Protesters organized outside of Malcolm X College Thursday night while Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveiled his plan to combat city violence.
The group listened to a live stream of the mayor’s speech from outside the building. Protesters denounced the mayor on a megaphone and some raised their fists in the air. The protests were peaceful and Chicago police were present throughout the demonstration.
“I don’t care how many police officers you have on the streets in the city of Chicago,” activist Ja’mal Green said. “It will not reduce crime. You have to change the conditions in the community.”
Many of the protesters wanted to get into the event but could not.
Some who did get in say they left feeling inspired.
“The message was hopeful,” said Jennifer Alexander, an attendee.
A pastor in attendance, Robert East, said the lack of male role models is a great weakness in the city.
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Antonio Brown said he is going back to school and helping kids after his 7-year-old son was killed last summer.
“If I can do it, anyone can do it,” Brown said. “Anything they’ve got to do with solving violence, I’m good with.”
Kevin Freeman, another attendee, said everyone in the city needs to be a stakeholder when it comes to stopping violence.
“It all starts at home,” he said.
