Day 77 was a violent one. It spilled over from day 76 where peaceful protests in the City turned very violent. The Mayor closed all the bridges in the City with the exception of the LaSalle bridge. We overlook LaSalle and had a front row seat to the destruction caused by a few, but so devastating to many. We are in pain. We believe that everyone has a right to have their voice heard; to peacefully protest. But, it is unacceptable to destroy. There is destruction in our neighborhood (so much so that Mommy will not allow me to go outside). We are afraid, which NO ONE should be. We are worried of a repeat this evening. Please, let your voice be heard, but this is not going to start the dialog required to address these issues, nor will it lead to the solutions that are required for all to be FREE.
I leave you with the images of the last 24 hours.
Mommy left the house shortly after 7 a.m. (after the curfew was lifted) to understand what she and Auntie Kristin were hearing on the police scanner last night and early this morning.
This is the entrance to our building.
This is what we see when we walk out of our apartment.
Mom picked up her dinner here at 6:50 p.m. last night and things were brewing.
In fact, the picture below is one Mommy's friend took (who lives in the building across the street) of what Mommy saw on her way back from getting our Pizza. She got home just in time.
Note, they are on the corner of Kinzie and LaSalle - the CVS that eventually was looted later in the evening.
Below is the Rolex store on Michigan Avenue.
Below is the Columbia store across from Water Tower Place.
Below is a store in the Gold Coast, near Truluck's (Sunday Framily dinner location).
The destruction of this CVS we could see from our apartment window (well at least what they were using to break in and people running - there is a building in front of us that blocks the full view). The violence was captured by WGN news helicopter as it was happening.
This is the restaurant next door.
Below are more photos Mommy's friends took on Michigan Avenue.
Below is some of the destruction Mommy saw in the Loop.
The store Mommy frequents - where she gets many of the statements she wears - was looted. The store next door was set ablaze.
But yet, Mommy capture this beautiful photo of the river with all the bridges up (this shot was taken from the LaSalle bridge).
I tried to relax today, but it was hard. I know Mommy's heart is broken - and so is mine. But we have each other and we are OK.
