Thousands of protesters to converge on Chicago's Democratic national convention

Thousands of activists are expected to converge on Chicago this week for the Democratic National Convention, hoping to call attention to abortion rights, economic injustice and the war in Gaza.

While Vice President Kamala Harris has energized crowds of supporters as she prepares to accept the Democratic nomination, progressive activists maintain their mission remains the same.

Activists say they learned lessons from last month’s Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and are predicting bigger crowds and more robust demonstrations in Chicago, a city with deep social activism roots.

Things kicked off Sunday on the convention’s eve with a march along Michigan Avenue. The march began in late afternoon and stretched into the night.

Police lined the march route and there were no signs of major conflict. At one point, anti-abortion activists staged a small counter-protest.

The largest group, the Coalition to March on the DNC, has planned demonstrations on the first and last days of the convention.

Organizers say they expect at least 20,000 activists, including students who protested the war on college campuses.

Activists sued the city earlier this year, saying restrictions over where they can demonstrate violate their constitutional rights.

Chicago leaders rejected their requests for permits to protest near United Center on the city’s West Side, where the convention is taking place, offering instead a lakefront park more than 3 miles away. Later, the city agreed to allow demonstrations at a park and a march route closer to the United Center. 

The city has designated a park about a block from United Center for a speakers’ stage. Those who sign up get 45 minutes.




(AP Photo Frank Franklin II)