Permit denied for St. Sabina block party over 'Chiraq'

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A newly elected Chicago alderman is refusing to grant St. Sabina Church a permit for its annual block party.

Alderman David Moore of the 17th Ward is refusing to approve the application because the party is co-sponsored by director Spike Lee and the cast of his film "Chiraq."

Moore said he will not sign the permit if Lee has anything to do with the party. The alderman does not approve of the movie's title.

"I applaud the fact that he wants to bring national attention to the senseless gun violence taking place in the city's black communities. What I object to is the branding of these communities to the rest of the world who will never know anything about the real people who live in Englewood and Auburn Gresham. All they will ever know is the name 'Chiraq' and the overreaching association with the war torn nation of Iraq," Moore said.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Father Michael Pfleger plans to hold Saturday's block party at 78th and Throop with or without a permit. Moore called that decision unfortunate.