And JustUS 4 All Protests Mayor Second Week In A Row

JOLIET - There was a small turnout for the protest in front of Mayor Bob O'Dekirk's house on Buell Avenue Thursday evening. A small group of people were on hand to support the desire of And JustUs 4 All in calling for the resignation and charges for O'Dekirk stemming from the May 31 video capturing an incident when O'Dekirk pulled a protestor down by the collar. The man and his brother were arrested, beaten by police and have filed suit against the city and O'Dekirk.

Loretta Hobbs said on her way over to the protest, police had blocked off traffic at Clinton and Scott streets. She also announced to those in attendance and on her social media that the plan is to protest in front of Councilwoman Jan Quillman's home at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 1.

"You can't keep doing this," she said. "These people out here be suffering."

Hobbs, her daughter Toni Lashal, Steve Newell and Willie Manning were all wearing shirts that had And JustUS 4 All on the front and African kings and queens on the back.

"We are black kings and queens, we are the aboriginal people of the world," Newell said of the inspiration for the shirts.

Hobbs agreed.

"It's our ancestry, like the queens and kings in Africa," she said. "It really relates to the natural, to the foundation of who we are today."

Newell wanted to be clear that the group is looking for accountability and a change in leadership.

"We're not doing it for no fame nor money," he said. "I don't want no council seat."

His frustration and desire for change expands from just O'Dekirk to other council members who have not taken action in regard to the Mayor and community member he believes are not pressuring for a resignation or charges.

"You all make decisions together, collectively, as a council board," he said. "Let's step up and that's what it's about - educate the people about what is going on in this city."