In what organizers believe was the first Black and LGBT-led protest ever held on the city's South Side, about 80 demonstrators gathered outside activist Vernita Gray's condominium Saturday to protest her illegal eviction Feb. 23.
"It's a fine morning to show some support for a sister who needs it," organizer Donna Rose told the crowd at Arthur Ashe Memorial Park, 74th and South Shore Drive, before the protest began.
Gray, who has a Housing and Urban Development complaint and legal proceedings pending against her condo association, did not attend the demonstration.
Protesters said the event was a unique opportunity to show South Side residents that homophobia will not be tolerated.
"Many of us live out here on the South Side," said the Rev. Alma Crawford of Church of the Open Door. "Too much has gone into the fight to live anywhere we choose for us to back down now."
The racially diverse crowd drew people and organizations from across the city, including Affinity, Adodi Chicago, Amigas Latinas, Association of Latin Men In action, the Chicago Anti-Bashing Network, Equality Illinois, the Lesbian Community Cancer Project, the Literary Exchange, Horizons Community Services, Windy City Black Pride, Chicago 2006, members of Queer to the Left and Chicago Black Lesbians and Gays.
CABN's Andy Thayer said he felt it was important for his group to participate in the protest. "When anyone in our community is attacked, it's up to all of us to respond. You could be next," he said. "That goes for any kind of hate attack."
Rose and others said it was gratifying to see so many groups together.
"We're feeling some unity spirit up in here," Rose said.
Gray, gay and lesbian liaison for the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, was evicted from her condo in late February in violation of a judge's order. Sheriff's deputies removed all but a few of her belongings, and while she has her condo back, her possessions-;including clothing, awards, photos, electronics equipment and furniture—are still missing in action.
Condo association President Shelley Norton allegedly allowed deputies to evict Gray despite the judge's order. Gray has maintained that Norton wants her out of the building-;by any means necessary-;because she's gay.
Among the anti-gay comments Norton allegedly made was that she and other South side residents didn't want a gay Pride parade in their neighborhood.
Protesters Saturday challenged that a Pride parade was just what Norton got.
With rainbow flags waving, the chanting crowd formed a wide loop in front of Gray's building.
"Ain't gonna let homophobia turn us 'round, turn us 'round, turn us 'round/We're gonna keep on walking, keep on talking, marching down South Shore Drive," sang one protester as the demonstration stepped off.
When told of the situation, most passersby were surprised and supportive of Gray. The only exception came when men in a car with livery plates drove by and yelled, "Die faggots! You're not real Black men. Faggots have no rights. Black and faggot is not the same."
Horizons Community Services staff took the car's license plates-;11966LY-;and plan to report the incident as a hate crime.
While curious residents periodically stationed themselves at their windows to watch the protest, Norton did not appear.
Organizers stressed that anyone from the South Side interested in attending GLBT Lobby Day in Springfield March 28, can catch a bus from Affinity Community Services, 5650 S. Woodlawn, at 6 a.m. For information on Lobby Day, contact Equality Illinois at ( 773 ) 477-7173.
