Reflections from LOUD & LIT UP
As I drove into the lot I saw people adding lights to their cars, jingling bells, putting on shirts and masks that said “Free The All.” In that moment, I immediately felt the value of community. Many of us had never interacted before coming together for this event. What we did know was that the end of youth incarceration was something worth fighting for and that was enough to bind us together.
On December 15th, 2020, the Final 5 Campaign co-hosted an event with Liberation Library and American Friends Service Committee - Loud and Lit Up: A Rally to End Youth Incarceration. The event was set to be held virtually on Zoom to be together as a community to hold our officials accountable, show up for incarcerated youth, and continue to fight for the end of youth incarceration. Along with a virtual rally, many were surprised that a group of us and community allies were preparing to rally in person at the Illinois Juvenile Detention Center (JTDC) and the Illinois Youth Center in Chicago (IYC Chicago). At these facilities, we offered music, cheers and words of encouragement, so the incarcerated youth could see and hear us celebrate the holidays with them.
Our first stop was JTDC. A line of about 10-12 cars trailed each other loud and lit up, honking our horns. We pulled up to the side of JTDC where the young men could see us. We immediately turned on the speaker and started to blast music that rang familiar to their ears. We started ringing our bells and rallying, so that the youth could see us. As I looked up at the windows I was filled with so much instant happiness and gratitude. We saw the young men smile and wave in excitement that we were out there just for them. We were able to give them a small moment of freedom just by hearing music and seeing us. They deserve to feel that. They deserve to hold that feeling of joy, celebration and love just as much as any other person on the holidays.
After JTDC, we were able to drive to IYC-Chicago and rally for the youth incarcerated there. While we did not see as many youth, we still rallied, honked, and played music so that they could hear that we were with them. During the rally in front of JTDC and IYC-Chicago those who were virtually rallying and in-person took a moment to reflect on why as a community we were here at this moment. As I approached the mic, I wanted to remind everyone the value of using our freedom and our voices to represent the incarcerated youths’ stories that were unheard. After leaving IYC Chicago the car caravan crew went back to JTDC and played music for about another hour while on the Zoom with the others. Though we couldn’t stay forever, we accomplished what we came to do. It gave me motivation to continue as I still think about their faces smiling in the window now. The fight continues.
- AnnMarie Brown
