Q&A: Logo, Graphics, Images, Artwork

We recognize that in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the community rallied around the phrase “Highland Park Strong.” However, the City understands from community feedback, staff analysis, and expert input from the Department of Justice – Office of Victims of Crime that phrasing incorporating “strong” or similar terms is counter-productive for many victims of tragedies.

Using language that includes “strong” can create a hierarchy and reinforce power imbalances within a community over time. This type of language can make some members feel superior or more important than others, and it can lead to division and lack of cohesion. Using language that includes “together” and emphasizes collaboration and cooperation can promote unity and a sense of belonging among community members. This language can help clarify that the community is working towards common goals while creating a more inclusive and equitable community where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected.

The City will begin phasing out the Highland Park Strong language and logo over the next few weeks, replacing it with a new logo and updated information. The City is grateful to graphic designer Allaina Humphreys of Free Wheelin’ Design, who created the Fuerza Highland Park Strong logo. Her artwork will be archived on the City’s website as part of our resiliency journey. However, moving forward, the City will transition to using Together Highland Park Unidos.

Community members may use the Together Highland Park Unidos logo for personal use. The City recognizes that individuals may use the logo for items they are selling as fundraisers; please know that the City is not affiliated with these sellers. The City requests that individuals who sell items with the logo clearly disclose that the product is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the City of Highland Park.

The artwork files are made available as-is at cityhpil.com/togetherhp. Please note that City staff are not able to assist with design work or related troubleshooting.

Community members are strongly discouraged from creating these types of items. Although we recognize that this comes from a desire to honor the memory of the victims, each family is grieving in their own unique way. Stumbling across yard signs, placards, social media graphics, or other items using their family members’ names or likenesses can be traumatizing. Additionally, victims of the shooting represent different religious and cultural traditions. What is respectful or meaningful for the person creating the item might not be perceived the same way in the family’s traditions.

Instead, the City recommends using the Together Highland Park Unidos artwork. 

By all using this artwork, we will not only ensure appropriate respect for victims’ grieving family members, but we will also demonstrate community unity.

It’s not appropriate to re-post or create a design using a photograph of a victim, even if a member of their family has posted it. It is not appropriate to save an image from a public post and write your own commentary to create a new post.

The City recognizes that the arts are beneficial for many in navigating traumatic situations. Artists are encouraged to consider the guidelines above carefully, and in particular the notes regarding use of victims’ names or likenesses. Victims’ family members have expressed that seeing names or images (photographic or illustrated) of their loved ones can be re-traumatizing.

The City is not able to connect individuals with victims’ family members.

The OVC advises that for any memorial activity, including artwork and memorials, it is important to ensure that community members have the ability to “opt-in.” This is because individuals experience trauma and resiliency in different ways: what is helpful to one person may be harmful to another. It is the City’s responsibility to manage the differing needs in our community by sharing information to empower others to plan their own activities, such as art projects or programming, with a view towards the heightened sensitivity such an incident requires.

Some commonly reported concerns to consider include:

• Victims’ family members have shared that photography and videography of the incident are very disturbing. This media, or artistic interpretations of it, has been used in artwork shared with the City.
• Survivors have noted that photos and footage of personal belongings lining the parade route are uncomfortable to look at.
• Some victims’ family members have shared that they are uncomfortable with the usage of their loved one’s name or likeness.
• Community members have found bright orange (derived from #WearOrange anti-gun violence efforts) to be re-traumatizing because it is so widely associated with the impacts of gun violence.