June 4

Denise Poloyac

08 Jul 2024 • 2 min read

2024: Rather Blue. Taken near Stoney Creek Inn in Moline, IL

This wasn't the photo that I wanted to take today. I took this in Moline, IL after driving to the Quad Cities for work and returning to the hotel after dinner. The photo that I wanted to take was earlier before I left Chicago. I went to the National Immigrant Law Center luncheon, which is an annual event and today was timed with the Executive Order issued by the White House shutting the Southern border to those seeking asylum. The keynote speaker was Edwidge Danticat, an author that I have read and loved. I managed to thank her for her writing and words today, and almost took a photo as we waited for the elevator, but she went up and we went down and I missed my opportunity. During her speech, she quoted a speech by Toni Morrison. I am not sure that I have this right, but it went something like this: "No one told me that it would be like this. That we were all doomed. But that is all the more reason to fight. So rise up — join the doomed army toward the meaning of change. Fight . . . fight . . . wage the unwinnable."

**2020:** *Young People Lead.* Taken at the Oak Park City Building on Madison east of Austin in Oak Park, IL. There are protests and marches being organized across the city and suburbs, almost all by individuals and most by young people. Today we attended two protests in Oak Park. This photo was taken at the protest organized by ROYAL, youth organizers in Oak Park. At all of the rallies there are so many young people -- and their passion and energy is incredible.

**2018:** *Small scooter and big instrument.* Taken on Dearborn and Adams in Chicago. I was waiting for the press conference on the Supreme Court’s decision holding that it is OK to discriminate if you say it is for religious reasons when I took this.

**2016:** *Just watching*. Taken at the corner of Lawrence and Kimball

**2012:** *Ordering on a break.* Taken at O'Hare Airport

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