March on Democratic

National Convention

Blocked by Chicago City Officials Judge Dennis and Michael Fleming

When Mayor Brandon Johnson was elected, many Chicagoans were elated because Chicago finally had a competent, progressive mayor. Activists and organizers knew that he would face opposition from realtors to big business owners, all aimed at privatizing for their benefit. We knew he would get opposition from racists and conservatives, as has been the case during the Bring Chicago Home ad attacks. 

 But now, activists and movement leaders have to deal with Johnson submitting to the Democratic National Convention organizers by blocking marches to the United Center, marches organized by the Coalition to March on the D.N.C. Most recently, Judge Dennis Michael Fleming denied the appeal of two groups, March for the People’s Agenda and Students for a Democratic Society at U.I.C. 

Marchers are angry because they are being rerouted to Grant Park, a location nowhere near the United Center. The only group granted permission, because of a procedural fluke, is the Poor People’s Army of Philadelphia.

This denial has brought protests, including the burning of an American flag by a veteran last weekend that has brought attacks on socialist Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez of the 25th ward. Although Sigcho-Lopez did not light the flag, and no one was hurt, the undersigned aldermen below are seeking to use this discontent to remove Sigcho-Lopez from the Committee on Housing and Real Estate, an absurd proposition given the lack of votes. The behavior of these politicians is cowardly and disgusting. It has brought death threats to the alderman and his family.

 

Instead of attacking one of the most hardworking aldermen, they should be figuring out what they will do to house Asylum seekers. Perhaps they should focus on redirecting T.I.F.F. money to schools that need it the most, instead of attacking a politician that actually works to represent his constituents.

Regarding the march to the D.N.C. what is clear is that we cannot allow bureaucrats to stop our right to free speech. Democrats must listen to the people of Chicago and the United States. People who want an end to the genocide in Gaza and more. What makes sense is to unite with each other, march, and make our collective demands heard. 

Suggested Reading: Fighting for Basic Human Needs in the 2024 Elections

https://lrna.org/2024-election-fighting-for-human-needs/