Hunger strikes have long been used as a powerful form of protest and resistance, and Chicago is no stranger to this tactic. In fact, the city has a rich history of hunger strikes as a means of fighting for justice and equality. From the early labor movement to the civil rights movement, hunger strikes have been consistently utilized as a powerful tool in escalating campaigns for justice.

The roots of hunger strikes in Chicago can be traced back to the Haymarket Affair in 1886. During the labor movement, workers in Chicago were fighting for better working conditions and fair wages. Amidst violent clashes with the police, a group of anarchists were arrested and put on trial for inciting a riot. In protest, these activists went on a hunger strike, refusing to eat until their demands for justice were met. While the outcome of the strike was not entirely successful, it brought attention to the plight of the workers and sparked a larger conversation about workers’ rights.

In the years that followed, hunger strikes continued to be a common tactic used by marginalized communities in Chicago. During the Great Depression, unemployed workers known as ”hunger marchers” went on hunger strikes in Chicago to draw attention to the dire economic conditions and demand government assistance. These strikes ultimately resulted in the formation of social welfare policies and programs that helped bring relief to the struggling working class.

Fast forward to the 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement, hunger strikes once again played a crucial role in the fight for justice and equality. In Chicago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously participated in a 21-day hunger strike to protest against housing discrimination in the city. This strike brought national attention to the issue and helped pave the way for the passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968.

But hunger strikes have not only been used for labor and civil rights causes in Chicago. They have also been utilized by the city’s immigrant communities. In 2004, a group of undocumented immigrant workers organized a hunger strike in Chicago to demand a path to citizenship for themselves and their families. This strike not only brought attention to the struggles of undocumented immigrants, but it also helped change immigration policies at the national level.

Today, hunger strikes continue to be used as a powerful tool for fighting for justice in Chicago and across the country. In recent years, we have seen examples of this in the Black Lives Matter movement, where activists have resorted to hunger strikes to bring attention to police brutality and systemic racism. In 2016, Black Lives Matter organizer and activist Kofi Adem went on a hunger strike in Chicago to demand the removal of then-Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who many saw as complicit in covering up the police shooting of Laquan McDonald.

There is no denying the power of hunger strikes in escalating campaigns for justice. Not only do they draw attention to important issues, but they also demonstrate the strength and determination of those fighting for change. Hunger strikes are a form of nonviolent protest that requires immense sacrifice and bravery, making them a powerful tool for social change.

However, it is important to note that hunger strikes should not be taken lightly. They can have serious physical and emotional consequences for those participating, and should only be used as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

In a world where social justice issues continue to be prevalent, it is more important than ever to recognize and honor the history of hunger strikes in Chicago, and to continue using this tactic in the fight for a more just and equal society. As we look towards the future, let us remember the power of unity and sacrifice, and let us continue to use this powerful tool to bring about meaningful change in our communities.