Zines & DIY!

In this day and age, spreading a message you have is easier than ever due to social media. Zines were a way for the voices of marginalized communities to get their message out there. Because these messages were coming from minorities they weren't given the same platform as others. However, that did diminish the spirit of the movement and invented the Do-It-Yourself method, examples, in particular, include the early punk scene.

For my first Action Project in Equality, I chose to make a zine on the Trial of the Chicago 7 and compare it to contemporary cases such as Kyle Rittenhouse. I found it interesting seeing how time has or hasn't changed. I will let the zine speak for itself though. Here is "Guardsmen!"

"Guardsmen we are not your enemies, All we want is the right to a peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the US Constitution. If you believe in freedom in the US please do not attack us."  

"In the summer of 1968, at the height of the anti-war movement for the war in Vietnam, the Democratic National Convention was being held in Chicago, Illinois in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election. On the evening of August 25th, the Youth International Party held a festival in Lincoln Park, based on growing tensions only one band showed up to perform, MC5. That night Tom Hayden became the first alleged conspirator when he was caught letting the air out of police car tires. At 11pm the Chicago Police Department came charging into the park beating protesters and journalists alike with billy clubs."

The evening of August 28th is what would be known as the Battle for Michigan Avenue. Police ended up pushing protesters through the plate-glass windows of the Conrad Hilton Hotel. Continuing to pursue them inside they brawled with protesters over broken glass. Democratic nominee Hubert Humphrey sat floors above the chaos.

On August 29th the day started out just the same with demonstrations throughout the Loop. Retreating to Grant Park, the crowds encouraged police and soldiers to join them, they were on the wrong side and to join them. Of course, the men who were ordered to “protect and serve” did not. 

Throughout August 28th and 29th chants of “The world is watching!” would echo throughout Chicago’s downtown area. 

In 2018 Lee Weiner described the Battle of Michigan Avenue as, “On August 28, during the huge battle on Michigan Avenue with the National Guard, I separated myself from the crowd to stand on the steps of the Art Institute and watch the crowd of people. It was the only time in my life I thought a revolution might happen in the United States.”

Originally, the Chicago 8 were anti-war protesters Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, David Dellinger, Rennie Davis, Lee Weiner, Tom Hayden, John Froines, and Bobby Seale were all listed in the indictments. Charges of the group included “use of interstate commerce with intent to start a riot” and “crossing state lines with the intent to incite a riot under the anti-riot provisions of Title X of the Civil Rights Act of 1968.” Froines and Weiner were also charged with “teaching demonstrators how to construct incendiary devices that would be used in civil disturbances.” 

The group became the Chicago 7 after co-defendant Bobby Seale was declared a mistrial. Seale had only been in the city of Chicago for four hours that weekend when he was filling in as a speaker at a sunrise service in Lincoln Park. His speech at the service about advocating a violent response to police was made the basis for his arrest as a conspirator. Judge Julius Hoffman had Seale bound and gagged during the trial to prevent Seale from speaking after several outbursts.

The Chicago 7 were represented by William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass from the Center for Constitutional Rights. 

On February 18th, 1970, all members of the Chicago 7 were acquitted on all charges of conspiracy. However, Davis, Dellinger, Hayden, Hoffman, and Rubin were found guilty of crossing state lines to incite a riot. Sentences ranged from three months to over four years. Despite being acquitted, the 7 and their attorney were found guilty with contempt of the court. Weiner was sentenced to 2 months and 18 days on seven counts of contempt, and their attorney Kunstler was sentenced to 48 months and 13 days with 24 counts of contempt.

1960s vs 2020s

The trial of the Chicago 7 further perpetuates how unjust the criminal justice system is and the divides that this country has on topics. Notoriously, deputy chairman of the national Black Panther Party, Fred Hampton was assassinated by the Chicago Police Department. Hampton was also an active leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. On top of organizing rallies, he established a Free Breakfast program and negotiated peace pacts between rival gangs.

Compared to recent cases like the Kyle Rittenhouse case, Rittenhouse crossed state lines from Illinois to Wisconsin and killed people. How come Rittenhouse was able to get away with crossing state lines and further aggravating a high-stakes protest, killing two people, and then be deemed a hero? In comparison to the Chicago 7, where they just happened to be at the riot in the time it took place and instigated by the National Guard? How come people of color who are actively working to better their communities and livelihoods are punished?

The answer is right in front of us. Racism and white supremacy. It has been engrained into the centerfold of our society for over 400 years and only in the past 60 years have we really started to dismantle it. 

Vocab list

Sources

Overall, I am proud of how the zine turned out even despite the messy nature of it. I wish the text came out a little clearer in the scan. But also that's kind of the point of the zine, its supposed to not have the same look as "traditional" mediums.