"Momma live your life to the fullest."
Anthanette Marshbanks is a mother, grandmother, activist, and a beloved member of the CTJC community. Anthanette’s youngest son, Archie Lee Chambers Jr. was killed by Calumet City police on April 21st, 2012. This month we recognize Women’s History Month by uplifting mothers like Anthanette, who continue speaking out and fighting for justice for their loved ones lost to police violence. March is also Archie’s birthday month. This month and every month, we send our love to Anthanette, all those who were touched by Archie, and all those who have lost loved ones to police violence.
Anthanette Marshbanks and her son Archie Lee Chamber Jr.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a native of Chicago Southside and raised by both of my parents, where I also completed primary and secondary education. I worked as a registered nurse for over two decades. I was a single mother who raised my children and I am a proud grandmother. I am caring, compassionate, a giver, kind, faithful, a loyal friend and a mentor.
How did you first encounter CTJC?
I had attended Dorothy Holmes’ event honoring her son Ronnieman at Washington Park.
Anthanette Marshbanks holding a photo of Archie Lee Chambers Jr. for the Notes for Peace project.
There, I met Professor Yanilda from the University of Chicago. We talked about police violence, and I shared Archie's story. She extended an invitation for me to attend a Realizing and Implementing Strategies to End Police Violence (RISE) meeting at the Chicago Torture Justice Center on a Saturday morning. I attended and was introduced to the staff of CTJC. They welcomed me with open arms into a safe haven. They informed me that I was entitled to the resources at the Center. The entire staff of CTJC has been extremely caring, respectful, considerate, helpful, trustworthy and well-informed.
I said to myself this is where I belong.
What are some things that you’ve done or experienced at CTJC?
I have been exposed to the rights and the wrongs with our justice system and policing issues. The staff of CTJC assists its members with various issues. As a participant of therapeutic counseling, I become involved in various programs and projects: The Freedom Songbook project, boxing, art therapy. In 2018, we traveled to Birmingham, Alabama for a Civil Rights Tour.
I attended a dinner for mother's from Brazil and Chicago. We weren't able to understand our spoken languages but we understood nonverbal communication of each other's pain. Families are forever impacted with the devastation of the loss of their loved ones and to be denied justice causes dreadful pain.
We at CTJC and other mothers and survivors look up to you, your vulnerability, and your courage. Is there anything you’d like to share with other women or other mothers in our community?
I will continue to encourage, invite and refer survivors to various organizations for assistance through their pain.
I'm able to empathize and sympathize with other grieving families. When meeting other mothers, it's sad, depressing and heart-wrenching and irritating. The police are supposed to serve and protect citizens. People should not be killed or tortured by police.
What are some things that keep you going and what are some ways that you continue to remember and honor Archie?
I honor Archie through my activism, through using my voice and speaking publicly:
I have spoken at a Criminal Justice class at Governor State University and Social Justice class at the University of Chicago. I was on a panel discussion for the documentary of Mike Brown’s story, Stranger Fruit. I attended a spiritual retreat in Barre, Massachusetts where I shared my story.
Anthanette Marshbanks on stage with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for the Notes for Peace project.
I will continue and have participated in various activities, events and projects which give me joy and peace as I honor my son Archie Jr. I will continue on this JOURNEY OF HEALING. The #1 PROJECT I participated in was a collaboration between the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Negaunee Music Institute, called Notes For Peace. They assisted parents who had lost loved ones due to gun violence to create tribute songs. For this collaboration, we put together the song “ONE RED ROSE” as a tribute to my son, Archie Lee Chambers Jr.
The following was written by Anthanette Marshbanks:
You may hide me in plain sight but my God is able.
Archie's story has reached people from the following places: Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom and across America. I have been interviewed by journalists from Sweden and Poland. Yes, Archie's story is traveling the world.
I didn't have any supportive help from any outside organizations during my son's legal process.
ARCHIE WAS AN UNARMED BLACK MAN.
THE POLICE OFFICER - NO CONVICTIONS OR NO CRIMINAL CHARGES.
I WAS SERVED INJUSTICE.
No one was listening and the questions still remain:
WHERE IS JUSTICE WHEN A PERSON IS KILLED BY A POLICE OFFICER IN AMERICA?
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE POLICE OFFICER WHO KILLED
ARCHIE LEE CHAMBERS JR.?
Society was denied 100% transparency and now it has been over a decade. This information was never released to society.
My intuition tells me that portions of my son's case was LEGALLY SWEPT UNDER THE RUG and NEVER TO BE REVEALED.
My son ARCHIE LEE CHAMBERS JR. (20) death resulted in part of me dying. My heart was shattered into a million pieces. I didn't believe that there were any words or amount of time which could heal this pain. I was living a never ending nightmare and depressed for five years.
This is the reason I joined this fight for Justice and Freedom for Them All.
One morning, I woke up and the Spirit of God spoke to me and said:
Romans 12:19: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."
I decided that day, I would live and not die. I declared the works of the Lord. I continue to experience agony and pain. I know that GOD is leading me, supporting me and holding me up. Now I'm able to reach out to help others to move through and away from the nightmare of losing a child.
Archie's words are etched into my soul.
He said: "Momma live your life to the fullest."
Happy Heavenly Birthday Son
Archie Lee Chambers Jr.
You're Forever Loved and Missed!
