Around 30 people painted canvases with their ideas around abolition outside of Evanston Police Department on Sunday in an effort to build community as part of Evanston Fight for Black Lives’ third “Reclaim the Block” series.
Amalia Loiseau, a University of Illinois student and an organizer, said the goal of the event was to create a safe space for community members.
Sydney Salem works on a painting. Evanston Fight for Black Lives organizers prompted community members to paint what abolition means to them. (Jack Austin/The Daily Northwestern)
With the city’s Black population declining, Loiseau said it is imperative to improve the quality of life of Black residents. Loiseau sees EFBL’s “Reclaim the Block” events as an opportunity to take back power for the people and create a strong community.