MAY through SEPTEMBER: Unfinished Business: 1968-2018 This five month series of shows and discussions explores the many ways the struggles of fifty years ago are the same struggles today in Chicago.

“This is our basic conclusion: Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white–separate and unequal. It is time to make good the promises of American democracy to all citizens.” -The 1968 Kerner Report of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the Kerner Commission Report is a reminder of how America has in many ways fallen further behind in the struggle for equality and justice for all.

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May 11th Opening: April 1968 and Today: Police and Military Occupation of Chicago.

Photographs, Prints, Multimedia Work, and Films from Marc PoKempner, Larry Redmond, Gerard Evans, Carlos Cortez, Nelson W Armour and Michael Kreuser from Artists for Action Chicago, Kathy Weaver, Peter Kuttner, Christopher Urias and Kathy Steichen and more. Short films: 4-27-1968 Peace Protest, 2012 NATO.

MAY 11 Program630pm:

Mary Scott-Boria lived near the Westside when Dr King was assassinated in April 1968. She is a lifelong activist from Chicago who has stood witness from many perspectives: a teenaged mother, the IL Black Panther Party, the Chicago Sexual Assault Services Network, Cook County Democratic Women, Mikva Challenge helping young people develop their voices in government and politics and CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers). Currently, Ms. Scott-Boria is the director of Urban Studies at the Associated Colleges of the Midwest.

Bruce Thomas came to Chicago from Washington DC in 1967 as a Field Team Leader for National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, known as the Kerner Commission. He stayed, working first in social services -Illinois Institute for Social Policy and IL Department of Children & Family Services – and then in education, where he continues his work today. He co-created the school district in the Illinois correctional system, collaborated in the design and creation of an experimental Chicago elementary school, directed projects in advocacy and education, including the International Living Program–a pilot project that enabled older foster care youth in Chicago to study in Europe for an academic year. Currently Mr. Thomas works as a volunteer tutor in a Southside Chicago public elementary school and collaborating in the creation of The Holding Circle, a mental health component for teachers and students.

Uri-Eichen Gallery curator Peter Kuttner will moderate with a Q&A following the presentation. Mr. Kuttner was arrested and jailed for photographing the leafleting of National Guard called up after Dr. King’s assassination. The leaflets urged the soldiers to refuse to occupy the community. Three weeks later, out on bond, he filmed the Chicago police attack on an anti-Vietnam War march and demonstration at which he was not arrested, having learned a lesson earlier in April.

By appointment through June 1. For an appointment call 312 852 7717

June 8th Opening: Poor Peoples Campaigns: 1968 and 2018

July 13th: “There goes the neighborhood!” The Fair Housing Act of 1968- Segregation, Affordability and Gentrification of Chicago in 2018

August 10th : Vote With Your Feet! Failures of Electoral Politics

September 14th: Walkout! 1968 and 2018 School Walkouts

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Tags: April 1968 and Today: Police and Military Occupation of Chicago, Artists for Action Chicago, Bruce Thomas, Carlos Cortez, Chicago, Christopher Urias, Gerard Evans, Illinois, Kathy Steichen, Kathy Weaver, Larry Redmond, Lower West Side, Marc PoKempner, Mary Scott-Boria, Michael Kreuser, Nelson W. Armour, Peter Kuttner, Uri-Eichen Gallery