CHICAGO — The Beverly Unitarian Church, which was pressured to take down a "Black Lives Matter" sign last week, will host a series of events about oppression and race.
The church at 10244 S. Longwood Drive has changed the sign to read, "United against hate and fear. Stand with us against racism." A series of educational events are now planned to teach attendees about race and oppression in the United States.
"In our community on the south side of Chicago, 'Black Lives Matter' has become a polarizing message, but the reality behind these words, that for too long black citizens have been demonstrably less valued, is real," the church said in a statement. "Stepping away from these words we are still moving forward to focus on much-needed work."
The schedule:
• Noon Oct. 11 and Nov. 8: A showing of the PBS documentary, "Race: The Power of an Illusion"
• 6 p.m. Sept. 29: Lanetta Turner, executive director of Cook County Justice Advisory Council, will speak about the budget the council needs to "support equal justice for everyone."
• 9 a.m. Oct. 10: A workshop on the prison industrial complex
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