‘Freedom Square’ Activists Camp Near Homan Square To Protest Hate Crime Ordinance

Free food and water are offered to activists and residents at “Freedom Square”
Free food and water are offered to activists and residents at “Freedom Square” Yolanda Perdomo / WBEZ
Free food and water are offered to activists and residents at “Freedom Square”
Free food and water are offered to activists and residents at “Freedom Square” Yolanda Perdomo / WBEZ

‘Freedom Square’ Activists Camp Near Homan Square To Protest Hate Crime Ordinance

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Protesters have set up a camp across the street from the Homan Square police facility on Chicago’s West Side.

Activists and neighborhood residents lined up Tuesday under a blue tarp to grab free snacks, including doughnuts, fruit, milk and juice. 

The Let Us Breathe Collective is the main organizer of the encampment, called “Freedom Square.” 

There are about a dozen tents: some for sleeping, one for first aid, and one has free clothes and books.

Organizers say they want Chicago City Council to dismiss an ordinance sponsored by 14th ward Alderman Ed Burke that would give police hate crime protections. 

Organizers say they plan to stay indefinitely in the camp across from the police facility.

Yolanda Perdomo is a WBEZ reporter. Follow her @yolandanews.