Chicago heat wave 1995: South Loop organizers remember victims 30 years later, advocate for vulnerable Chicagoans
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some warnings and procedures about extreme heat did not exist in Chicago before the deadly 1995 heat wave.

Still, when temperatures rise in Chicago, for some, it brings back difficult memories and prompts a call for action to prevent heat-related deaths.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

In front of Quinn Chapel AME Church, an installation remembers those who died in the 1995 heat wave.

On Friday, organizers put ice cubes in each cup to symbolize the 739 people who died. On this 90-degree day, it was not ice for long.

“He shouldn’t have died. He shouldn’t have died of heat stroke,” said community organizer Caesar Thompson.

Thompson was a teenager, but recalled his father’s best friend, who had helped him overcome some personal challenges, died in an attic apartment.

“He deserved better. He deserved better than that. He deserved to still be here today,” Thompson said.

On Friday, community organizers and healthcare workers gathered to advocate for vulnerable Chicagoans.

“We need our city to show our lives matter, that our lives are worth protecting,” said Iliana Haven with Access Living.

“Now, begin to organize people where they want to be organized, on their block in their school, in their mosque, in their workplace,” said People’s Response Network Co-Founder Dr. Howard Ehrman.

In 1995, the nation experienced one of its most severe heat-related disasters. Over a period of five days, extreme heat led to the deaths of 739 individuals. The majority of those who lost their lives were people of color.

The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications told ABC7 much has changed to improve warnings communications and options in the heat.

However, some individuals remain critical after having directly witnessed some of the tragedies that occurred in 1995. Vanessa Crim-Willis, associated with the Chicago Chapter of National Black Nurses, was working in home healthcare at the time. She recalls that five of her clients passed away.

“Trying to get clients help was impossible. We sent many to the hospital. Some couldn’t even let us in. We had to call the police to see what was going on,” Crim-Willis said.

At 7 p.m. Friday, there will be a screening at Quinn Chapel AME Chicago of a film about the 1995 deaths.

There will also be a workshop to share ways to stay informed and get help in extreme heat.

Cook County Radar DuPage County Radar Will County Radar Lake County Radar (IL) Kane County Radar Northwest Indiana Radar


Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
LA Mayor Karen Bass signs order to provide cash payments to immigrants affected by ICE raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Implements Order for Cash Assistance to Immigrants Impacted by ICE Raids

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has enacted an executive order aimed at…
War on cartels yields results as 'El Chapo' heir confesses to running violent drug empire

Crackdown on Cartels Sees Success as ‘El Chapo’s’ Son Admits to Leading Brutal Drug Operation

One son of the infamous drug trafficker “El Chapo” has confessed to…
Video still of a protestor appearing to fire a gun at agents.

Stunning Incident: Protester Allegedly Shoots at Officer During California ICE Raid on Cannabis Farm; FBI Offers $50k Reward for Information

A MASKED protester opened fire on federal agents during a tense immigration…
Anti-ICE Protestors Douse Themselves in Milk to Fight Off Pepper Spray at Cannabis Facility in California

Protesters Against ICE Use Milk to Counteract Pepper Spray at California Cannabis Facility

An extensive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid occurred at Glass House…
South River, New Jersey police officers save 1-year-old choking child, body camera video shows

Heroic South River Police Officers Rescue Choking Toddler in Heart-Pounding Bodycam Footage

SOUTH RIVER, N.J. — Police officers in New Jersey jumped into action…
Trump to tour Texas flood damage as the scope of the disaster tests his pledge to shutter FEMA

Trump Visits Texas to Assess Flood Damage amid Challenges to His Promise to Close FEMA

As President Donald Trump travels to Texas on Friday to witness the…
Shanna Gardner's onto jailhouse snitches, even murderers and human traffickers

Shanna Gardner Targets Informants in Jail, Including Killers and Human Traffickers

On May 23, Gardner’s legal team submitted a motion requesting a court…
Justin Bieber confirms Hailey marriage struggles in album 'Swag'

Justin Bieber Opens Up About Marriage Challenges with Hailey in New Album ‘Swag’

Justin Bieber is hitting rumors head-on. The singer addressed his and Hailey…
Michael Bell fights execution amid witness coercion claims

Lawyers for Michael Bell Submit Appeal to Halt Execution at the Supreme Court

Bell is set to be the 8th inmate on death row to…
Chicago White Sox unveil statue of ace pitcher Mark Buehrle at Rate Field for 2005 World Series championship reunion weekend

Mark Buehrle Statue Unveiled at Rate Field During Chicago White Sox 2005 World Series Reunion Weekend

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue of former ace…
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign persona called into question by vote to give himself raise: critics

Critics Question Zohran Mamdani’s Authenticity After He Votes for His Own Pay Raise

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani approved a significant increase in his state…
Debris from a plane crash site with rescue workers.

Crash Investigators Attribute Fatal Error by Air India Pilots for Disaster, Killing 260 After Takeoff

PILOT error is suspected in the Air India crash which killed 260…