Harper Funeral

A principal reflects on a turbulent year: 27 current or former students shot, 8 of them dead.

2013 / Linda Lutton / WBEZ, Chicago, USA

A principal reflects on a turbulent year: 27 current or former students shot, 8 of them dead.

The weight of Chicago's struggle with violence falls heavier on some than on others. One person shouldering more than her share is the principal of Harper High School in Chicago's South Side Englewood neighborhood.

Harper Funeral was produced for WBEZ-FM by education reporter Linda Lutton, and edited by Cate Cahan. Lutton discusses reporting from Harper, and her evolving relationship with that community, Behind the Scenes.

The story recently inspired two This American Life episodes.


Photos by Bill Healy.


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