The creation of the memorial for Burge torture survivors, Breath, Form & Freedom, is endorsed by the following: 

American Friends Service Committee – Chicago
Assata’s Daughters
Black Abolitionist Network
Black Lives Matter – Chicago
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
#CareNotCops
Chicago Abortion Fund
Chicago Community Bond Fund
Chicago Teachers Union
Dissenters
Grow Greater Englewood
Illinois Coalition for Higher Eduction in Prison
#LetUsBreathe Collective
Moms United Against Violence & Incarceration
Nikkei Uprising
Parole Illinois
Prison + Neighborhood Art Project
Southside Together Organizing for Power

Check out statements from our endorsers of why they support the memorial:

Chicago Abortion Fund Statement

Chicago Community Bond Fund Statement

Chicago Teachers Union Signed Letter of Support

Nikkei Uprising stands in support of the Chicago Torture Justice Memorials.

As you may know, Chicago made history in 2015 when it passed the Reparations legislation, making our city the first U.S. municipality to pass a resolution addressing racially-motivated police violence.

A key component of the reparations package that we have yet to see to fruition is a permanent public memorial that honors the resilience of the Burge torture survivors and remembers the people-powered struggle that ultimately won reparations. A design for the memorial, entitled Breath, Form and Freedom, has been selected by a jury of torture survivors and community members. CTJM is also working toward securing a location on the South Side of Chicago for the memorial. However, CTJM has yet to receive unconditional support or funding from the Mayor or the City to build the memorial—despite it being promised in the Reparations legislation.

We ask that everyone in the fight for racial justice and against police violence in our city publicly declaring their support for the Burge torture justice memorial, Breath, Form and Freedom.

The campaign still needs: 1) an agreement in writing from Lori Lightfoot’s administration to work with on implementation, and 2) funds to construct the memorial. Here is the plan for the memorial. Please take action: Sign the Petition. Email your Alderperson. Donate to the Memorial.

Sincerely,
the members of Nikkei Uprising