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PUSH Call For Federal Civil Rights Charges Against Van Dyke
Former Police Officer Jason Van Dyke was released early from prison today, February 3, 2022, after service half of his sentence for killing17-year-old Laquan McDonald. Rainbow PUSH National Field Director Bishop Tavis Grant addresses the crowd of protesters at Federal Plaza. Photo by John L. Alexander.
Chicago, Il – Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., Bishop Tavis Grant, national field director for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and staff, announced at a press conference Thursday, February 3rd at the Federal Plaza, that they are calling on U.S. Attorney John R. Lausch, Jr. to file federal civil rights charges against former Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke.
Rev. Jackson, Bishop Grant and supporters are outraged that Van Dyke, convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald 16 times, is being released from prison Thursday after serving half of his 81-month sentence. Special prosecutors had asked for 18 years.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is delivering a letter to Lausch demanding that he file civil rights charges against Van Dyke for violating McDonald’s civil rights under Section 242 of Title 18
(https://www.justice.gov/crt/deprivation-rights-under-color-law)
Former Police Officer Called Part of Unjust System
Former Police Officer Called Part of Unjust System
Former Police Officer Called Part of Unjust System
Supporters of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition's efforts to have federal civil rights charges filed against former Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke say that his early release is a reflection of an unjust system that does not hold police officers properly accountable for misdeeds resulting in injury and loss of life of citizens. Photo by John L. Alexander
Protesters Demand Jason Van Dyke Serve Full Term
Former Police Officer Called Part of Unjust System
Former Police Officer Called Part of Unjust System
The killing of Laquan McDonald led to massive outrage, a Black Friday boycott of stores along North Michigan Avenue and the election of Kim Foxx as Cook County State's Attorney, replacing Anita Alvarez. Prosecutors asked for 18 years for Jason Van Dyke and many are outraged that he only received 81 months. Photo by John L. Alexander
Former CTU President Karen Lewis Remembered As Strong Leader
Once Considered Run For Mayor Against Rahm Emanuel
The feisty leadership style of former Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis led to many supporters requesting that she throw her hat in the ring for Chicago Mayor and challenge Rahm Emanuel, who eventually announced he would not be running for reelection in 2019. Her tenure as CTU President spanned the years 2010 to 2014 was marked by major rallies protesting school closings, low pay and unfavorable conditions in the classroom. For nearly 20 years before becoming president of the Chicago Teachers Union, she was a high school chemistry teacher.
Celebrating An Icon: Timuel Black Turns 102 Years Old
By John L. Alexander
I had the honor and pleasure of walking Timuel Black, an historic icon, up the stairs to his home after a birthday tribute held at 50th and Drexel, in Chicago, in which television networks and members of the press gathered to hear his words of wisdom. Elected officials, friends and family came to pay tribute to a man who lived his life teaching history, recording history and making history. At the age of 102 years, he still has a sharp mind and a determined spirit, and the experience of being in his presence was profound.
What have 102 year old eyes seen during more than a century of life? Mr. Black is a World War II Veteran, a fighter in the cause of Civil Rights, an author and an educator who influenced many lives, and a man who continues to teach and inspire many who have become icons in their own right.
Rev. Jesse Jackson celebrated 79 years of life in October of this year, and I have had the privilege of capturing images of his work in organizing, inspiring, uplifting and serving the people across this nation and around the world. Through him I have walked with Kings and Queens from Africa, and interacted with dignitaries and celebrities from around the world.
Timuel Black is a treasure that is still among us, sharing wisdom. I feel honored and blessed to be able to capture these special moments in time and preserve them for future generations.
Photo Caption: Photojournalist John L. Alexander and historian Timuel Black, who turned 102 years old on December 7, 2020. Photo by Captain Kent Richmond