Community Resources

Like so many Americans, we are haunted and angered by the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery—three of the latest of many lives that have been taken simply because of the color of their skin. These and other recent demonstrations of police violence, racism, and inequality in our country provide fresh evidence that we have a long road ahead to equality. We acknowledge the history of systematic injustice against black people that has existed in the United States for generations.

The Apollo Chorus of Chicago was founded in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire in an effort to restore civic pride and boost the morale of Chicagoans following incredible devastation. We stand in solidarity with artists and musicians everywhere to protest the tragic killing of George Floyd and so many black people.

These acts of racial and social injustice go against the very mission that Apollo seeks to achieve -- to be an organization that brings people from diverse communities in Chicago together by a mutual love of music and dedication to the cultural life of Chicago.

Since 1872 the Apollo Chorus of Chicago has continued to strive to create an inclusive community. It will not stand for the unequal treatment of people of color in our organization, in our communities, or our country.

We know there is no easy solution to these issues we have faced for centuries; however, we all are accountable for the state of our country, and it's our responsibility to acknowledge and address pervasive racism.

We will advocate for our Black colleagues, friends, and fellow citizens and devote our time, energy and resources to build a nation that's just for all -- where we all can pursue happiness, without fear, oppression, or unequal treatment.

It is our responsibility, as a community, to challenge the status quo to change a system that benefits people unequally.

If we aren't changing a broken system, we're perpetuating it.

We ask everyone:

Pay attention.

Educate yourself and others.

Show your support for equality.

Take action.

In an effort to help raise awareness The Apollo Chorus of Chicago encourages you to visit Help Heal Chicago for resources and organizations working to end the cycle of violence.

Confronting racism will take more than any one donation, email, tweet or social media post – there is much work to do. 

We hope you’ll join us in our efforts to bring our community and country out of ruin and to build momentum toward real and lasting change.