During a recent Naperville City Council meeting, community members passionately urged the council to divest from corporations linked to violence and human rights abuses, particularly in light of ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Keith Lisonbee, a local resident, called for a ceasefire resolution and highlighted Naperville's investments in Boeing, which he accused of contributing to the deaths of innocent civilians. He emphasized the need for the city to revise its investment policies to align with its stated values, citing other corporations like Barclays and HSBC as similarly problematic.

As the meeting coincided with Juneteenth, Lisonbee drew parallels between the historical struggle against slavery and contemporary issues of systemic racism and incarceration, particularly affecting people of color in the United States. He argued that modern forms of slavery persist, fueled by policies that disproportionately impact marginalized communities.

Human rights lawyer Qasim Rashid echoed these sentiments, urging the council to take action against the ongoing violence in Gaza, which he claimed has resulted in over 37,000 civilian deaths. He referenced international legal rulings and reports condemning Israel's actions, asserting that the council has the authority to divest from companies involved in these conflicts, citing precedents from other U.S. cities.

Sammy Ali, another speaker, reinforced the call for ethical divestment, specifically targeting Boeing for its role in the conflict. She expressed frustration over the council's inaction despite repeated appeals from diverse community members, urging them to recognize the moral implications of their financial decisions.

The meeting highlighted a growing movement within the community advocating for ethical investment practices, reflecting broader concerns about corporate complicity in global violence and the responsibility of local governments to act in accordance with their values. The council's response to these calls remains to be seen, as residents continue to demand accountability and change.