This weekend, I attended the Peace Takeover at St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham, and it was truly a beautiful sight to see.
The event was created to counter the recent “teen takeovers” by bringing people together in honor of those we’ve lost and those who are still here with us. It was also a chance for the community to come together and march for peace.
The rally started with songs of praise that immediately shifted my mood. After a long day, it was uplifting to hear voices raised in positivity. One of the young men from the Leo Catholic High School choir, who recently appeared on America’s Got Talent, performed with the choir and set the tone for the day.
There were several speakers, including community leaders and they even had Chance the Rapper, who spoke about unity, hope, and the power we have to create change in our neighborhoods. One of the most emotional moments was paying tribute to loved ones we’ve lost. I definitely shed a tear. It reminded me that Chicago could use more spaces where people can process grief, heal, and support one another.
WGCI, WGN, and other community organizations were out there showing support, which made the event feel even bigger.
Then came the march.
I wasn’t prepared for that walk, but seeing people of all ages and backgrounds out there made it worth every step. The highlight for me was seeing a little girl with puff balls in her hair standing in a window with her arms raised as we passed by. It was such a simple moment, but it stuck with me.
For a few hours, it felt like Chicago was moving together for something bigger than ourselves—and that’s a feeling I’ll carry with me.
