Supporters Brave Heavy Rain To Demand Reinstatement Of Suspended Oak Park-River Forest Teacher

OAK PARK, IL — Saturday's downpour didn't stop community members, students, and parents from coming out in full force to march in support of beloved Oak Park-River Forest teacher Anthony Clark, who was suspended when he shared a student's blackface image to promote an open dialogue about race. The diverse show of supporters included different races and ages, a testament to Clark's longtime passion to unify the local community.

Marchers and public speakers stood with umbrellas —and some without— to stand in solidarity and to share stories of how Clark has impacted their lives and improved the community. The march stepped off from Oak Park Public Library, with many supporters holding rain-spattered signs demanding Clark be reinstated. Other supporters wore "Black Leaders Union Matters" shirts. The shirts, which were made by a community member as a fundraiser for the school's Black Leaders Union, sold out.

Clark was suspended Oct. 9 after he shared a public image of a student in blackface. The student's photo included a caption that read, "Vote me for BLU President," a reference to the school's black leadership union. Shorty after the photo was posted, the student's mother contacted Clark, not to complain, but to request Clark's help in discussing the incident with her son.

From countless posts on Facebook and Suburban Unity Alliance, it's clear how crucial a part of the school and community Clark has been for many people. After news of his suspension broke, images popped up across Facebook with the caption "I stand with Anthony Clark." Many of these posts included personal photos and stories from students and community members about the influence Clark has had on their lives.

When Patch spoke to Clark about the outpouring of support at the march, he said, "Suburban Unity Alliance’s motto is, ‘more love & less hate.’ I believe that love without support is incomplete. I thank so many for making me feel loved and supported and I recognize the fight must continue until all families in this community believe that same love and support is available to them."

On Change.org a petition to get Clark reinstated already has 4,887 signatures.

Oak Park-River Forest High School's Black Leaders Union scheduled a race discussion with students for 3:15 p.m. Monday. School officials will hold a Community Discussion on Race in the Oak Park-River Forest High School auditorium on October 24 at 7 p.m.

Photo credits: Paul Goyette, Suburban Unity Alliance