Public Outcry in Harvey: Mayor Clark’s Alleged Harassment

CUDN By Amir AH Shakur (Facebook)  –Feb 16, 2025, 3:00 PM CST |Updated 1 hour ago

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Harvey, IL (CUDN) -is a small City in Cook County, Illinois, United States. The population was 20,324 at the 2020 census. According to statistics  -The overall racial makeup of the city is 63.33% African American, 5.87% White, 2.50% Asian, 0.82% Native American. The median income for a household in the city was $32,635. The median income for a family is at $45,729.

For sometime current Mayor Christopher Clark has been the topic of contention. Residents and activists have legitimate and ongoing claims. For along time Harvey has faced low income poverty levels and a high amount of boarded and abandoned homes. There is a lack of legitimate business within the city. At present, the context of the political landscape of Harvey is growing more contentious daily. For example; there are ongoing allegations that Mayor Clark has routinely harassed local residents. He has imposed unheard of licensing requirements on businesses. according to some observers on the ground. He (Clark) has gone to the point of arresting locals who speak out at meetings. This move is fostering a high amount of opposition from the public.

—Alderwoman Colby Chapman (pictured, below) has been a resounding voice in the fight for change in the City of Harvey. Chapman has served as 2nd Ward alderwoman for over two years. For the moment, that voice is very much needed. On this evening, her report-was directed at Mayor and Corporate Council-included many questions (some examples given but not in order).

“When will the six police be addressed? -What is the plan for bringing up abandoned homes? -When will another retention pond be built? We need action and accountability.” These were some of her(Colby’s) legitimate questions during the Monday night meeting. Colby has routinely been a outspoken (almost standalone) voice at city hall.

She has expressed the same tone of frustration that many locals are upset about. All due to a perceived lack of accountability that routinely plague Mayor Clark and The Harvey Officials administration from locals. For the record -She (Colby) said, she was also falsely arrested last August. She was accused of trying to attack the city administrator. Alderman Chapman states that this allegation was politically motivated.

Protest Friday February 10, Meeting

 On this Friday (February 10, 2025), multiple protesters returned to the Harvey City Hall for the routine weekly meeting. They protested for a change to the mayor’s alleged “harassment” of speakers at the meetings. For example, harsh Harvey Ordinances have been established. These ordinances demand that observers and media during city public meetings stay in a “small” quarantined area. This small “quarantined,” area is for (cellphone) recording of public meetings. If anyone outside of the small “quarantine area” pulls out a cellphone to record, the police will eject them from the public meeting. The same applies to any recording device. The ejection will be by police escort. If anyone speaks out of terms, the police will issue costly fines. Continued disruption can lead to an arrest for a Disorderly Conduct (misdemeanor) charge. This “harsh” charge carries a potential $500 fine. 

As noted by the picture, The night ended with the protest demonstration. Multiple activists, with mouths taped closed by black utility tape, held up various black signs. These signs seem to send a resounding tone expressing overall displeasure in opposition with the Clark Administration’s tactics. (pictures below) 

_I as a representative of Freedom First International and journalist. I also spoke after sending a “Cease and Desist” Letter (last week). This happened after a Press Conference with the small group. They were met by a squadron of Harvey Police officers. The officers stood in front of The Harvey City Hall and blocked the entrance.-

“We are asking for you to change your path (because you continue to stand outside of our interest and outside public interests”-Citizens who speak in public meetings -Should not be arrested, (it is unreasonable) _Citizens who speak should not be publicity fined”  -at this point we don’t believe that you will change course.” -Amir A.H. Shakur

Shelby Shell, an activist associated with a group called INA, worked alongside Chicago Activist Jedidiah Brown gave comments. She alleged that during her time on the ground, she talked with citizens of Harvey. She stated her organization (with Mayor Clark in mind) “has observed a leader who seeks to intimidate and violate the rights of your constituents.” -“Imposing harsh and unlawful penalties for speaking or clapping is not only absurd-It is also an affront to democratic values.”

About The Public Outcry in Harvey

Local Activist Ryan Roman Sinwelski Community Leader with the Harvey Historical Society, a community advocacy and support group, said, “he is glad about the public attention coming to Harvey. We need that support! -Any support that would help with change is welcome.” Sinwelski has also faced heavy-handed tactics from the Harvey Police. This occurred after he was ejected from a meeting at the demand of Mayor Clark last fall.

For the record-Mayor Clark has resigned from a potential opportunity. Many believe growing public pressure was the reason Clark decided not to run for Thornton Township Supervisor. In a public letter, Clark while discussing Harvey -explains that there are “major problems.” He states the public city needs much attention-he (Clark) wants to focus on Harvey. This position is presently held by the equally controversial Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard. Despite this, Mayor Clark seems unwavering in his efforts to run the City of Harvey as he pleases. At the end of the meeting, Mayor Clark elaborated, “I feel like I’m Barack Obama-It’s like being called out on a birth certificate. It’s Trump Behavior-It tries to distract us from the things that we are trying to do, with this Nonsense and Foolishness.” (aahs)

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