Caravan for Peace - The Chicago Reporter

The Peace Caravan arrived in the Second City after the end of the deadliest month of the year here. Chicago, like Mexico, is trying to find a way to curb violence that is ending the lives of young men.

[Photos by Lucio Villa and Jonathan Gibby]

Javier Silicia, renowned Mexican poet and writer, is leading the Caravan for Peace through 20 cities in the United States, including Chicago. Sicilia’s son was killed by drug cartels a year ago. He is against the war on drugs, which he says has criminalized poor people of color in the U.S.

Residents attend an event at the Mexican Museum of Fine Arts in Pilsen. The Caravan for Peace held a discussion about violence in Mexico and Chicago. Participants participated in “peace circles.”

Demonstrators hold a peace rally on Chicago’s West Side.

Following a six-mile march, activists raise their hands in prayer during a vigil held at the New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

A sign declaring a simple yet powerful message, “believe in peace for all,” rests against the New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church after a vigil held as part of the Caravan for Peace 2012 campaign.

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