HONORING THOSE PRESENT & PAST

Since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic back in January 2020, Communities United (CU) lost four significant leaders that were dedicated to making an impact working to address issues of affordable housing, mental health resources, community & school safety, and immigrant rights across the city of Chicago. I had developed very close and personal relationships with these amazing people, and one of the ways I wanted to honor them was creating an image in their honor. 

 

Maria Elena was a longtime advocate for affordable housing as part of CU's Renters Organizing Ourselves to Stay (ROOTS). Maria Elena tragically passed away from COVID in 2021, but her efforts and legacy continue to make an impact across the community and city of Chicago.

 

Caleb Reed's life was taken by a stray bullet, he was a youth leader fighting to remove School Resource Officers (SROs) in Chicago public schools calling for more investment into alternative resources for young people to feel safe.

 

Rosa Antuñez was a Mexican immigrant that passed away of natural causes, she was a strong advocate in the Belmont Cragin community of Chicago advocating for immigrant rights and affordable housing.

 

Jeremiah More was the grandson of a dear leader of Communities United, Electa Bey. Jeremiah would join our press conferences, rallies, and community meetings. He was full of energy and life and was learning at a very young age that he can make an impact in the community. Jeremiah's life was tragically taken away in 2022 due to gun violence, he was 7 years old.