I recognize this is a very difficult time for everyone in Chicago. The most important thing is everyone's safety, and I pray for your health and well-being. The unconscionable killing of George Floyd, and the previous murders of African American Chicagoans like Laquan McDonald and Rekia Boyd by those sworn to serve and protect has shook the very foundation of our City. Peaceful protests against police brutality are ongoing, and unfortunately some of the protests are being corrupted by a small number of individuals who are using them as cover for perpetrating criminal acts like vandalism and looting. This is completely unacceptable. Everyone has a right to protest, and as a Black female public servant, I fully stand behind the call to change the culture of the Chicago Police Department to better understand and address the needs and concerns of my community, and all communities of color. The murder of innocent Black Chicagoans needs to stop. The unequal standards applied by the police to communities of color needs to stop. But so does the destruction of businesses and property across Chicago. Destroying our businesses, in our community, only works to encourage those we are trying to motivate and educate to change, to further dismiss our calls for justice. 

Thank you to the countless Chicago Police officers, firemen and other first responders who are doing their best to protect residents across Chicago. Your tireless efforts are appreciated. While engaging the peaceful protesters, I encourage you to take the opportunity to hear their message and be open to a dialogue with the community - and with your fellow public safety officials - to better understand why this is happening and how we can all work together to meet the needs of all communities in Chicago in a peaceful and respectful manner. 

As you may already know, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has called for the mobilization of a small number of the Illinois National Guard to assist the Chicago Police Department in protecting residents and businesses.  Non-essential movement in the area bordered by Division St. (N), Halsted (W), 26th St. (S) and the lakefront (E) will be prohibited. Mayor Lightfoot has also instituted an overnight curfew which will remain in effect until further notice. 

3rd Ward residents and businesses are continuing to clean up after the weekend's actions. Over 50 businesses were damaged covering all parts of the ward. Places like the mall on 55th and the Dan Ryan, 35th St., 47th St., 51st St., and large portions of the South Loop were badly damaged, and more needs to be done to protect our City's vibrant neighborhoods from these criminal acts. Thank you to everyone who over the last few days has taken it upon themselves to assist with the cleanup efforts. The 3rd Ward Office response is being coordinated by our Ward Superintendent Thomas Stovall who is making an incredible effort to piece back together the hardest hit areas. Many residents have contacted me directly to see how they can help. The 3rd Ward is lucky to have so many resources at its disposal, and I am working to deploy those resources to not only deal with the aftermath of the looting, but to build a better and stronger 3rd Ward community. If you want to participate in this effort - whether by cleaning up your block, by making a significant investment in the Ward's underserved communities, or anything in between - contact my office anytime. It is going to take the work of all of us to make the changes to Chicago we all want to see. 

During this turbulent time, I pray for your health and safety. If my team or I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out anytime by phone at 773-373-9273 or via email at Ward03@cityofchicago.org. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please share it with a neighbor or friend.