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

DOJ Launches Investigation into January 6 Committee’s Key Witness for Alleged Perjury

Do you recall Cassidy Hutchinson, the key witness who testified before the…
Iran's UN ambassador takes swipe at Trump in final hours before Strait of Hormuz deadline

Iran’s UN Ambassador Criticizes Trump Ahead of Critical Strait of Hormuz Deadline

Hours before President Donald Trump’s ultimatum regarding the reopening of the Strait…
Jennifer Siebel Newsom said sister's horrific death fueled activism

Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s Sister’s Tragic Death Sparks Lifelong Activism Journey

Jennifer Siebel Newsom recently opened up about a tragic childhood accident that…
Saikat Chakrabarti gushes over Hasan Piker who made racist rant

Saikat Chakrabarti Praises Hasan Piker Amid Controversial Remarks

Last week, Saikat Chakrabarti, a congressional hopeful, was spotted with online influencer…
Video shows Nantong Forest Safari Park dancer engulfed in flames

Dancer in Flames at Nantong Forest Safari Park: Shocking Video Emerges

A startling incident unfolded at a Chinese zoo when a dancer, performing…
Iran wildly accuses US of breaking ceasefire, blasts America for being unable to 'leash its rabid dog'

Iran Accuses US of Ceasefire Violation, Criticizes American Control Over Allies

In a dramatic escalation, Iran has accused the United States of undermining…
Stepdad did not call daughter of missing US woman in Bahamas until 'more than 24 hours' after she disappeared at sea: report

Stepdad Delays Alert: Missing US Woman in Bahamas Unreported for Over 24 Hours After Disappearance at Sea

It took nearly a full day for Lynette Hooker’s daughter to learn…
Dashcam video shows what happened before ICE agents opened fire after traffic stop in Stanislaus County, California

Dashcam Footage Reveals Events Leading Up to ICE Agents’ Shooting in Stanislaus County

PATTERSON, Calif. — A tense encounter unfolded in the quiet town of…
Hiker stung more than 100 times by bees near Arizona mountain summit, airlifted in critical condition

Hiker Airlifted in Critical Condition After Sustaining Over 100 Bee Stings Near Arizona Mountain Summit

A hiker in Arizona faced a terrifying ordeal when he was swarmed…
Groom, 22, accused of fatally shooting friend who showed up at Oklahoma bachelor party

Oklahoma Bachelor Party Tragedy: Groom, 22, Charged in Fatal Shooting of Friend

In a shocking incident during a bachelor party in Oklahoma, a groom…
Legendary mountaineer Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest, dies at 97

Trailblazing American Mountaineer Jim Whittaker, First to Conquer Everest, Passes Away at 97

SEATTLE — Esteemed climber Jim Whittaker, renowned for being the first American…
Truth about Arizona girl found alive decades after vanishing leaves investigator ‘dumbfounded’: report

Missing Teen Case Takes Unexpected Turn: Allegedly Abducted Girl Discovered Alive, Leading Secret Life as Mother of Three, According to Investigator Report

An Arizona girl who disappeared at the age of 13 and was…