Director Spike Lee and others who attended the Chi-Raq movie premiere in New York City yesterday (December 1), walked in solidarity with those in Chicago following the premiere of the film.
Variety reports that the march, which also served as an anti-gun violence march, was attended by the likes of Reverend Al Sharpton and Pastor Michael Pfleger.
The official Twitter account for the Chi-Raq movie uploaded a handful of photos as those taking part in the march walked from Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Theater to Times Square.
The film Chi-Raq takes its cue from the ancient Greek drama, “Lysistrata,” and focuses on the growing gun violence in Chicago.
“It was great in 411 B.C. — it’ll work today,” Spike Lee said, according to Variety. “This film is about changing lives.”
The film has drawn criticism from a number of Chicago artists, including Rhymefest and Lil Bibby. In comments made on Twitter, Lil Bibby shared his belief that the trailer to Chi-Raq looked like a parody, while Rhymefest spoke on the film exploiting poor people.
Chi-Raq is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 4.
It will take a sustained effort over several generations to change the violent culture in Amerikkka. The type of music an entertainment we consume needs to be more thought provoking an the language of the change we wish to see in society should be more positive as well. #BlackOnBlackLove
very good movie. spike da gawd!
Blacks from the Chi shouldn’t trip. Violence drugs and having babies is a way of life for them and all blacks. I respect the Chi. Im here reppin my set in the A-town Trap Squad OG’s Only people who want to stop the movement are black sell outs who don’t understand streets. I’ll rep the streets and DOC forever. As a black man I keep it real on tha block and in the streets. Its all about baby mommies, getting high and protecting your turf. One love!!