Sandra Bland remembered in Chicago one year after death
Shante Needham expected a “sad day” on the anniversary of her sister's death, but instead she found solace in the crowds gathered to remember Sandra Bland in Chicago's Federal Plaza Wednesday night.
“A sister's bond can never be broken or replaced,” said Needham, as she recited a poem she had written.
About 200 people held candles and balloons to pay tribute to Bland, the former Naperville woman who died one year ago in a Texas jail cell.
They prayed, listened to gospel singers and recalled memories of the 28-year-year-old who grew up in Villa Park.
“I thought today was going to be a sad day, but I'm OK,” said Needham, surveying the group and holding a poster with family pictures of her sister.
Her family organized the tribute with members of Black Lives Matter Chicago and Crista Noel, founder and CEO of Women's All Points Bulletin, a group aimed at combating violence against women during police encounters.
“This is about her and her family,” Noel said.
Last July, Bland had been preparing for a new job at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, when she was arrested by now-fired state trooper Brian Encinia during a routine traffic stop that quickly escalated.
Three days later, Bland died in a small jail about 60 miles outside Houston. Authorities said her death was a suicide. Her family does not accept that ruling and has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit.
Martinez Sutton, the brother of Rekia Boyd, a 22-year-old woman fatally shot by an off-duty Chicago police officer in 2012, urged the gathering to “wipe those tears — no more crying” and hugged Bland's mom, Geneva Reed-Veal.
“Now, right now, is Sandy's time,” Reed-Veal said.
The two-hour vigil was the first of several to mark the anniversary of Bland's death.
DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lisle, where Bland was an active member since her childhood, plans to hold memorials Sunday.