City Council Approves Land Sale To Support Chicago Torture Justice Memorial

CHICAGO ~ Chicago City Council Approves Transfer of Land for Chicago Torture Justice Memorial

In a historic move, the Chicago City Council has approved a measure sponsored by Mayor Brandon Johnson to transfer four City-owned lots to support the construction of the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial in Washington Park. The lots, located at 5520-38 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and collectively valued at $234,481, will be sold for $1 each to the Chicago Torture Justice Memorials Foundation.

The memorial will serve as a tribute to the victims of torture committed by the Chicago Police Department and a reminder of the city's commitment to accountability and healing. Mayor Johnson expressed his belief that "the first step to healing from injustice is accountability, [and] the second step is remembrance." He sees this memorial as a powerful way for survivors to tell their stories, be seen, and heal.

Alderman Jeanette Taylor (20th) also spoke out in support of the memorial, stating that "we cannot continue to ignore what has happened in the past" due to racist and classist practices within Chicago leadership. She acknowledged that these horrific acts have had lasting effects on survivors and their families, but hopes that this memorial will serve as a way for the city to acknowledge its wrongdoings and work towards never repeating such atrocities again.

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This vote marks a significant step towards fulfilling a promise made by the City in 2015 to memorialize victims of past torture campaigns and their families. In 2023, Mayor Johnson announced a grant from the Mellon Foundation to support the creation of this monument.

The monument, designed by arti JAQ Corp and Greenprint Partners, will cost an estimated $4.7 million and include a 22-foot-tall structure as well as enhanced landscaping and gathering space within Washington Park. It aims to commemorate the struggle for justice, visibility, and reparations in response to racially motivated violence and provide a shared space for education, community building, and healing.

The City Council's approval of this measure is a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing the harm caused by past injustices. The Chicago Torture Justice Memorial will serve as a powerful reminder of the city's commitment to accountability and healing for years to come.

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