West Side Peace Tournament Commemorates 100th Anniversary of 1919 Race Riots

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Ira Acree

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Jul 26, 2019, 5:33:00 PM7/26/19
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For Immediate Release

July 25, 2019

Contact Rev. Ira Acree


West Side Peace Tournament Commemorates 100th Anniversary of 1919 Race Riots


Faith and Community Leaders Call For An End of A Tale of Two Cities


CHICAGO – On Saturday, July 27, 2019, Faith and Community leaders will gather in the South Austin neighborhood at Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory for the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Basketball Tournament; a call for an end of Chicago's tale of two cities. The tournament is sponsored by the Leaders Network, The West Side NAACP and Chicago All Stars Project. Seven west side churches, along with the NAACP have recruited young men ages 18-30 to participate in this bi-annual Men's Basketball tournament, which this year commences the 100th anniversary of the Chicago 1919 Race Riots.


For an entire week in 1919, angry white mobs terrorized African Americans with violence. During the riot 38 people died (23 black, 15 white), more than 500 were injured, and thousands of blacks lost their homes.


The basketball tournament begins Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and goes on throughout the day, but will be preempted with a special ceremony and press conference at noon to commemorate the atrocities of 1919. Among those speaking at the press conference will be an interracial group of clergy, who will discuss ways of combating the inequities of Chicago and will publicly renew their commitment to ending the tale of two cities. More than 20 community groups and organizations are participating in this partnership to offer resources and opportunities for young people who have been neglected and victimized by systemic racism and discrimination.


“On the 100th anniversary of the 1919 race riots, the Leaders Network is leading the way in writing a new chapter in race relations for our city. The 2019 MLK Peace Basketball Tournament will feature a Resource Fair with over 20 organizations inviting and welcoming young people and adults to learn about valuable resources available to them. A multi-racial gathering of organizations are partnering with a variety of faith leaders, colleges, after-school and anti-violence organizations to offer a wide variety of programs and services for people of all ages in the Austin community.” stated David Cherry of Chicago's All Star Project


“We are turning July 27 from a day of violence and tragedy to a day of hope and celebration for the people of the west side and for all of Chicago.” Cherry added.


“Much of what happened in Chicago 100 years ago was a violent assault on African American communities to prevent racial integration and foster segregation from economic opportunities,” said Rev. Marshall Hatch of New Mount Pilgrim Church in West Garfield Park. “Sadly, 100 years later Chicago is still a house divided and a segregated tale of two cities. We have unfinished business and much work to do to even the playing fields for Chicago’s citizens of color,” Hatch added.


What: Press Conference Commemorating The 100th Anniversary of the Chicago Riots


Who: Chicago Bulls Charities, Leaders Network, West Side NAACP, Chicago All Stars project


Where: Christ The King Jesuit College Preparatory (Mayor Lori Lightfoot was on the founding board)


Address: 5088 W Jackson Boulevard


When: Saturday July 27th games begin at 10:00 am Press conference at Noon


“100 years after the 1919 Race Riots, Chicago has yet to repent from her systemic and institutional racism. We contend that we are all God's children and are entitled to dignity, respect and equal protection under the law,” stated Pastor Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church.


Mayor Lightfoot is scheduled to make an appearance at the tournament.


Below is the list of resource fair participants:


Commission on Human Relations

Prevention Force Family Center

MAAFA Redemption Project

Beautiful Seed Project

RUSH University Medical Center

Northeastern Illinois University

Kennedy-King College

Chicagoland Regional College Program

Angelic Martial Arts

Teen HYPE

Connections to the Future

Peer Jury

Greater St. John Bible Church

826CHI

NAACP Westside Branch

Com Ed Efficiency Program

Oink Group Inc.

The Vanguard Project

Habilitative Systems

God Breathed Ministries

BUILD Inc.



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