Survivors of Chicago police torture, including Mearon Diggins, gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Chicago Torture Justice Memorial in Washington Park.

Healing Journey

Diggins, who was tortured by officers under Cmdr. Jon Burge in the 1980s, has been on a healing journey, aided by therapy and a bond with fellow survivors.

The memorial, a blend of public art, education, reflection, and movement-building, is part of a 2015 reparations package that included a $5.5 million reparations fund and assistance for survivors.

Memorial Details

The memorial will feature a monument with a timeline of the history of racist police abuse, as well as pathways, a pollinator garden, and quotes from survivors and their families.

Community areas will be available for programs, including hands-on lessons for Chicago Public Schools students, who are required to learn about the history of police torture.

City’s Responsibility

Mayor Brandon Johnson said the city upholds its responsibility to tell the truth about Jon Burge and the lasting harm of his abuses, and that there is still more work to do, including addressing housing, education, health, and economic policies that have harmed Black and Brown communities.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.