While our cities are full of beauty and promise, they are also a battlefield of interests. City officials are often more concerned with downtown development than neighborhood survival, yet grassroots leaders refuse to be silent amidst the challenges facing their communities. Protests, marches, and creativity are all a part of their fight for a fair distribution of resources and opportunity.

The video above highlights some of the key organizing efforts of Chicagoans in recent years, with images from the cityscape as well as the frontlines. It features music from Grant Buhr, moving images from Sarah Jane Rhee and Jo Guldi, along with lyrics from Ryan Lugalia-Hollon.