Urban Dolorosa: A Sorrowing City Stands
Photo courtesy of Yeimaya via Flickr
In the last three school years, over 260 children have been killed by violence in Chicago. This is a state of emergency that must not continue.
Urban Dolorosa is a citywide anti-violence witness to the children killed in Chicago.
This movement is an ecumenical and multicultural movement of ministers, artists, and community leaders, calling the people of Chicago to notice the dead and dying children, to mourn with families and neighborhoods traumatized by violence, and to work together for peace in the city.
Memorial Events– November 2011
This initiative welcomes all residents, civic leaders, and faith communities of Chicago to join them in a citywide pilgrimage to memorialize the lost children and to commit together to end this violence.
•November 1, 7 p.m. – The Faith Community of Saint Sabina (Auburn Gresham)
• November 2, 5:30 p.m. – First United Methodist Church at Chicago Temple (the Loop)
• November 3, 7 p.m. – New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (Garfield Park)
• November 4, 7 p.m. – Holy Cross/IHM Parish (Back of the Yards)
• November 6, 5:30 p.m. – Hyde Park Union Church (Hyde Park)
In collaboration with Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Community Chorus, and the Johnson College Prep Choral Program, these events will combine music by South African composer Fr. Vaughn Fayle, OFM, with the documentary photography of Carlos Javier Ortiz, the musical and artistic talents of young people, and the reading of the names of those who have died.
Participation is vital to dignify these lost children and to honor the grief and resiliency of families and communities living with this violence.
With these memorial events, residents and organizers aim to draw together people and communities from across the city – including those in mourning and those who need to notice and respond to this state of emergency.
Join Urban Dolorosa on the web www.urbandolorosa.org to learn more and to get involved.
Partners include CeaseFire Illinois, Steppenwolf for Young Adults, Johnson College Prep Choral Program, Chicago Community Chorus, Chicago Child Trauma Center at LaRabida Children’s Hospital, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Too Young To Die Photo Documentary Project, Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy.
