Charleston Shooting Spurs Chicagoans To Reflect On Racism
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The church massacre in Charleston was on the minds of many participants at an African-American history event on the West Side.
CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports in East Garfield Park, a parade took place honoring an historic moment in black history. At the same time, many saw it as an opportunity to reflect on racism, it's impact and how to end it.
Participants at the first annual African-American Awareness and Appreciation Parade celebrated Juneteenth in East Garfield Park, marking the 150th anniversary of the end of slavery.
"The reason we're still marching is because there are some things that are still going on today that had transpired back in those days," said Pastor Donald McFadden of St. Joseph M.B. Church. "For instance, 60 years ago, it was Emmett Till who had his life taken. Here today, we have South Carolina, we have Detroit, we have Chicago, Illinois where lives are still being taken and we are just promoting justice and freedom for all."
Amid the singing, and dancing, there was reflection on the recent church shootings in Charleston, South Carolina.
"You have to reflect back, into your religion, into your belief in God and know there's purpose that we don't understand," said parade organizer Adrienne Hawkins-Turner. "We have to follow what our teachings are. We have to have forgiveness in our hearts. We can't hate."
When asked how we heal from Charleston, Rev. Dr. Walter McCray, president of the National Black Evangelical Association, said "Black churches and white churches need to come together and those who have been grieved, black folk, need to be heard by whites."
Reverend McCray also says that open dialogue between whites and blacks lead to change. He says those who have been offended, often have the solutions on ways to end racism.