Alderman Won't Block Street Party Co-Sponsored By 'Chiraq' Director

CHICAGO (AP) -- A Chicago alderman has signed on to an annual block party sponsored by a Roman Catholic church despite the pastor's support of movie director Spike Lee and his new, controversially titled film.

Earlier this week, Ald. David Moore said he opposed the permit because of the adverse economic impact the title of Lee's upcoming movie, "Chiraq," may have on his 17th Ward. A casting call for the movie on black-on-black violence was held at the church. Lee and the movie's cast are co-sponsors of the party.

In a statement Friday, Moore said he decided to sign the permit after talking to the church's neighbors and finding they support the event.

St. Sabina's pastor, activist priest Michael Pfleger, had said the party would go on even without a city permit. Pfleger added he was amazed by the negativity over the movie's title, a blend of "Chicago" and war-torn "Iraq." He has said people should be more riled up about the violence on Chicago streets.