Why Did Chicago Activists Shut Down an International Police Conference?

Cairá Lee Conner sits chained on top of a ladder, holding the Pan-African flag. (Photo: Sarah Jane Rhee)

This article emerged from a collaboration between Truthout and Village Leadership Academy’s GAP year students. Village Leadership Academy is a K-8, social-justice-based school in Chicago. The school focuses on social change, leadership development and community development.

On Oct. 24, a number of activist groups came together to shut down the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Chicago. The conference shutdown lasted over four hours, after which more than 66 protesters were arrested.

Why Did Chicago Activists Shut Down an International Police Conference?