Alderman Denies Block Party Permit For Spike Lee Film "Chiraq"
(CBS) -- David Moore, the alderman in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood where the Spike Lee movie "Chiraq" is being shot, is denying a permit for a block party for the film.
Last month, Lee went to St. Sabina's where this weekend's party to celebrate the end filming for the movie is supposed to be held and explained that the focus of the film shouldn't be on the title of his movie, but rather on the epidemic of violence that plagues Chicago's streets.
But, Alderman Moore slammed the block party saying it's,"another veiled attempt to buy the community's support."
Moore goes on to say, "What I object to is the branding of these communities to the rest of the world who will never know anything about the real people who live in Englewood and Auburn Gresham."
St. Sabina Pastor Michael Pfleger says he has the signatures of dozens of residents who support the idea.
"The only people that will be punished by this would be the community," said Fr. Pfleger. "I'm not going to punish the community."
Fr. Pfleger says he'll hold the block party outside the church with or without a permit.
"If you want to be upset about something, be upset by the shootings," Fr. Pfleger said.
St. Sabina's was used as a center for casting local residents as extras in the movie.
