Those Who Did Not Die: An evening with survivors of Chicago gun violence

In January 2021, a story from WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith examined the impact of gun violence on Chicago. He found that over the past 20 years, more than 50,000 people have survived shootings in the city. Each survivor leaves with scars – sometimes of the body, and always of the mind and spirit. By sharing stories from survivors about life after violence, Patrick’s exploration revealed a collective, enduring trauma that shapes the psyche of Chicago with each incident.

At the dawn of every summer, Chicagoans brace for a barrage of headlines about shootings, catching glimpses of those who died, often without fully realizing the irreparable harm that’s been inflicted on those who survive.

Join us on Thursday, June 2nd for a virtual storytelling experience featuring four survivors of gun violence, whose stories illuminate the long-term damage of Chicago’s epidemic. The event will be moderated by Patrick Smith and will feature a live performance from local band Desert Liminal.