Thousands gathered in the Logan Square neighborhood Friday evening to listen to speakers and protest the killing of 13-year-old Adam Toledo by a Chicago police officer. Adam was killed about six miles away in Little Village on March 29.
Logan Square Center overflowed with people holding flags and signs demanding justice. Signs read: “Justice for Adam,” “Defund the police” and “Fund our communities.” At one point the entire crowd chanted, “Adam, we love you!” over and over. Onlookers watched from their homes and storefronts.
Some protestors said this felt like a continuation of the George Floyd protests that took place last summer in the same location; closing arguments in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than 9 minutes, will be delivered Monday.
Others said they want more than justice for a police killing; they said they want fundamental reform of the police in Chicago.
Linda Lutton covers Chicago neighborhoods for WBEZ. Follow her @lindalutton. Manuel Martinez is a visual journalist at WBEZ. Follow him @DenverManuel.
