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
Charlotte braces for federal immigration enforcement as murder rate rises 200% in uptown area

Charlotte’s Uptown Faces Dual Challenge: Soaring Murder Rate and Federal Immigration Crackdown

Local authorities in the Charlotte region have confirmed that federal agents from…
Arrest made in shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ star, Coach John Beam

Suspect Apprehended in Shooting of ‘Last Chance U’ Icon Coach John Beam: Breaking Update

An individual has been apprehended in relation to the shooting of John…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper, John Wayne Gacy encounter, Brian Walshe case

Unraveling Mysteries: Alex Murdaugh’s Housekeeper Speaks Out, John Wayne Gacy’s Chilling Encounter, and the Latest on Brian Walshe

In a significant development, Brian Walshe, a Boston-based fraudster, has been deemed…
Hurricane Melissa Jamaica: Chicago-area groups organizing donations, help for hurricane survivors in Jamaica

Chicago Community Rallies to Aid Hurricane Melissa Survivors in Jamaica: Donation Drives and Support Initiatives Launched

CHICAGO (WLS) — It’s been over a fortnight since Hurricane Melissa unleashed…
Charlotte bus stabbing suspect arrested 15 times in 3 years, freed weeks before attack

Repeat Offender Arrested: Charlotte Bus Stabbing Suspect Previously Detained 15 Times in 3 Years

EXCLUSIVE ON FOX: The suspect in last week’s Charlotte bus stabbing had…
Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, man allegedly helped by Milwaukee judge Hannah Dugan, is deported, Department of Homeland Security says

Milwaukee Judge Allegedly Aids Deportee: DHS Confirms Eduardo Flores-Ruiz’s Removal

An immigrant previously arrested after a Wisconsin judge allegedly assisted him in…
South Carolina triple murderer is executed by firing squad

South Carolina Executes Triple Murderer by Firing Squad: A Historic First in Decades

A man convicted of a triple homicide in South Carolina has become…
Jaguars vs Chargers: Everything to know about Sunday's home game at EverBank Stadium

Jaguars vs. Chargers: Key Insights for Sunday’s Showdown at EverBank Stadium

After a challenging defeat at the hands of the Houston Texans, along…
Winning ticket for $980 million Mega Millions jackpot sold in Georgia

Georgia Lottery Winner Hits Jackpot: $980 Million Mega Millions Ticket Sold

A record-breaking payout has just made history in Georgia. ATLANTA — A…
More than 55 women accuse Army OB-GYN of sexual abuse, filming as Fort Hood faces scrutiny over silence

Over 55 Women Allege Abuse by Army OB-GYN at Fort Hood Amid Growing Concerns of Silence

The gravity of the allegations against an Army OB-GYN accused of misconduct…
Biden admin gave protected status to Honduran man later charged in child rape and torture case of niece

Controversy Unfolds: Honduran Man Granted Protected Status by Biden Administration Faces Child Rape and Torture Charges

The uncle of a young girl from Honduras, who was smuggled into…
US seeks UN authorization for Gaza international force lasting through 2027 under Trump plan

Trump’s Bold Move: US Seeks UN Backing for Gaza Peace Force Until 2027

The United States has recently presented its Gaza strategy to the United…