Chicago’s homicide rate is soaring, but unfortunately this is not surprising news. Some point to a lack of summer jobs for youth or a need for stronger work programs for the formerly incarcerated. Others blame weak gun control legislation and the criminalizing of marijuana. It has also been argued that we are living in a “culture of violence” that seems to be promoted by certain music and gaming industries. Still too, the finger has been pointed at the poor trust that African American and Latino communities have for law enforcement. Whichever is the primary reason, together these issues continue to be a breeding ground for contempt and crime.
Let’s get back to focusing on the solutions.
This is a special post for my Chicago peeps and those in the area. Come out and enjoy the screening of two powerful anti-violence documentaries followed by a panel discussion featuring Chicago teens and young adults who offer creative and dynamic strategies to confront the violence in our city.
**19 And A Day
The Life and Times of J-Def, directed by Masequa Myers and produced by Pemon Rami, is the story of a family’s love and tragic loss of their only child. It centers on Jeff Abbey Maldonado, Jr., an aspiring hip hop artist, known as J-DEF, who was de
termined to use his talent and creativity to make a positive change in his Pilsen community and in society. Jeff’s life was taken unceremoniously by a senseless act of gang violence; a culture of which young Jeff vehemently opposed. This docufilm also portrays how the Pilsen Community helped to strengthen Jeff’s family in their darkest hour. It teaches us how we are all responsible for our future by investing in our youth
**On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets
Having a long-standing reputation for gangs and guns, Chicago continues to be one of the nation's leaders in murders. Gun violence is becoming the leading cause of death among young people. They are gunned down on the streets of Chicago on a daily basis. Some have survived the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to lose their lives in Chicago. On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets is a powerful and insightful documentary that takes a close look at the impact that gun violence has on some of Chicago’s most devastated communities. This film, by Derek and David Grace, highlights ordinary people who are taking extraordinary measures to protect their neighborhoods.
**On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets
Having a long-standing reputation for gangs and guns, Chicago continues to be one of the nation's leaders in murders. Gun violence is becoming the leading cause of death among young people. They are gunned down on the streets of Chicago on a daily basis. Some have survived the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, only to lose their lives in Chicago. On the Frontline: Taking Back Our Streets is a powerful and insightful documentary that takes a close look at the impact that gun violence has on some of Chicago’s most devastated communities. This film, by Derek and David Grace, highlights ordinary people who are taking extraordinary measures to protect their neighborhoods.
Sunday, October 7th, 2012
2-4 PM
DuSable Museum of African American History
740 East 56th Place
Chicago, Illinois 60637
http://www.dusablemuseum.org/events/details/peace-talks-your-hood-your-call
FREE ADMISSION
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