Saint Sabina’s Father Thulani Takes Peace Marchers to Crime Scene to Pray

By Chinta Strausberg

As Father Thulani Magwaza began Saint Sabina’s weekly anti-violence march late Friday night, one of the church’s peacekeepers informed him about a shooting only blocks away from the church forcing the pastor to lead marchers West rather than East as he had planned.

According to officials from Chicago Police Department’s News Affairs, the shooting took place at 6:50 p.m. in the 2000 block on West 79^th Street.  Yellow police tape had been strung along the entire one-block long mall. Several police stood guard as officers conducted their investigation.

With the Golden Gate Funeral Home in the background, Thulani had Glenda Franklin to lead a prayer for peace followed by Terrance Haley who stretched out his hand towards the crime scene across the street and also called for peace in the community.

Saturday, Chicago police officials confirmed that the victim was a 22-year-old male who was shot in his left arm, both legs and right hand. He is listed in serious condition at Christ Hospital.

The victim, according to a police official, “was a documented gang member. He was standing on sidewalk when an unknown male existed a black car” and began firing.

Police officials said Area South detectives are investigating and that “it appears to be gang-related.”

Father Thulani, who is pastor of Saint Sabina Church, did not know the details of the shooting late Friday night; however, he said, “We were supposed to go east, but one of the peacemakers told us there had been a shooting at 79^th and Damen. We changed our route and went west. We waned to make our presence known namely to pray at that place.”

“We’re going to console and pray for the family of the victim,” Thulani said. “Praying at the crime scene was more important than going anywhere else.”

Just then a young girl ran towards Father Thulani screaming and uncontrollably crying and nearly threw up. She said, “They shot my brother…,” she screamed in between sobs. Just as Father Thulani began holding and consoling her a man claiming to be her boyfriend quickly whisked her away leaving Thulani stunned and helpless to assist her.

Thulani and scores of supporters continued marching handing out “Put Your Guns Down” flyers and chanting, “This is our neighborhood,” “What do you want? Peace. When do you want it, now,” “Save a life, save our babies…,” “Black lives matter. All lives matter,” Stop the shooting,” “Stop the killing.”

Father Pfleger, senior pastor of Saint Sabina, was not at the march

He attended the preview of movie icon Spike Lee’s film, “Chiraq” at Martha’s Vineyard. Pfleger said it was sold out.

Chinta Strausberg is a Journalist of more than 33-years, a former political reporter and a current PCC Network talk show host. You can e-mail Strausberg at: Chintabernie@aol.com.