Chicago minister Corey Brooks ends vigil against violence

Chicago minister Corey Brooks ends vigil against violence

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Rev. Corey Brooks ‘occupying’ King Drive in December 2011 (WBEZ on Vimeo)

This story was written by the Associated Press, with video by Grantlin Banks.

A Chicago pastor who lived in a tent atop an abandoned motel to draw attention to gun violence ended his vigil after a promised $98,000 donation from movie mogul Tyler Perry.

The Rev. Corey Brooks spent 94 days on the roof, vowing not to come down until he raised $450,000 to buy the building and demolish what he calls a magnet for prostitution and drug dealing. He wants to build a community center on the site.

Brooks said Perry promised to make his donation while being interviewed Friday on the syndicated radio program “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.”

After coming off the roof, Brooks announced an $85,000 donation from an anonymous businessman, which he says kicks off a campaign to raise $15 million for the construction of the community center.