Chicago Urban League Releases Statement on Police Shooting of Cedrick Chatman

“The videotape showing the fatal shooting of unarmed 17-year-old Cedrick Chatman at the hands of a Chicago Police Department officer serves as yet another example of why legislation is needed to improve transparency and accountability from the CPD. Chatman’s death is a tragedy that, along with too many other similar occurrences, underscores the need to strengthen the relationship between the African American community and law enforcement.

Due to a long history of systemic misconduct, the African American community understandably does not trust the CPD to police itself, nor does it trust the Cook County’s State’s Attorney or the Independent Police Review Authority to enforce justice on behalf of its black constituents.

As we await the findings and recommendations from the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into the CPD, we know that the voice of our community must continue to be heard in order to hold people accountable and ensure protection of civil rights and civil liberties.

CUL encourages people to register and vote. By increasing the voter participation of African Americans and other under-represented voters in Chicago, we can build the collective community power necessary to enact change and hold our legislators accountable.”

–          Shari Runner, Interim President and CEO, Chicago Urban League

Register to vote here