Barry Brecheisen/Invision/AP
Chicago actress and stand-up comedian Erica Watson died in Jamaica on Saturday from COVID-19 complications, according to a family member. She was 48.
On Sunday, Watson’s brother, Eric Watson, confirmed his sister’s death via a Facebook post, writing, in part: “We are not taking this easy. Please respect our privacy right now . as we make arrangements to bring my sister home. Keep us in your prayers.”
Watson, a Kenwood Academy High School and Columbia College alumna, wore many hats as an actress, stand-up comedian, public relations representative and activist. Her acting credits and media work include Showtime’s “The Chi,” NBC’s “Chicago Fire,” Spike Lee’s feature film“Chi-Raq,” ABC 7’s “Windy City Live” and WCIU’s “The Jam.”
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Trailblazing former Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis dies at 68 February 19, 2021 12:04 PM CDT By PAI
Karen Lewis at the microphone alongside members of CTU Local 1 as she announced a tentative contract agreement was reached with Chicago Public Schools to end a strike, Oct. 10, 2016. | Armando L. Sanchez, AP
CHICAGO (PAI) If you’re looking for who started “Red for Ed,” figuratively if not literally, you’ll find Karen Lewis.
Because it could arguably be said that Lewis, the former President of the Chicago Teachers Union/AFT Local 1, who died in early February at 68 after a long battle with cancer, originated the combination of teacher activism for the kids and for their communities, that unionists in general and teachers in particular empl