Group' Protesters
On Presidents’ Day, I attended what might best be described as a ‘play group” pro-Palestinian rally. The toddlers, elementary students, and high schoolers met in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, appropriately under the Honest Abe’s watchful eye, to show their support for the Palestinian People. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally.
In Memoriam
Friday, February 16, 2024 will go down in history as a dark day, particularly for the Russian People. Tonight, Chicago’s Russian Community to pay tribute to Alexei Navalny in what proved to be a solemn memorial for another one of Vladimir Putin’s victims. Here are my thoughts about and images from the evening.
Protest At The AMA
On Valentine’s Day, Chicago Healthcare Workers for Palestine staged a demonstration outside the offices of the American Medical Association. Here are my thoughts about and images from the rally.
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.
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.