Blackface Photo Allegedly Posted By Oak Park Student Sparks Outrage, Discussion

OAK PARK, IL — An Oak Park-River Forest High School student who allegedly posted a photo of himself in blackface has sparked outrage and discussion throughout the community. The photo included a caption that read, "Vote for me for BLU President." BLU is the school's Black Leaders Union.

The photo comes on the heels of other recent displays of racism at OPRF High School that include swastikas drawn on school property. Social media users called the photo "disgusting and upsetting," with some noting other incidents of racism they experienced while students at the high school. The hashtag #WhyWeKneel began trending in reference to the ongoing controversy about NFL players taking a knee in silent, yet striking protest during the national anthem.

Community organizer and OPRF High School teacher Anthony Clark immediately took to Suburban Unity Alliance's Facebook page to address the issue. He posted, "No one is immune to hate and/or ignorance. If not on your doorstep today, it will be tomorrow. " Once more details emerged, Clark wrote that he met with the accused teen, who is a former student of his and has "attended marches" with him.

Clark wrote that he and the student had "painful and open dialogue" that covered "everything from systematic racism to white privilege." He wrote that he and the student will meet with the Black Leaders Union and that the student "wants to be held accountable."

Suburban Unity Alliance is joining forces with Live Café and the school's Black Leaders Union to hold a community discussion called "Why We Kneel" at Live Café, 163 S. Oak Park Ave. on Monday, October 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

>>Related: Swastika Graffiti Defaces Oak Park-River Forest High School Lobby

The event's poster reads "Calling on the commUNITY to please join Black Leaders Union and Suburban Unity Alliance, and Live Café to engage in challenging dialogue, listening to young black leaders, as we identify action steps, as it is past the time for just talk!" These words are overlaid on images of NFL player Colin Kapernick taking a knee during the national anthem.

Clark's post on Suburban Unity Alliance added that "it was made clear to [the student] and he identified as well, that in this situation, he is not the victim, he is not the one who has been harmed, and there are no excuses to his actions."

He added, "From [the student's alleged] actions, from the empowerment of our young black leaders, I believe we can all become better."

>>Image of Oak Park-River Forest High School via GoogleMaps Streetview