Thousands of Activists for Gaza Ceasefire Expected at Democratic Convention

CHICAGO (AP) — This week, Chicago is poised to witness the convergence of thousands of activists who are rallying to highlight urgent issues such as abortion rights, economic inequality, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

As Vice President Kamala Harris energizes her supporters and prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, the focus for many progressive activists remains unwavering.

Learning from the recent Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, these activists are predicting larger crowds and more dynamic protests, leveraging Chicago’s rich tradition of social activism.

Demonstrations are anticipated throughout the duration of the convention. Although participants have varied agendas, a common demand unites them: an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On the eve of the convention, events will kick off on Sunday with a march advocating for abortion rights along the historic Michigan Avenue.

Organizer Linda Loew stated that although the Democratic Party has been taking steps to secure reproductive rights domestically, the battle extends beyond borders. The march will be a display of solidarity with individuals everywhere fighting for bodily autonomy and a call to refocus U.S. funds from conflict support to healthcare services.

“We believe that the billions of dollars flowing to the state of Israel and the supply of weapons are causing indescribable harm, particularly to women, children, and the unborn,” she said, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these issues.

The Coalition to March on the DNC is the largest group planning demonstrations, scheduled for both the opening and closing days of the convention. Organizers expect a turnout of at least 20,000 activists, including many students who previously protested on college campuses.

“The people in power will be present,” remarked Liz Rathburn, a student organizer from the University of Illinois Chicago. “Those inside the United Center are the ones shaping our foreign policy.”

This year, activists have raised their voices against the city’s regulations that limit where they can protest. Earlier requests for permits to demonstrate near the United Center were denied by Chicago officials, who instead offered a venue at a lakefront park more than three miles away.

However, following some negotiations, the city has now permitted protests closer to the convention site, agreeing to a designated march route which a federal judge has recently approved.

Spokesperson Hatem Abudayyeh expressed satisfaction with gaining the right to protest near the convention, even as he believes a two-mile march would accommodate crowds more safely. The coalition is also arranging transportation for activists traveling from various states.

“We’re moving ahead with full steam,” he affirmed.

The City has allocated a park just a block from the United Center as a location for speeches, allowing speakers to present their messages for 45 minutes at a time.

On the Northwest Side, the Poor People’s Army, advocating for economic justice, plans to host events in Humboldt Park featuring third-party candidates like Jill Stein and Cornel West, along with a march on Monday toward the United Center.

Some members of this coalition have taken the trek of over 80 miles from Milwaukee, where they protested during the GOP convention, to join in the Chicago demonstrations.

“Poor and homeless individuals are facing brutal treatment, with their encampments destroyed from San Francisco to Philadelphia and even in Gaza,” stated spokesperson Cheri Honkala as the group reached Illinois. “Fundamental human rights abuses are perpetrated by leaders from both major parties.”

Despite the nomination of Harris, many activists feel that significant policy changes remain unlikely.

In Chicago, pro-Palestinian activists have been vocal, leading demonstrations that obstructed roads, including those to the airport, and staging sit-ins at congressional offices. Some are organizing an alternative convention on Sunday with third-party candidates.

While it remains uncertain if far-right extremists supporting former President Donald Trump will make an appearance at the convention, security protocols have been heightened. Authorities confirmed there are no specific threats against the event.

The convention is expected to attract around 50,000 participants, including delegates, activists, and journalists. In anticipation, the city has coordinated with police and the Secret Service, tightening security measures and establishing roadblocks around the venue.

To ease traffic flow, city officials are promoting a newly completed $80 million train station located conveniently close to the United Center. Additional beautification efforts, including new signage and freshly planted flowers, have taken place. Meanwhile, a homeless encampment nearby has been cleared.

Police agencies have received training in constitutional policing, and the courts are preparing to accommodate a higher volume of potential arrests. Hospitals in the area are also increasing their emergency readiness.

Authorities have stated that any vandalism or violence will lead to arrests. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the importance of protecting the First Amendment rights of protesters while ensuring the safety of city residents and visitors alike.

Concerns about safety linger among some community members, who worry that protests could spiral out of control. Activist Hy Thurman, who was arrested during the tumultuous 1968 convention, will return to Chicago to advocate against the Gaza conflict. “This is deeply personal for me,” he reflected. “I see parallels.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has voiced confidence in the expected peaceful nature of the protests, ensuring equal protection for both demonstrators and city residents.