A recent charity picnic on the grounds of an Oak Forest monastery is drawing sharp criticism after part of the event included a performance by people apparently in blackface.
While not connected to that performance, Oak Forest police also responded to a stabbing the evening of the Zespol Wanta Charity picnic, held July 20 on the grounds of Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, 5900 W. 147th St.
Video posted on social media show at least two performers wearing what appears to be black or very dark-colored makeup or stage paint, one of them dressed as a nun.
The performance was supposed to have been a scene from the 1992 movie “Sister Act.” Starring Whoop Goldberg, it featured her as a Nevada lounge singer forced to find sanctuary in a convent after being placed in a witness protection program.
The picnic was promoted on the city’s website as taking place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and featuring polish food and drink as well as games.
In a statement the city of Oak Forest issued Aug. 7, it said it was “deeply disturbed by the performance” and that the picnic was not a city-sponsored event but was issued a permit.
“This incredibly insensitive performance does not reflect the values, beliefs or ideals of our community,” the city said.
A spokeswoman for the city, Chrissy Maher, said Monday the picnic has been held on the monastery grounds for several years, and city police were on hand during the event, although that is standard protocol for larger public and private events.
The application for the permit indicated that about 1,500 people would be expected to attend the event, she said.
Although the event was not held on Park District property, the Oak Forest Park District also weighed in and distanced itself from the picnic or the questionable performance, which it called “extremely insensitive.”
“We do not co-sponsor, coordinate or jointly host any programs or events with this or any other religious organization,” the Park District said in its Aug 8 statement.
A Park District official did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
The Archdiocese of Chicago also, after the event, issued a statement saying the picnic was “not sponsored, co-hosted, or affiliated with any parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago.”
The archdiocese said the permit applicant rented the grounds from the Benedictine Sisters.
Separately but at the same charity picnic, Oak Forest police said a 22-year-old man was stabbed on the monastery grounds.
Police said they responded at 9:20 p.m. to the picnic and found the man with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital with non life-threatening injuries, police said.
Police said at the time that a person was taken into custody in connection with the stabbing, but more information was not immediately available Monday from police.
