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CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Organizers apologize for blackface performance at Oak Forest, Illinois, community event
Organizers are apologizing after some performers wore blackface at a community event last month. It happened at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik held on July 20 in Oak Forest, Illinois. Performers at the event did a rendition of a scene from the film "Sister Act," but some wore blackface and costumes that exaggerated their backside. Baumert Law, representing the organizers Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta, issued a statement on their behalf apologizing to residents and community members who felt offended by the performance, as well as to those who viewed the photos online. "The performers involved are primarily children, members of a youth ensemble, whose intent was solely to present an enthusiastic and lighthearted interpretation of a well-known musical scene. At no point did these young performers, their families, or the organizers intend to insult, ridicule, or harm the feelings or dignity of anyone," attorney Michael Baumert said. The firm said Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta are committed to taking tangible steps to ensure they learn from their mistake. Read the full statement below: "On behalf of our clients, we wish to express our most sincere and unequivocal apologies to all individuals and groups who may have felt offended, marginalized, or hurt by elements of the performance, including the use of blackface and any inappropriate portrayals. We have received and heard the concerns voiced by local residents, fellow community members, and those who viewed the images online. We acknowledge these concerns with deep humility, and we are committed to fully understanding the gravity of the impact. It is important to note that before this matter escalated in public discussion and online forums, neither Zespol Wanta nor Mloda Wanta was given the opportunity to offer an explanation, provide context, or respond directly to the concerns raised. If any part of the program was received as demeaning, insensitive, or offensive, we express our deep regret. We emphasize again: there was never any intention to question anyone's humanity or inflict emotional pain. Nevertheless, we fully recognize that intent does not erase impact, and we take the resulting harm seriously. Our group comprises individuals who themselves belong to minority communities, including, notably, the Podhale highlander community. With personal experience in preserving tradition and facing misunderstanding or prejudice, our clients deeply value and celebrate cultural diversity. They know firsthand the importance of fostering mutual respect, belonging, and sensitivity, and they pledge to uphold these values at every event. This incident has highlighted the need for greater awareness and education around issues of race, representation, and respect. Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta commit to taking tangible steps to ensure we learn from this mistake. We thank all those who brought the issue to our attention and gave us the opportunity to reflect, learn, and improve. Our clients welcome honest feedback and hope this public apology and commitment to change will be the first step in healing and growing together as a stronger, united community. Once again, on behalf of Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta, we extend our heartfelt apologies, heartfelt remorse, and promise of concrete action toward inclusivity and respect for all."
CBS News
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Blackface in performance at Oak Forest, Illinois community event leads to backlash online
CBS News Chicago would like to warn our readers that this story contains photos that are highly offensive and that some readers may find upsetting. A performance held at a picnic in Oak Forest, Illinois, last month received backlash online after some of the performers wore blackface. The performance happened on July 20 at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik, which was held at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict religious facility on 147th Street, part of Oak Forest's Polish community. The picnic advertised that a rendition of a scene from the film "Sister Act" would be performed. But when it came time for that performance, not everyone was prepared for what followed. Magda Purkała, who attends the picnics as a way for her and her children to socialize, said she was shocked by what she saw. "The host announced that he has special guests from Africa, and that they are backstage," she said. "Then the 'guests' came onstage and I was immediately feeling uncomfortable and inappropriate. A woman was dressed in a very stereotypical caricature of a Black woman. She had a exaggerated butt and Black face, and practiced with gospel style vocals. The performance started and the host announced another special guest, which was a man who was supposed to represent a famous Black rap musician." She sent CBS News Chicago just some of the images from the performance that have since been shared online. Purkała said this is the first time she's witnessed this behavior at the picnics she attended. "I felt disgusted and appalled," she said. "I do not understand how anyone thinks blackface in 2025 is appropriate. Mocking people and cultures is never okay and I'm especially disappointed in the host and organizer, who have dismissed the criticism and tried to downplay the performance as a 'parody.' Polish stereotypes exist and Polish people know how hurtful and damaging they are, so why mock and stereotype other cultures? It's racism, plain and simple. Shame on those who approved the performance." Purkała said she will no longer attend the events if similar performances were to happen again. "I would say I hope they learned a lesson from this, apologize, so we can move forward as a community. People want to have a good time at these events and celebrate our cultures. Let's be mindful of others and include them in our festivities," she said. While the city did not sponsor the event, CBS News Chicago reached out to them for comment and received a reply from the mayor's office that said, "The first and only message the City of Oak Forest received regarding the performance came in through our Facebook page on Saturday, July 26. We are not aware of any input or complaints from residents." The office added: "The City of Oak Forest is deeply disturbed by the performance during the Zespol Wanta Charity Picnic on Saturday, July 20 at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict property. While the picnic was a permitted event, it was not a city-sponsored event. This incredibly insensitive performance does not reflect the values, beliefs or ideals of our community." The Archdiocese of Chicago said in a statement: "The recent picnic event was organized solely by the Polish WANTA folk dance group. It was not sponsored, co-hosted, or affiliated with any parish of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The group rented the grounds from the Benedictine Sisters in Oak Forest for the occasion. At the start of the event, a Cistercian Father from Willow Springs was invited to celebrate the Mass. This was the extent of the Catholic Church's involvement." CBS News Chicago has also reached out to the monastery for comment, but has yet to hear back.
