Blackface At Charity Picnic Denounced By Oak Forest, Park District As 'Deeply Disturbing,' 'Insensitive'

OAK FOREST, IL — The City of Oak Forest and the Oak Forest Park District have spoken out against a performance at a charity picnic that included actors appearing in blackface.

The performance took place on July 20 at the Zespol Wanta and Mloda Wanta Piknik, an event held at the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, 5900 W. 147th St.

In it, a re-enactment of a scene from the film "Sister Act" included actors in blackface, dancing and lip-syncing to gospel music. The audience is seen filming and taking photos; the performance drew backlash online, as videos of it spread via social media.

"This is absolutely disgusting!" one commenter wrote on a video of the event. "Look at all those 'parents' laughing and recording with their family right there. Clearly, racism IS taught and praised by some. May God open up their eyes because Heaven WILL NOT look like this."

"Y’all couldn’t have possibly thought this was a good idea," another wrote. "Y'all look like fools."

A picnic attendee spoke with CBS, saying she was "disgusted and appalled" by the portrayal. She shared with the network images of the actors in apparent blackface.

"The host announced that he has special guests from Africa, and that they are backstage," Magda Purkała told CBS. "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."

The City of Oak Forest on Thursday issued comment about the performance, distancing itself from it.

"The City of Oak Forest is deeply disturbed by the performance," the City of Oak Forest said. "While the picnic was a permitted event, it was not a city-sponsored event; the event was held on private property by a non-public entity. This incredibly insensitive performance does not reflect the values, beliefs or ideals of our community."

The Oak Forest Park District on Friday also issued a response. The property on which the picnic was held is owned by the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict.

"In response to the extremely insensitive performance ... we wish to clarify that the Oak Forest Park District is entirely independent and has no affiliation, partnership, or collaborative relationship with the Missionary Sisters of St. Benedict, who permitted this event," the statement reads. "We do not co-sponsor, coordinate, or jointly host any programs or events with this or any religious organization."

The Park District, added it is "dedicated to providing equitable recreational opportunities that are welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We strive to foster an environment where every participant feels respected, valued, and safe, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other personal characteristic. We strongly condemn discrimination of any kind ..."

At the same picnic and in an apparently unrelated incident, a man was also stabbed several times. A suspect was taken into custody, but it's unclear if any formal charges were ever filed.