History reminds us, it is a powerful teacher…

For the last 5 years, since his arrest the first week in December, as the bells ring and Macy’s has on the Holiday cheer, even a solo ‘Bucket Boy’ appears

photo by Nancy Bechtol

along a small group has gathered at the site of his arrest. Chris sold art for $1 to challenge the peddler’s license, and ended up challenging the (now defunct) Illinois Eavesdropping Law. (he faced 4- 15 years in prision if convicted, since he audiotapped his own arrest) In 2014 the Illinois Supreme Court abolished the law. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyK6K6Bbx1M&index=3&list=LLcjr_GutZLcLfziKgFWWNAQ

http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/peddlers-licenses-nancy-bechtol-chris-drew-documentary/Content?oid=13114129#.U02wLinNuZI

https://nancybechtol.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/chicago-free-speech-film-thanks-a-painfully-gritty-true-story/

A Big Part of that victory wave came from the work Drew’s pro bono attorneys did. First, Mark Weinberg, for the Civil Rights issues, then for Criminal Defense, Joshua Kutnuck (who won in 2012  vs Ill State’s Attorney, Anita Alvarez) The decision by Judge Sacks declared the Ill Eavesdropping law Unconstitutional. Remember Chris Drew’s Legacy as a defender of rights, and the Patron Saint of Street Artists.

This year, Mark Thomas, who is running for Alderman in the 44th Ward, joined us on location for the 5th anniversary tribute.

WE the People!

http://voteformarkthomas.org/

(1950-2012) to celebrate the victory of Free Speech, and remember Chris Drew’s Legacy as artist, activist, community leader and Art IS Speech! Peace through Justice!