Matthew Kaplan Photography

Bridges//Puentes Anniversary Celebration - June 11th, 2021

Unity in Struggle" was the slogan for the first anniversary celebration of Bridges//Puentes Justice Collective of the Southeast, held Friday evening at Nine3 Studios, an old filling station turned art space near 93rd Street and South Chicago Avenue. With characteristic generosity of spirit, Bridges//Puentes used the occasion to showcase and thank other organizations and volunteers of the Southeast Side (as well as an undeserving photographer from Rogers Park) for their efforts through a very difficult year for our city. It has been a privilege to document Bridges//Puente's actions in support of Black Lives Matter; the rights of the oppressed; and the fight to stop General Iron's metal shredder from relocating to their environmentally burdened neighborhood. I have been inspired by the passion, creativity, and love of community, which this small group of social justice advocates brings to their mission, best exemplified by another of their credos, "none are free until all are free!"