Soweto Day Walkathon

On June 16, 1976, school children of Soweto, South Africa were shot and killed while peacefully protesting the use of Afrikaans in the classroom, the language associated with the oppressive apartheid government. They were protesting the new order to have Afrikaans and English be the official languages used in schools and the prohibition of any use of local languages.

The documents below highlight some of the Chicago, Illinois anti-apartheid groups that demonstrated and marched in an annual Walkathon in memory of the Soweto Uprising; all proceeds from the event went to different South African organizations in need.

The Soweto Day Walkathon was held in Chicago from 1987 until 1994 when the first democratic election took place in South Africa. June 16th is now a national holiday in South Africa, celebrated as Youth Day.

Follow the links to view video of the 1989 Chicago Soweto Day Walkathon, companion pieces to the materials on this page.

Chicago Soweto Day Walkathon, June 1989, part one

Chicago Soweto Day Walkathon, June 1989, part two

The footage, filmed by Mike Elliot, features the march and the rally held afterward. The march was organized by the Illinois Labor Network Against Apartheid (ILNAA). The rally features: Congressman Danny Davis; Rosetta Daley; Kathy Devine; Prexy Nesbitt; Carl Shields; and others.

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Untitled [Thank you letter]

Basil Clunie, Rachel Rubin, and Ruth Bedell

A thank you letter issued to participants of the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois.
Save the Date: Help Free South African Detainees

Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa and Church World Service

A flyer for the Soweto Day 1989 Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois providing information about the walkathon and rally.
Soweto Day '89 Walkathon

A flyer for the Soweto Day 1989 Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois providing information about the walkathon route and rally.
Soweto Day '89 Walker's Route Sheet

Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa and Church World Service

An information sheet explaining the route and instructions for the walkers of the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois.
Soweto Day Rally

Illinois Labor Network Against Apartheid and Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa

A flyer for the Soweto Day 1989 Rally in Chicago, Illinois following the walkathon.
Soweto Day Walkathon Certificate of Appreciation

Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa and Church World Service

A certificate of appreciation issued to participants of the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois.
Soweto Day Walkathon June 17, 1989 Marshall Information Sheet

An information sheet explaining the route and instructions for the marshalls of the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois.
Support South African Detainees

Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa and Church World Service

A brochure for the Soweto Day 1989 Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois providing information on why activists were marching for this cause, how to join the event, and about imprisoned detainees.
Untitled [National Council of Churches information sheet on Soweto Day]

An information sheet explaining the National Council of Churches' involvment in the Soweto Day observances in Chicago, Illinois between Pentacost (May 14) and Soweto Day (June 16) in 1989.
Application for Permit - Special Event Using the Public Way

Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa

The application submitted by the Chicago Committeee in Solidarity with Southern Africa (CCISSA) to the Dpartment of Public Works for the City of Chicago, Illinois to use city streets for the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon. This document includes a copy of the permit issued to CCISSA by the Department of Public Works for this event.
Untitled [Informational letter by CCISSA co-chairs]

Basil Clunie and Rachel Rubin

A paper by the co-chairs of the Chicago Committee in Solidarity with Southern Africa (CCISSA) explaining why they will be co-hosting a Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois with Church World Services.
How to do a Walkathon

Mike Mihaljevich

A booklet of instructions and practical advice on how to host an effective protest walkathon.
Soweto Day '89 Walkathon Registration Procedure

A document outlining the procedures for registering for the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon in Chicago, Illinois.
Untitled [Map of Chicago, Illinois]

A map of Chicago, Illinois detailing the route of the 1989 Soweto Day Walkathon.