June 9, 2020
Dear Residents,
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the outpouring of protest, anger, and sadness that have dominated our city and cities across the country following the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others at the hands of the police.
Voice of the People stands with the Floyd and Taylor families, the black community, and all those who are grieving and protesting their senseless deaths along with the killing of countless other black Americans due to police brutality.
Voice of the People in Uptown’s own formation was an outgrowth of the unity of black, white and other activists for social and community change from all parts of Chicago. The Voice community of residents, more than 800 strong, is composed of people of all backgrounds, religions, races, genders, and identities.
But we especially want to hold space for our residents who are both directly and indirectly affected by police brutality and the systemic racism that infects our communities and nation, and that creates obstacles in place of opportunities. We stand with you and we support you.
Voice shares in a commitment for a better quality of life in a just and economically diverse Uptown community. Our organization stands in support of transforming our police force into a Peace Force, where the majority of good officers who are dedicated to safety, are teamed with service and mental health professionals on-call to help our community.
We have compiled for you a list of resources for donations, education, petitions, and other ways to help and learn. And as always, you can reach out to us either by phone or by email.
Sincerely, and on behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of Voice of the People in Uptown, Inc.
Maurice Hamp, Board President Michael C. Rohrbeck, Executive Director