'We Walk For Her' march in Chicago honors missing, murdered girls, women of color

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A group marched their message throughout South Side streets on Wednesday as part of the annual "We Walk for Her" march after rallying in Ellis Park.

For nearly a decade, a coalition of youth and community leaders has walked in Bronzeville, bringing attention to the disparities Black and brown women and girls face regarding missing persons and unsolved murders.

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Organizers said the number of attendees Wednesdat was staggering.

According to most recent data compiled by the State's Missing and Murdered Chicago Women Task Force, 73% of female homicides in Cook County were Black women, and Black women account for a third of the city active missing person cases. This is despite representing 15% of Chicago's female population.

Speakers at the rally said while the numbers show a stark reality for Black and Brown women, they are rallying because they are more than a statistic and deserve better.

"Today we are here to say we are not just data points or percentages on the report," a speaker said. "We are daughters, sisters, and friends. We are human beings who deserve to grow up, be safe and be protected."

"This is really about families," said Glen Brooks with the Chicago Police Department. "This is about families who are missing their loved ones and are wondering every single day And this department is committed to bringing the resolution to those family and we will continue to work on that."

In addition to getting their message out, the organizers of the rally and march say they want to see a specific office in Chicago dedicated to missing and murdered Black women and girl, similar to what the state of Minnesota established in 2023.