Photo worth more than 100 CAPS meetings, Pfleger says

SHARE Photo worth more than 100 CAPS meetings, Pfleger says
screen_shot_2017_09_25_at_6_26_34_pm.png

An Instagram account photo of two Chicago Police officers, along with anti-violence activist Aleta Clark, “taking a knee.” | Instagram account of @englewoodbarbie

South Side priest Michael Pfleger on Tuesday threw his support behind the two uniformed Chicago Police officers shown in a photograph taking a knee in what’s become a nationwide demonstration against police brutality.

“I just wanted to stand in support of you and your willingness to stand with those who feel abandoned and forgotten. I understand the CPD’s rules about activities in uniform, but you [probably] did more for community policing and helping to rebuild the bridge between community and law enforcement than 100 CAPS meetings,” Pfleger wrote in a statement. ” … you are not apart from the community, you are a part of the community.”

The two African-American officers, who now face a reprimand for posing in the Instagram photo, are seen kneeling beside a woman whose head is bowed.

The pose became controversial last fall, when then-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick chose to kneel during the national anthem before games to protest police brutality. Other players have protested in a similar way in recent weeks, prompting furious tweets from President Donald Trump over the weekend.

Pfleger told the Chicago Sun-Times Tuesday that the officers shouldn’t receive a written reprimand.

“They should be applauded when they walk to in to work,” he said.

Pfleger said he’s sent letters of congratulations to both officers, one of whom he said he’s met previously.

Pfleger said he felt the need to issue a statement Tuesday because he was concerned the officers would, undeservedly, get some negative reactions for their actions.

“This is something [they] did not have to do. It’s like when a cop stops on the block, gets out his car and goes and sits on a porch and talks to [the residents],” Pfleger said. “It’s when you do things you don’t have to do, when people say, ‘Wow. That really made a difference.'”

RELATED:

MITCHELL: Black cops take a knee in solidarity with activist community

View this document on Scribd

The Latest
Despite getting into foul trouble, which limited him to just six minutes in the second half, Shannon finished with 29 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Cowboy hats, bell-bottoms and boots were on full display Thursday night as fans lined up for the first of his three sold-out shows.
The incident occurred about 3:40 p.m. near Minooka. The horse was successfully placed back into the trailer, and the highway reopened about 40 minutes later. No injuries were reported.
The Hawks conceded the game’s only two goals within the first seven minutes and were shut out for the 12th time this season in a 2-0 defeat Thursday.