Unrest in Cicero: How One Day Shook a Town
What happened in Cicero on June 1 will forever be seared in the memories of those who witnessed them. The chaos that ensued led to violence, property damage, and further stoked racial tension in a community with a long history of it. The chaos also left rumors, confusion, questions, and fear-mongering. We felt the need to create a more complete view of what happened and aid in our communal understanding of what went down.
Below are a series of stories exploring various aspects of June 1 and the days that followed. We interviewed Cicero and Berwyn residents, collected images, video, social media content, obtained public records and solicited community contributions in an effort to document this important moment. We hope this project will help as we seek to transform our town into a place that is truly a safe place for all to live and thrive.
June 1 was chaotic. Break-ins. Armed vigilantes. Militarized police forces. Violence. Two deaths. We created a timeline of key events of that day and the days that followed.
By Shapearl Wells and Irene Romulo
“Growing up here in Cicero we didn't really have a lot of Black history being talked about. People don’t understand where we come from. If they did they probably might say, Hey man they just like us.” - Geremy Webster
By Jesus J. Montero
Unarmed, a few steps away from his apartment, Victor was shot in front of a corner store he was protecting. He later died from a gunshot wound to the head.
By Rodrigo Anzures-Oyorzabal
June 1 was just the latest in a history of anti-Black violence in Cicero.
By Luis Velazquez
“A lot of people are talking to their families now and having these important conversations with them,” Castillo said.
As told to Irene Romulo
Local organizers speak: “It allowed our community an opportunity to understand that what we were doing on Monday wasn’t what unity is.”
