Peace Vigils Planned In Mt. Greenwood To Promote Diversity, Inclusion

CHICAGO, IL -- Three groups have announced plans to hold peace vigils and demonstrate in Mt. Greenwood this weekend following a police-involved shooting of an African-American man on Nov. 5 that have made the neighborhood a touchstone for ugly protests.

South Siders for Peace is planning a peace vigil at 103rd Street and Western Avenue at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, “in support of a multiracial and diverse community.” The group, which meets monthly at Beverly Unitarian Church, invites the public to join them in supporting diversity in Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park. Signs of peace are encouraged.

Immediately following, at 3 p.m., the Southwest Chicago Diversity Collaborative is staging a silent vigil at 111th and Kedzie, near the site where a 25-year-old Indiana man, Joshua Beal, was fatally shot by an off-duty Chicago police sergeant during a traffic altercation. The shooting remains under investigation by the Chicago Police Department. .

“We will be holding signs and demonstrating the visibility of people of color as well as standing up for the idea of inclusion in the community,” collaborative board member Scott Smith said in an email.

A demonstration planned for Sunday at 2 p.m.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, a demonstration billed as “Stand Up in Mt. Greenwood to Racist Mob Threats,” returns to 111th Street and Kedzie Avenue at 2 p.m. The event is being organized in response to last week's protests staged by Blue Lives Matter supporters and black activists from Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ).

A demonstration planned for Sunday, Nov. 20 to confront recent tension in the community will now focus on faith, peace and understanding. Residents interested in promoting peace to meet at 111th Street and Kedzie Avenue at 2 p.m. for a planned walk to St. Christina Church.

Mt. Greenwood faith leaders and residents met Wednesday at a private meeting organized by the Chicago Police Department and activists.

“This meeting established a positive, productive dialogue and provides everyone with an opportunity to move forward in the spirit of unity,” Ald. Matt O’Shea told residents in an email blast.

Photo: Tim Moran | Patch Editor