PRESS STATEMENT: CAIR-Chicago Condemns Racist Vandalism of Black Women-Led Theatre
Definition Theatre stands at 1160 E 55th St. in Hyde Park on Friday, March 20, 2026. Credit: Jeremy Battle/Block Club Chicago
(CHICAGO, IL, 3/24/2026) - The Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) today condemned racist vandalism targeting a Black women-led theatre in the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
Definition Theatre was vandalized March 13, with someone reportedly writing the phrase “murder Black women” on its wall. Police are investigating the incident and no suspects have been identified as of yet.
SEE: Definition Theatre Won’t Let Racist Vandalism Stop Them From Amplifying Black Voices
“We condemn this disturbing act of vandalism and stand in solidarity with the owners and artists of Definition Theatre,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director Ahmed Rehab. “We urge law enforcement authorities to be swift and thorough in their investigation of this act of hate.”
CAIR and the American Muslim community stand in solidarity with all those challenging antisemitism, systemic anti-Black racism, xenophobia, anti-Muslim hate, white supremacy, and all other forms of bigotry.
CAIR-Chicago’s mission is to defend civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance.
CONTACT: Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago, 202-870-0166, arehab@cair.com; Heena Musabji, Legal Director of CAIR-Chicago, 312-212-1520, hmusabji@cair.com; Hafsa Haider, Communications Director of CAIR-Chicago, 561-317-7509, hhaider@cair.com