LAKEVIEW — A national free speech group is giving away 1,791 free Chicago-style hot dogs in Lakeview Wednesday to celebrate the First Amendment’s 1791 passage.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression will give away the hot dogs beginning 11 a.m. Wednesday at Clark Street Dog, 3040 N. Clark St.
The giveaway is part of the foundation’s $3.2 million expansion into Chicago to raise awareness and support for free speech, according to an announcement.
The foundation has gained both support and criticism for its free-speech advocacy on college campuses. It also has faced scrutiny over its funding, some of which comes from conservative groups such as the Charles G. Koch Foundation.
The campaign in Chicago will include $1.4 million in pro-free speech TV ads on NBC Sports Chicago, WBBM-TV, WMAQ-TV, WLS-TV, WFLD-TV and streaming platforms, according to the organization.
“Chicago has long been a hotbed of free speech advocacy and activism, and serves as a model for the whole country on how we can disagree without being disagreeable,” said Daniel Burnett, senior director of communications for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.
The foundation will also have radio ads on seven stations, 49 billboards across the city, 100 posters throughout Metra stations, a digital takeover at Ogilvie Station and an ad takeover inside Midway International Airport.
The ads will run through Aug. 6 and include stories about free speech around the world and anti-censorship activists Keshia Thomas and KJ Lynum.
“We’re excited to celebrate by giving away free Chicago dogs with a side of free speech — just hold the ketchup,” Burnett said.
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