Chicago DNC 2024: March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws
First Chicago Protest Ahead of United Center Convention
The Chicago Democratic National Convention (DNC) witnessed its first of two approved demonstrations on Sunday. Known as the “March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws”, the protest started at Michigan Avenue and concluded at Grant Park in the Loop.
An Overview of the March
A massive crowd participated in the peaceful protest that lasted for more than three and a half hours. Various activist groups, advocating for action on matters such as reproductive and LGBTQ rights as well as a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict, joined hands and marched in unity. They seized this opportunity to convey their demands for more substantial actions and fewer hollow assurances from politicians.
The march originated close to Michigan and Wacker where protesters gathered. The procession then moved south on Michigan Avenue, crossing Logan Statue and East 9th Street, finally ending at Grant Park. The demonstration covered a distance of about a mile and a half from the starting point. As a consequence of the march, intermittent street closures were put into effect southbound from East Illinois Street to East Roosevelt Road. The public was informed that traffic came to a standstill for most of the evening on Michigan Avenue.
Protesters’ Key Issues
Bearing the banner of “March for Bodies Outside Unjust Laws”, the protesters highlighted their concerns over the Democratic party’s unfulfilled commitment to reproductive and LGBTQ rights. Along with this, they expressed their desire for an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza. Twinned with the issues of reproductive and LGBTQ rights was the emphasis on challenging the Democrats to perform better in terms of family policies and laws concerning reproductive decisions.
Amid these public displays of discontent, Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in Chicago for the DNC. However, her arrival did not dissipate the grievances of another section of the protesters rooting for pro-Palestinian causes.
Voicing Concern Over the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The pro-Palestinian demonstrators, both inside and outside the Chicago DNC, plan to go to any lengths to ensure that their objections are heard throughout the week-long convention. Their primary demand is the imposition of an arms embargo on Israel. Aligned with this stance, they refuse to back Vice President Kamala Harris without unequivocal assurances of her administration’s commitment to this cause.
Furthermore, the pro-Palestinian protesters voiced their concerns about the need for Kamala Harris to engage more effectively with Arab and Muslim communities to earn their votes. They asserted that Harris cannot merely rely on vague promises and overused platitudes to secure their electoral support.
According to insiders, representatives of the Harris-Walz campaign have recently held meetings with Arab American and Jewish American leaders in Michigan. Participants found these interactions promising, reflecting the campaign team’s dedication to providing a meaningful presence for these communities in their administration.
A group leading multiple organizations in the protests, the March on DNC, expressed its disappointment at Kamala Harris’ rise to the top of the Democratic ticket. They view Harris’ and Biden’s rhetoric as indistinguishable. According to them, both leaders mishandled the US response to the conflict in Gaza, specifically the loss of Palestinian civilian lives.
Looking Ahead to Further Protests
Another approved demonstration is scheduled for Monday near the United Center, where the protesters plan to march from Union Park to Park 578. On Tuesday, they plan to hold a memorial outside the United Center to pay tribute to both Israelis and Palestinians who have lost their lives since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7 the previous year. This is seen as an opportunity to mourn those affected by the previous year’s violence.
The 2024 Democratic Convention is set to take place in Chicago from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place.
