Martin’s International is formally requesting immediate clarification and transparency regarding the denial of its permit application by the 12th District Chicago Police Commander for its highly anticipated 4th of July 2026 Weekend Celebration and cultural festivities.
This is the second year in a row, the Chicago Police are denying permits for the peaceful annual African/ Caribbean International Festival of Life (IFOL), a permit to celebrate its July 4thweekend cultural event that has been safely on-going for 32 years without incidents and that in the past the police named as the best festival in Chicago. The new Acting Commander is saying there are multiple events already approved within the district that will require dedicated police resources. The 12th district cannot provide adequate staffing to ensure proper safety, security, and traffic management for an event of this scale.
The organization is urging the Mayor to address the matter promptly and provide the answer and decision on the IFOL by Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. We will have an official press release outside City Hall, Chicago on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at 12pm noon.
For decades, we have never had any issues during our festivals and never have utilized the resources of the police, as we provide our own personal security staffing. Additionally, since the last two years our event only averages about 1,000 attendees per day at a given time, with an average attendee’s age of 50 years old. Our event is a cultural, family oriented and welcoming experience that promotes the world and African Diaspora.
Martin’s International has proudly organized cultural, educational, and community-centered events that bring together families, help promote local and national businesses, highlight mainstream and independent artists, and visitors from across Chicago and beyond. The organization has maintained a long-standing commitment to public safety, economic development, tourism, and multicultural unity throughout the City of Chicago.
The recent denial of the permit application has raised serious concerns among organizers, sponsors, vendors, performers, and community stakeholders, particularly due to the explanation surrounding the decision.
We are calling for assistance from our Mayor, Brandon Johnson, and calling for him to intervene in this decision immediately as the festival is scheduled for just 5 weeks away. Promotional materials, including radio commercials and ads, flyers, posters and literature have been distributed across the city, and our organization and stakeholders are in the works to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars if the event is not approved or forced to be changed.
“We believe in fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity for cultural organizations serving the people of Chicago,” stated Dr. Ephraim Martin, Founder and President of Martin’s International. “Our organization has invested significant time, resources, and planning into this celebration. The community deserves clear answers regarding this denial and the process that led to this decision.”
Martin’s International is officially requesting immediate responses and supporting documentation related to the denial. The organization is specifically seeking clarification on the following questions:
Questions Requiring Immediate Response
1. What specific reasons led to the denial of Martin’s International’s permit application?
Please provide detailed explanations beyond general statements, including any alleged deficiencies, concerns, or policy violations connected to the application.
2. What other events are reportedly scheduled during the same 4th of July weekend dates?
Please provide the names, locations, organizers, and permit statuses of the events referenced as conflicts or scheduling concerns.
3. What criteria and evaluation standards were used in reviewing Martin’s International’s application?
The organization requests transparency regarding the exact process, timelines, scoring methods, and decision-making procedures used by the Police Commission and relevant departments.
4. Which organizations or event promoters received approval for permits during the same weekend, and what factors differentiated their approvals from Martin’s International’s application?
Martin’s International seeks assurance that all organizations are being evaluated fairly and equitably under the same standards.
5. What appeal, reconsideration, or corrective action process is available to Martin’s International to move forward with the event?
The organization requests immediate guidance regarding additional documentation, meetings, revisions, or next steps necessary to obtain approval.
Martin’s International remains committed to working collaboratively with city officials, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and public safety representatives to ensure a safe, organized, and successful event experience for residents and visitors alike.
