The South Loop Historical Society
at East-West University
819 S. Wabash Ave. 8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605
312-939-0111
A Virtual History Museum
Revisiting 1968 Dem Convention in Chicago-- Full Hi Res Version
May 9, 2012
Mike James was on the street when the 1968 riots occurred. in Chicago An SDS national council member, James leads a walking tour of the Grant Park battleground in downtown Chicago across from hotel headquarters of convention delegates and party candidates. This was the still-remembered event that despoiled the reputation of Chicago. The government's Walker Commission later described it as a "police riot," with more than 1,000 citizens and journalists were injured by police. The FBI was later identified as the outside agitator putting Chicago police "on edge" with catastrophic theories of the collapse of America from "hippies and demonstrators." Many middle-class bystanders were beaten bloody by police who appeared in a trancelike state. The government Walker Commission described it as a "police riot."
Activst/entrepreneur Michael James talks about events as he experienced them during the 1968 Democratic Convention. On the night of August 28, 1968 the corner of Michigan Avenue and Balbo Street exploded in violence while the whole world was watching. This video clip is from a walking tour conducted by the South Loop Historical Society.
The South Loop in Chicago's Film Legacy
September 24, 2010
The South Loop has had a starring role in Chicago's film legacy, from the first film ever shown in Chicago to serving as the major film distribution point for the Midwest to training the actors and directors of the future. This video was written, directed and narrated by John C. Thomas of the South Loop Historical Society.
South Loop Historical Society on Chicago Public Radio
June 25, 2008
Click here to listen to a South Loop tour from a June 2008 broadcast on Chicago Public Radio.
