Activists Expected To Rally At DNC In Chicago Over Abortion Rights & Gaza Ceasefire

As Vice President Kamala Harris energizes supporters ahead of accepting the Democratic nomination, progressive activists remain focused on their mission, with thousands expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention to call spotlight to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza.

Activists, drawing lessons from last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, anticipate bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep social roots in activism.

Daily demonstrations are expected throughout the convention, with activists prioritizing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza despite varying agendas.

Protests began on Sunday, a day before the convention, with an abortion rights march along historic Michigan Avenue.

Protest organizer Linda Loew emphasized that while Democrats have worked to protect reproductive rights at home, the issue is global. She explained that they march in solidarity with those worldwide fighting for bodily autonomy and to protest U.S. spending on wars that could be redirected to healthcare.

“We believe that the billions of dollars that continue to flow to the state of Israel and the flow of weapons are having an inordinate and horrific impact, but in particular on women, children and the unborn. All of these things are tied together,” she said.

The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, has organized demonstrations for the convention’s opening and closing days, expecting at least 20,000 activists, including students who protested the war on college campuses.

The group has chartered buses for activists from several states, and the city has designated a park about a block from the United Center for a speaker’s stage, where each speaker will have 45 minutes.

Chicago leaders initially denied the group’s request to protest near the United Center, offering a lakefront park over three miles away.

However, after activists sued the city, claiming the restrictions violated their constitutional rights, the city agreed to allow demonstrations at a park and a march route closer to the convention site.

The Philadelphia-based Poor People’s Army, which advocates for economic justice, will set up at Humboldt Park on the city’s Northwest side.

Their events will include appearances by third-party candidates Jill Stein and Cornel West, along with a three-mile march to the United Center on Monday.

While Harris has energized and united the party as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, many activists believe little will change given she is part of the Biden administration.

Some highly visible pro-Palestinian protesters in Chicago are planning their own one-day convention on Sunday with third-party candidates.

With the convention expected to draw around 50,000 people, the city has prepared with police and the Secret Service support.

Police have received training on constitutional policing, county courts are expanding capacity in anticipation of mass arrests and hospitals near the security zone are enhancing their emergency preparedness.

Authorities and state leaders have warned that anyone who vandalizes the city or engages in violence will be arrested.