Local officials are calling for a full investigation into the death of Zenobia Weatherspoon, a 38-year-old woman from the Back of the Yards neighborhood, whose body was found in a garbage can in a local alley on Saturday.
Community Reaction
Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16th) and State Rep. Lakeshia Collins identified Weatherspoon as a “beautiful individual and a caretaker for her grandmother” and a “beloved member of our community”. Collins said Weatherspoon’s death is a “profoundly personal” tragedy, as she watched her grow up in their neighborhood.
Weatherspoon’s death is not isolated, but an example of a dangerous pattern of violence against Black women in Chicago and the state, many of whom are reported missing and often later murdered, according to Coleman. Black women and girls account for over a third of the city’s active missing persons cases despite representing 15 percent of Chicago’s population.
Local community violence intervention workers canvassed the neighborhood Sunday and faith groups will provide support to neighbors. Coleman is coordinating support for Weatherspoon’s family, especially for her grandmother, whom Weatherspoon looked after.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
