The city is bracing itself before the beginning of a historically violent holiday—Labor Day Weekend—with some communities holding peace marches and demonstrations to voice their concern.
At St. Sabina’s weekly walk and bike ride for peace in Auburn Gresham, the Rev. Michael Pfleger kicked things off Friday night.
“We refuse to give into the fear,” he said.
The Fraternal Order of Police has urged Chicago cops to reject taking overtime shifts this weekend in response to what it says is a lack of support fore and disrespectful attitude toward law enforcement.
“We know we’re way down on police in this city,” said Pfleger. “We know that we had an FOP guy come out and tell people ‘don’t do overtime this weekend.”
Police say they feel totally prepared for the weekend.
“I think we are absolutely, 100 percent ready and prepared for the weekend,” said Chicago Police Cmdr. Karen Konow. “The superintendent has 100 percent confidence that we have the man power and aready to roll.”
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In different parts of the city residents are seeing what’s being called the Black Star Project, where upside down American flags are put on display as a distress call to President Obama, activists like Phillip Jackson say.
“This is not disrespecting the flag or America,” Jackson said. “This is asking for help.”
