This statement can be attributed to the signed groups below:

“As our country faces an inflection point on historic systemic racism and police violence against Black people, the Chicago Police Department has doubled down on unlawful policing. In anticipation of continuing righteous protests following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, CPD last week issued an emergency order that fails to remedy the systemic protester abuse we have seen for weeks and allows abusive officers to continue to escape accountability. 
 
The new order does not bar police from the most dangerous actions – including beating protestors in the head with batons. These head strikes are unjustified lethal uses of force by CPD and have been a feature at recent Chicago protests. The order also exempts officers from reporting every use of force when they interact with people engaging in First Amendment activity. This exemption is a clear violation of the consent decree designed to end CPD violence and presents a direct threat to protestors in Chicago.  
 
Let us be clear. When people engage in First Amendment activity, it is not a license for police to be violent. The CPD must take immediate action to end unlawful lethal use of force against protesters and make clear officers will be stripped of their police powers if they do.”

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois
Black Lives Matter - Chicago
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
Communities United
Community Justice & Civil Rights Clinic, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Community Renewal Society
Good Kids Mad City 
ONE Northside
Westside Justice Center

 

Date

Monday, August 31, 2020 - 7:45am

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Join the ACLU of Illinois this fall for our virtual Voting Rights series in partnership with Weinberg/Newton Gallery. We will explore topics such as voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting voter suppression and expanding access to the ballot, the intersection of art and social activism, and the continued fight for civil rights and liberties nationwide.

With many political leaders and lawmakers across the country refusing to authorize and fund no-excuse, mail-in absentee voting, and concerns remaining about the USPS, the COVID-19 pandemic has become yet another tool to suppress the votes of poor people, people of color, people with disabilities, young adults, and the elderly.

Each of us has an important role to play during this critical election. We encourage you to take part by joining us for our three-part event series, learning more about your rights as a voter in Illinois, and taking action to fight voter suppression across the country. Together, we will vote like our rights depend on it!

About Weinberg/Newton Gallery: 

Weinberg/Newton Gallery is a non-commercial gallery dedicated to becoming a presenting platform for social justice issues through collaboration with artists and non-profit organizations. Their exhibition Anthem, presented online and in partnership with the ACLU from September 11 – December 19, will examine voting rights in the United States through works of contemporary artists such as Bethany Collins, Eve L. Ewing, and Naima Green, among others. Learn more about the Gallery and view the exhibition here: weinbergnewtongallery.com

 

Events: 

LET PEOPLE VOTE
September 16, 2020 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM

We must protect our fundamental right to vote. Join us for a panel discussion featuring voting rights experts from the National ACLU, ACLU of Illinois, and Chicago Votes focusing on voting during the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting voter suppression and expanding access to the ballot, and knowing your rights as a voter in advance of the general election.

Featuring: Khadine Bennett, ACLU of Illinois Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs; Michelle Hernandez, ACLU of Illinois Advocacy Associate; Molly McGrath, ACLU Voting Rights Campaign Strategist; and Stevie Valles, Chicago Votes Executive Director.

Watch a Recording of the Event


ART AND SOCIAL PROGRESS: CREATING A BETTER WORLD
October 14, 2020 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Artists in our community and nationwide play a vital role in helping us reimagine paths forward while showcasing what various forms of activism can look like. Join us for an hour of discussion and presentation with artists on the intersection of Art and Social Activism – especially during an election year. Get inspired and hear directly from artists on how their practices have been affected by the election year, the overdue and surging call for racial justice, and COVID-19.

Featuring: Ari Afsar; Adeshola Makinde; Ellen Rothenberg; and moderated by, Carrie Shepherd.

Learn more about Weinberg/Newton Gallery and view the Anthem exhibition here: www.weinbergnewtongallery.com

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT


THE FIGHT IS FAR FROM OVER
November 18, 2020 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM 

This election will have an impact on how civil liberties are protected and advanced in our state and country – from the President to local prosecutors, judges and other officials. Join us for a virtual town hall led by ACLU of Illinois Executive Director Colleen Connell, joined by Senator Durbin and ACLU of Illinois staff, on the 2020 Election and the continued fight for civil liberties and rights nationwide. 

Featuring: Khadine Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Intergovernmental Affairs; Nusrat Choudhury, Roger Pascal Legal Director; Colleen Connell, Executive Director; Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Senator Illinois; Edwin Yohnka, Director of Communication and Public Policy.

WATCH A RECORDING OF THE EVENT


Actions: 

Register to vote or confirm your registration status.

Voting Resources: 

 

Event Date

Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - 7:00pm to
Thursday, November 19, 2020 - 4:45pm

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Let People Vote Event

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Art and Social Progress Event

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The Fight is Far From Over Event

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Vote Like Your Right Depend On It Event Series

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Thursday, November 19, 2020 - 4:45pm

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