You Can't Jail the Revolution
Artist Unknown
Silkscreen, 1968
Chicago, IL
39002
As we watch the protests demanding an end to U.S. support for the genocide in Gaza this week outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, we are reminded of another historic protest at the 1968 DNC.
The Chicago Eight
From August 25 to 30, 1968, police and anti-Viet Nam War demonstrators clashed outside the Democratic National Convention in Chicago during a week of violence which was later labeled a "police riot" by the Walker Report. In the aftermath of this violence, the U.S. Department of Justice lodged conspiracy charges against Rennie Davis, Dave Dellinger, John Froines, Tom Hayden, Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale, and Lee Walker.
These anti-war leaders became known as the Chicago Eight, later the Chicago Seven, as Bobby Seale of the Black Panther Party was bound, gagged, and sentenced separately to four years in prison for contempt of court. The defendants effectively used the Chicago Conspiracy Trial to mock the justice system and advocate anti-war and counter-cultural positions. In 1970, the Chicago Seven were convicted on various charges and sentenced for contempt. The convictions were eventually reversed on appeal, and all police officers charged with violating the civil rights of demonstrators were acquitted.
In November, the American people are voting in the booths, and letting lawmakers know that history cannot repeat itself.
If you are in Chicago this week, or know someone who is, please collect protest posters & donate them to CSPG !
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