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
Douglass Park shooting report outlines then-Lifeguard Charles Leto's disciplinary past, Chicago Park District security issues

Detailed Report on Douglass Park Shooting Highlights Former Lifeguard Charles Leto’s Troubled History and Security Concerns in Chicago Park District

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Park District released its initial report on…
Walmart dairy aisle with various yogurts on shelves.

Consumers Advised Against Eating Yogurt Contaminated with Plastic in Oreo and M&M Varieties

SHOPPERS are being warned to stay away from a popular yogurt brand…
Waldorf-Astoria brings back NYC’s 'grand hotel' style

Waldorf-Astoria Revives the Iconic ‘Grand Hotel’ Atmosphere in NYC

The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel’s September reopening, five years later than first planned, will…
Rep. Wesley Hunt probes how many of New York’s 670K illegal immigrants are on Medicaid

Rep. Wesley Hunt Investigates Medicaid Enrollment Among New York’s 670,000 Undocumented Immigrants

Texas Rep. Wesley Hunt is seeking clarification from New York Gov. Kathy…
Photo of Nilton Vieira Junior.

Husband Allegedly Mutilates Romantic Rival Before Fatal Attack, Apprehended in Chains

A MAN accused of cutting of his wife’s lover’s penis off with…
Young worker killed after falling into meat grinder at factory of popular frozen burrito company

Tragic Workplace Accident Claims Life of Young Worker at Popular Frozen Burrito Factory

A workplace mishap over the weekend left a 19-year-old man dead after…
Video of suspected 'honor killing' plot resurfaces as parents stand trial for attempted murder

Video of Alleged ‘Honor Killing’ Conspiracy Resurfaces During Parents’ Attempted Murder Trial

The trial for a Washington father and his wife accused of trying…
Deadly overnight blaze claims 9 lives at Massachusetts assisted living home as rescue efforts continue

Tragic Nighttime Fire at Massachusetts Senior Home Leaves 9 Dead, Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing

In a devastating event, nine individuals lost their lives when a fire…
Firefighters battling a fire at a building in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

Putin Initiates Missile and Drone Assault on Kharkiv, Triggering a Night of Chaos in Ukraine

VLADIMIR Putin has launched yet another devastating night of strikes on Ukraine,…
California professor arrested, accused of throwing tear gas canister at federal agents during marijuana farm

California Professor Charged with Throwing Tear Gas at Federal Agents at Cannabis Farm

A professor from California has been taken into custody for reportedly throwing…
Sycamore Gap vandals face their fate in English court for felling beloved tree

Individuals who cut down the cherished Sycamore Gap tree are set to be judged in an English court.

As one individual recorded the infamous event on a phone and another…
Port of Los Angeles sees record container traffic as Trump tariff deadlines loom

Port of Los Angeles Experiences Unprecedented Container Traffic Amidst Imminent Trump Tariff Deadlines

Importers are hastily bringing goods into the United States before upcoming tariff…