Businessman Edward Gardner, former President of Soft Sheen Products, threatens to disrupt construction today, September 24, 2012, to protest lack of African American participation in construction

CHICAGO, IL.  On Friday, September 22, Ed Gardner was outraged when he saw concrete being laid and other construction going on at 2210 West 95th Street, yet not a single Black worker in sight.

“Every worker was either Caucasian or Hispanic,” said Gardner, “except the foreman, he was (East) Indian.”  

Gardner stepped out of his car with the intention of “wallowing in the wet concrete” in spite of the foreman’s warnings.  This quickly got the attention of the foreman, and before Gardner could make good his threat, two squad cars arrived.  Shortly afterward Alderman Brookins and Alderman Rugai were on the scene, and along with the four police officers begged Gardner not to do this.  Finally, Gardner retreated, but not before promising to return Monday morning at 10:30 AM to stage a one-man protest by walking through the wet concrete.

“Down the street I see young Black men selling drugs on the corner because they can’t find any work, and here in a neighborhood that is nearly 40% Black and only 4% Hispanic, there are only whites and Hispanics working, and no Blacks.” 

For more information, contact Emma Young at – 773-651-6049;    312-953-6363