Chicago Leaders Grateful Unrest Here Hasn't Reached Milwaukee Levels
CHICAGO (CBS) -- With claims of the protests recently happening in Milwaukee after police shot a black man, supposedly being instigated by a Chicago communist group, Chicago has managed to steer clear of the same level of unrest.
Chicago has had it's share of police shootings and protests, yet the city hasn't seen the same level of civil disobedience as what took place in Milwaukee.
CBS2's Roseanne Tellez spoke with local leaders, who say the difference is a combination of factors.
Behind the violent images of the last few days in Milwaukee is an economic backdrop of joblessness and neglect, what state Sen. Jackie Collins says is the same in many Chicago neighborhoods.
"Those are powder kegs waiting to be lit," Collins says.
But hours away in Milwaukee, the recent police shooting was a breaking point. So how has Chicago avoided a similar meltdown? Mayor Rahm Emanuel says the difference is relationships.
"It's important to be part of the community rather than police that community," he said.
The mayor cited the police sergeant who bought a pool for a young gunshot victim to give her the courage to play outside again.
"That's not in the training manual. That's a value system, and having that dialogue and conversation and trust, knowing that you can call on each other when situations happen I think is important," Emanuel said.
Other community leaders say they've seen the change.
"The police in Chicago appear to be getting trained. appear to be doing better," says Betty Magness, Illinois political director for the Rainbow Push Coalition.
Magness points to this past weekend's Bud Billiken Parade.
"They were friendly, they were kind to people. It has to be a coming together of the people, not just the police. We all have to work together to keep a lid on it," Magness added.
