Chicago Police Department holds annual 'Brunch en Blanc' in Bronzeville for families of loved ones lost to violence
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — For the fourth year, the Chicago Police Department hosted a brunch for families who’ve lost loved ones to violence.

The community once again come together for this year’s “Brunch en Blanc” event.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Dressed in white and unified by their loss, families gathered in Bronzeville.

Robbie Stevenson was there to remember her son Maurice Stevenson Jr., a CTA worker who was killed during a carjacking in July 2018.

“The smile on his face. He helped everybody,” she said. “So something just woke me up and said do this. Don’t let go. Don’t give up his case is not solved, but who knows one day.”

In it’s fourth year, the gathering is not only a celebration of life, but a lifeline for those struggling with grief and all the emotions that follow. Police officials hope to offer more than just condolences, but also resources and support.

“It does so much to hear from someone again that has an experience and it’s gonna be an additional support to help them get through the journey, so this is just one event,” said Chief Antoinette Ursitti, CPD Detective Division Commander.

Although Catalina Andrade lost her son to gun violence during a robbery back in 2020, this year is the first time she’s felt strong enough to attend the brunch.

“Just by coming here and knowing that the people who are here also lost a loved one a child like me, I think that’s it helps me,” Andrade said.

The families listened to speakers and enjoyed lunch and live music.

Strides For Peace, an organization looking to end gun violence, is a sponsor of the event.

“We just want to a very small part to figure out how we can be supportive in the space not shy away from it and what can we do to make a little bit of a difference and support the people here who are doing the work,” said Maggie Baczkowski with Strides For Peace.

The family of Taylor Walker, who was killed in the River North mass shooting in July, came Saturday as well. Relatives said the brunch helped a little as they struggle with their loss while they continue their plea for justice.

“I’m just asking for some help,” attendee Sharonda Booth said. “If anyone out there know something reach out. Taylor didn’t deserve it. None of those people did.”

The case remains unsolved.

While the brunch brings together the unique community to acknowledge they are not alone in their grief, the hope is that one day the violence that brought them together will end.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Arnold Schwarzenegger treats LA veterans to film studio trip

Arnold Schwarzenegger Honors LA Veterans with Exclusive Film Studio Experience

Arnold Schwarzenegger recently shared a heartfelt gesture he extended to his personal…
50 kidnapped Catholic school students in Nigeria escape as some schools ordered to close

Heroic Escape: 50 Nigerian Catholic Students Break Free from Kidnappers Amidst School Closures

Fifty of the 303 students abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria…
Ferry collision reported on landing dock at Sapelo Island

Breaking News: Ferry Collision Shocks Sapelo Island – Details Inside

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has disclosed that there were 41…
Kevin Spacey sets record straight on rumors he's homeless

Kevin Spacey Addresses and Clarifies Recent Homelessness Speculations

Kevin Spacey recently addressed speculation about his living situation, clarifying that he…
Greta Thunberg banned from Venice after dumping green dye into canal

Why Greta Thunberg’s Bold Eco-Activism Got Her Banned from Venice: A Green Dye Controversy

Greta Thunberg, the renowned environmental activist, has been barred from entering Venice…
FAA scrambles to hire 8,900 air traffic controllers by 2028 as shortage reaches crisis levels

Urgent FAA Initiative: Hiring 8,900 Air Traffic Controllers by 2028 to Combat Critical Shortage

Amid a nationwide shortage of air traffic controllers, a new training program…
Woman in Slender Man stabbing is found day after walking away from group home

Slender Man Stabbing Accomplice Located After Escaping Group Home: Authorities Respond

In a startling turn of events, Morgan Geyser, the Wisconsin woman who…
Heroes, zeros from Giants’ loss to Lions: Wan’Dale Robinson has big day

Giants vs. Lions: Wan’Dale Robinson Shines Amidst Disappointing Defeat

Key takeaways from the Giants’ thrilling 34-27 defeat against the Lions on…