RIP ‘Lil Bit’: Chicago homeless rights community mourns one of its own

Latest

Noreen Lil Bit Morehead
Noreen “Lil Bit” Morehead
Photo / Adam Gottlieb

“Lil Bit [Noreen ‘Lil Bit’ Morehead] was a great woman who been through a lot of changes in life. But I know she was a strong and intelligent woman who cared about helping people, all people, especially the homeless people. She was a great poet and loved her children. She was a great friend and I will always carry her in my heart and continue the work she has done for our Union, that’s the Chicago Union of the Homeless.” — Bonnie Contreras, President, Chicago Union of the Homeless

Below is one of ‘Lil Bit’s’ poems:

I have to steal to get by
I have to panhandle to get by
Where’s my house
Where’s my food
I get tired of sandwiches and fruit
I like mashed potatoes, greens & steak
and something besides chicken
I try to keep warm with blankets and
clothes but we’re still dying because
that’s not enough / I hate seeing
people living in hallways and
doorsteps and in tents
where is their housing / give us all housing
how many homeless have to die before
somebody step in / to me this is modern
day genocide and who’s gonna pay
the elderly and homeless
help save us

— Noreen ‘Lil Bit’ Morehead

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

‘Jesus Is Being Tear Gassed At Broadview’

The struggle to close the Broadview ICE facility in Chicago includes clergy who are part of a movement of religious leaders opposed to the assault on immigrants.

No Kings Rallies Show the Fight Is On!

No Kings Day showed the rising awareness of people to how dangerous the situation is, that everyone’s rights, living standards, and democracy itself is in danger. Millions are mobilizing in diverse ways to confront the situation.

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

More from the People's Tribune