Chicago Police Department holds annual 'Brunch en Blanc' in Bronzeville for families of loved ones lost to violence
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — For the fourth year, the Chicago Police Department hosted a brunch for families who’ve lost loved ones to violence.

The community once again come together for this year’s “Brunch en Blanc” event.

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

Dressed in white and unified by their loss, families gathered in Bronzeville.

Robbie Stevenson was there to remember her son Maurice Stevenson Jr., a CTA worker who was killed during a carjacking in July 2018.

“The happiness on his face was unforgettable. He was always there for everyone,” she remarked. “Something just urged me to take action and not give up. His case remains unresolved, but maybe someday it won’t be.”

Now in its fourth year, this gathering offers more than just a tribute to life. It serves as a source of support for those dealing with grief and the accompanying emotions. Police officials aim to provide more than mere sympathy, offering resources and assistance.

“It’s incredibly helpful to hear from others who have gone through similar experiences. It provides extra support to help them navigate their journey, and this is just one event,” stated Chief Antoinette Ursitti, Commander of the CPD Detective Division.

This year marks the first time Catalina Andrade, who lost her son to gun violence during a robbery in 2020, felt ready to participate in the brunch.

“Just by coming here and knowing that the people who are here also lost a loved one a child like me, I think that’s it helps me,” Andrade said.

The families listened to speakers and enjoyed lunch and live music.

Strides For Peace, an organization looking to end gun violence, is a sponsor of the event.

“Our goal is to find even a small way to support this space, not avoid it, and see what we can do to make a slight difference and help the people here who are making an impact,” said Maggie Baczkowski from Strides For Peace.

The family of Taylor Walker, a victim of the River North mass shooting in July, also attended on Saturday. The relatives shared that the brunch offered some comfort as they continue to seek justice amidst their sorrow.

“I’m just asking for some help,” attendee Sharonda Booth said. “If anyone out there know something reach out. Taylor didn’t deserve it. None of those people did.”

The case remains unsolved.

While the brunch brings together the unique community to acknowledge they are not alone in their grief, the hope is that one day the violence that brought them together will end.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Chicago woman set on fire during argument on CTA train, police say

Chicago Suspect in Train Fire Incident, with 22 Previous Arrests, Released by Judge: Report

A man in his 50s, currently under investigation for a shocking incident…
First historically Black university tells Trump admin it wants to join academic compact after schools decline

First Historically Black University Seeks Inclusion in Academic Compact Despite Other Schools’ Rejection

EXCLUSIVE: A historically Black university in North Carolina has made history by…
Chicago housing: Westhaven Park Station housing opens on West Side, replaces former Henry Horner Homes near CTA Green Line

New Westhaven Park Station Housing Debuts on Chicago’s West Side Near CTA Green Line

CHICAGO (WLS) — A new development is taking shape on Chicago’s near…
CMA Awards 2025: Nominees and winners list for Country Music's Biggest Night

Unveiled: CMA Awards 2025 – Complete List of Nominees and Winners for Country Music’s Most Prestigious Night!

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music icon Vince Gill is set to receive…
'Chaos Divers' have helped solve nearly 2 dozen cold cases nationwide, including several in Chicago, Illinois

Chaos Divers Crack Nearly 24 Cold Cases Nationwide, Making Waves in Chicago

A dedicated team of volunteers is making waves across the United States,…
Criminal charges may be filed after Florida teen found dead on cruise ship, court filing suggests

Potential Criminal Charges Loom as Court Filing Indicates Investigation into Florida Teen’s Death on Cruise Ship

New developments have emerged in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of…
Homeowners terrorized in deadly viral challenge as police warn 'somebody is going to get killed'

Deadly Viral Challenge Sparks Fear Among Homeowners: Police Warn of Potential Fatalities

A concerning online challenge is resurfacing among teenagers, posing potentially deadly risks…
1 worker dead, 2 hurt in Cape Cod, Massachusetts trench collapse

Tragic Cape Cod Trench Collapse Results in One Fatality and Two Injuries

Tragedy struck a Massachusetts work site on Tuesday when a trench collapse…
Clay County 8-year-old stabs grandmother to stop attempted murder of her mother: CCSO

Heroic 8-Year-Old Saves Mother in Dramatic Clay County Rescue: A Tale of Bravery

A woman in Clay County is facing serious charges after an alleged…
Arkansas-Winthrop brawl results in four ejections in crazy scene

Arkansas vs. Winthrop Game Marred by Intense Brawl, Leading to Four Ejections

Arkansas, ranked No. 21, narrowly avoided a monumental upset in an electrifying…
Texas father dies in accidental shooting on hunting trip, daughter says family is ‘heartbroken’

Tragic Hunting Accident Claims Texas Father’s Life, Leaving Family Devastated

The tragic and unexpected loss of a beloved husband and father has…
Larry Summers caught on camera telling Harvard students he feels 'shame' over Jeffrey Epstein communications

Larry Summers Expresses ‘Shame’ Over Jeffrey Epstein Communications in Candid Exchange with Harvard Students

On Wednesday, Larry Summers, an economics professor and former president of Harvard…