Standing up for Black Trans Lives in the 40th Ward

By Maggie O’Keefe, 40th Ward Committeewoman

40th Ward neighbor KJ is an advocate for social justice and has organized over the last year to protect and Black and Black Trans Lives in our city and country. You may have seen her near the corner of Winnemac and Winchester talking directly with neighbors.

Last week, an anonymous neighbor sent a letter to the 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin that threatened KJ and attacked the work of social justice advocates.

Hate has no home in the 40th Ward, the 47th Ward, or anywhere. These kinds of harmful and cowardly threats do not represent the 40th Ward - and we showed up in numbers on Sunday to support KJ and to say that message loud and clear.

I joined Alderman Andre Vasquez and dozens of neighbors to show our strength and commitment to ending hate crimes towards our marginalized neighbors.

Thank you to KJ’s unstoppable spirit and her hard work to change the world. We join by her side, and we will never stop fighting for our neighbors and for their constitutional rights. When needed, we will have your back!

KJ is out on the corner every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday and needs you to join her to ensure her safety and the need to support Black and Black Trans Lives. Sign up here through Indivisible IL9.