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
OU student’s zero for Christian-based gender critique triggers congressional pushback over academic bias

Congressional Response Intensifies Over OU Student’s Zero for Christian-Based Gender Analysis Citing Academic Bias

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: U.S. senators are voicing their concerns after a University…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell moved to new prison amid fight over answers, immunity

Federal Judge Decides to Reveal Epstein Case Grand Jury Documents

A federal judge in Florida has approved the Justice Department’s motion to…
911 call for Luigi Mangione's arrest in McDonald's released: 'He looks like the CEO shooter'

911 Call Released in Luigi Mangione’s Arrest at McDonald’s: Suspect Allegedly Resembled CEO Shooter

Prosecutors in New York City have publicized the 911 call from Pennsylvania…
Russian spies infiltrate UK on cargo ships to scout military sites, find weaknesses

Unveiled: Russian Espionage Operation Targets UK Military via Cargo Ships

Reports have surfaced suggesting that two alleged Russian spies discreetly infiltrated the…
Destroyed boat hit with ‘double-tap’ strike wasn’t headed to the U.S.: report

Investigative Report Reveals Misidentified Boat Hit by ‘Double-Tap’ Strike Was Not U.S.-Bound

A recent report has revealed that a vessel at the heart of…
Trump’s Israel-First Policies Accelerate Zionist Gains

Trump’s Pro-Israel Strategies Propel Zionist Advancements: Analyzing the Impact

Donald Trump’s presidency marked a seismic shift in U.S.-Israel relations, far surpassing…
Cheerleader’s cruise ship death unravels amid bitter family strife and questions at sea

Investigators’ Silence in Carnival Cruise Ship Death Possibly Linked to Family Dynamics, Legal Expert Suggests

The investigation into the tragic demise of 18-year-old Anna Kepner has reached…
Australia to enforce social media age limit of 16 next week with fines up to $33 million

Australia Sets New Social Media Age Limit: Hefty Fines Await Non-Compliance

In a significant move to protect younger users online, Australia is set…
Video shows wild neighborhood street takeover as violent mob pummels couple, burns truck

Police Arrest Suspect Following Viral Video of Mob Ambush at Chaotic Street Car Meetup

Authorities in New York City have arrested a suspect in connection with…
DC pipe bomb suspect makes first court appearance; family yells support

DC Pipe Bomb Suspect Faces Court Amidst Family Support During Dramatic First Appearance

In a dramatic turn of events, Brian Cole Jr., a Virginia resident…
Dylan Darling's health is St. John's 'key' they've already missed

Dylan Darling: The Unsung Hero St. John’s Needs for a Winning Season

Rick Pitino is convinced that the struggles St. John’s faced in their…
Doctor warns against viral trend for fighting a stuffed nose

Physician Cautions Public on Viral Trend for Alleviating Nasal Congestion

Despite its trending status on TikTok, using garlic for stuffy noses is…