Local pastors issue call to be a light in the darkness for our youth
In the wake of violence in downtown Chicago, local pastors are calling for 500 men to come together to be a visible presence for the city's young people.
By Pastor
As you may have heard, this past weekend was marked by a surge in violence and disorder in downtown Chicago. Hundreds of teenagers engaged in destructive behavior, smashing car windows, attempting to enter Millennium Park, and prompting a significant police response. The chaos escalated with gunfire, resulting in several injuries and arrests. This is a clear indication that our youth need us now more than ever, and it is our responsibility as men of faith to rise up and be present for them.
In response to these distressing events, a group of pastors in Chicago, led by Pastor Charlie Dates of Progressive Baptist Church and Salem Baptist, are organizing a powerful and transformative event. We are calling for 500 Christian men to walk in downtown Chicago, not against our youth, but for them. We will be a visible reminder of our commitment to our young people and our city.
As the Pastor of Chicago Embassy Church Network and a leader in the AND Campaign, I am wholeheartedly supporting this walk and encourage every Christian man who is able to join us. We are gathering at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22nd, at the intersection of Roosevelt and Michigan, and we need your presence. Put on a red shirt (we’re walking under the Blood Stained Banner) and meet us there.
Our message is clear: our youth must be accountable for their actions, but before we hold them accountable, we must hold ourselves accountable. We are committed to praying for them, being present for them, and providing for them. The groups organizing the walk are dedicated to supporting our youth for the long haul, offering both spiritual and physical resources to help them navigate the challenges they face.
As men of faith, our calling is not limited to the walls of our churches. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities, to shine a light in the darkness, and to be instruments of change. We cannot stand idly by while our young people face turmoil and destruction. Instead, we must step forward and demonstrate our commitment to them and to the future of our city.
This walk is an opportunity for us to unite as one body, to stand together in the face of adversity, and to make a difference in the lives of those who need us most. It is our chance to show our youth that they are not alone, that they are seen and valued, and that they have a community of men who care for them and will walk beside them.
We recognize that lasting change requires more than a single event. It requires a steadfast commitment to being present in the lives of our youth, offering guidance and support, and demonstrating God's love in action. By participating in this walk, we are making a pledge to be there for our young people not only on this day but every day.
So, I call on every man connected to the church and to the AND Campaign to rise up and join us in this walk. Let’s gather at Roosevelt and Michigan on April 22nd at 6 p.m. and stand together as a united front for our youth and our city.
I’m asking you to spread the word within your churches and communities; invite others to join us in this vital and timely cause. Share this message on social media and within your personal networks. Let us come together in solidarity and love, demonstrating the power of faith in action.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our youth and help create a brighter, safer, and more hopeful future for Chicago.
As we prepare for this walk, let us also commit to praying for our youth and our city. Pray for their safety, their well-being, and for a transformation of hearts and minds. Pray for wisdom and guidance as we work together to address the root causes of these issues and provide lasting support for our young people. Pray for unity within our community, that we may come together to create meaningful change.
Let’s consider the ways in which we can provide ongoing support for our youth. Whether it's through mentoring programs, community outreach initiatives, or simply being available to listen and offer guidance, we each have a role to play in nurturing the next generation. Each church and each individual has limitations to what we can do. But, if each of us do our part, we can accomplish more than we’d imagine possible.
I recognize that the challenges our youth face are complex and multifaceted, but I firmly believe that the power of faith, community, and love can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. We have an opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact in the lives of our young people and in the city we call home. It begins with this walk, but it does not end there. Our commitment must be unwavering and our resolve steadfast.
Let’s come together April 22nd at 6 p.m. at Roosevelt and Michigan, united in purpose and determination. Let’s walk for our youth, for our city, and for the future that lies ahead.
The Round Up
Here are the stories that caught our eyes this week and what they mean for the weeks ahead.
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson names his incoming chief of staff, first deputy chief of staff
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on Thursday revealed some of his top picks for his administration when he takes office next month.
Johnson tapped Rich Guidice, the executive director for Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications, as his incoming chief of staff. He also selected Dr. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, a state senator serving the 20th district, as his incoming first deputy chief of staff.
Guidice, who spent the last few years overseeing the city's emergency response efforts and 911 call center, called his selection an "honor."
Search for new Chicago police superintendent begins with first town hall meeting
The search for the new Chicago police superintendent officially launched with the first of at least four town hall meetings.
In the past, the search for a new superintendent was handled by the police board. For the first time, a newly-formed civilian oversight committee will put the public at the center of the search.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will host the meetings. The civilian body formed in 2022 to give residents more oversight of Chicago police.
Inside Chicago’s intense, behind-the-scenes effort to secure the DNC
Democratic officials who wanted to secure the party’s 2024 convention for their city found out quickly that one method stood above all others to win the bid: appeal to President Joe Biden’s nostalgia.
Over the course of several weeks, organizers in Chicago, Atlanta and New York did just that.
Chicago labor leaders sent a letter. They knew the deal was done when Biden and Gov. JB Pritzker spoke early Tuesday, when the Illinois Democrat played up the president’s love of the country’s iconic cities.
Newsclips
Chicago police: CTA bus riddled with bullets on Far South Side
Illinois assault weapons ban withstands appeal in federal court
Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s parting gift for Johnson: a smaller-than-anticipated budget gap
Local organization opens sensory gym for families of children with disabilities on Southeast Side
Unruly downtown Chicago crowds raise alarm for Illinois Restaurant Association
100,000 tulips: Chicago artist’s statement on redlining blooms on South Side
Illinois Senate committee hears array of ideas on implementing an elected school board in Chicago
Narcan vending machine coming to 95th Red Line station as Chicago grapples with record overdoses
Chicago Public Library awarded $2M grant to digitize Black History archives
Five of Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s public safety promises — and obstacles
Governors State University educators go on strike, becoming 3rd IL school with faculty walkout
Chicago election results: City Council to get new youngest member with Mosley win in 21st Ward
Chicago political foot soldier Ed Moody takes the stand in 'ComEd Four' trial
Concrete bike barriers installed at NW Side intersection where two bicyclists were killed
Strong winds, unseasonable warmth bring fire weather watch to Chicago area
Customers slam Walmart for closing Chatham Supercenter: ‘It's a slap in the face'
A report from Atlanta and The Civic Update makes it on the radio
By
Both Pastor
and myself were in Atlanta this past weekend for the Heirs of Action, a night of worship, praise and civic vision. Speakers at the event included And Campaign’s Justin Giboney, Pastor Charles Dates, rap artist Lecrae, Connecticut State Rep. Treneé McGee, and Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner.I also took part in the kickoff to the Christian Civic Leadership Academy, an And Campaign initiative focused on developing orthodox Christians to run for elected office, manage political campaigns, lead civic organizations and design policy. The event brought in a diverse group of Christians from around the country for the initial orientation session, which will be followed by ten weeks of training.
Christian Civic Leadership Academy’s second cohort, pictured in Atlanta. Photo credit: And Campaign
In the meantime, one of our faithful Civic Update readers, Dr. James Hanink, hosts a radio show called The Open Door with co-host Mario Ramos-Reyes. Thanks to a last-minute cancellation, I had the opportunity to speak with them about the work we do here at The Civic Update, as well as work I do in the American Solidarity Party. You can watch the program below.
Do you have ideas for future Civic Update stories or want to contribute a story yourself? Email our editor by clicking the button below!