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
Democrats say they won't be intimidated by Trump's threats as the shutdown enters a third week

Democrats Stand Firm Against Trump’s Threats Amid Third Week of Government Shutdown

As the government shutdown stretches into its third week, the Democratic party…
Jaisol's Taco Tour 2025: Heir to carnitas throne, Marcos Carbajal, shares favorite authentic Little Village, Pilsen spots

Jaisol’s Taco Adventure 2025: Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas King Successor, Reveals Top Authentic Spots in Little Village and Pilsen

CHICAGO (WLS) — Back by popular demand, ABC7 meteorologist Jaisol Martinez hit…
There's a Surprise Leader in Polling for Next Democrat Presidential Nominee—and It's Not Kamala Harris

Buttigieg Analyzes 2024 Election Loss: Dems Struggle to Secure Low-Income Voter Support

In an interview released on Tuesday, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg admitted…
Putnam County sex offender convicted of capital sexual battery, sentenced to life in prison

Putnam County Justice: Life Sentence for Convicted Capital Sexual Battery Offender

In Palatka, Florida, a man from Putnam County, Lawrence Lacourse, has been…
ICE Chicago news: Crews dismantle fence surrounding Broadview ICE facility to meet judge's order

ICE Chicago Update: Crews Begin Removing Fence Around Broadview Facility Following Judicial Directive

The removal of a barricade at the Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs…
Mom of three fatally shot by roommate who mistook her for intruder: police

Mother of Three Tragically Killed by Roommate Mistaking Her for Intruder, Authorities Report

A mom of three whose husband is battling cancer was shot and…
Owner faces $25K repair bill after teens allegedly drove stolen car into store

Teens Allegedly Crash Stolen Car Into Store, Leaving Owner with $25K Repair Bill

A dramatic incident early Sunday morning left a Northside furniture store severely…
'KPop Demon Hunters' thrills at the box office for limited run

Don’t Miss the Global Sing-Along Release of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in Theaters!

Netflix’s blockbuster animated film is making a triumphant return to theaters for…
College anti-Israel group calls for death to all Zionist 'collaborators' in Gaza

Controversy Erupts as College Group’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric Sparks Global Outrage

Students for Justice in Palestine, a group known for its anti-Israel stance…
Passenger allegedly assaults Alaska Airlines crew members, forces emergency landing at Boise Airport

Alaska Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Boise After Passenger Disrupts Crew

A woman from White Salmon, Washington, found herself in handcuffs following an…
Teacher's 23-stab-wound death ruled suicide again despite expert claims of homicide

Teacher’s Death, Initially Ruled Suicide Despite Expert Homicide Claims, Reaffirmed as Self-Inflicted

A long-anticipated reassessment of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg’s 2011 death, controversially categorized…
Pop-Tarts brings back discontinued flavor, launching Pop-Tarts Protein

Pop-Tarts Reintroduces a Former Favorite Flavor and Unveils the New Pop-Tarts Protein Line

The fan-favorite flavor was last seen in 2022. WASHINGTON — This fall,…