AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/violence/)
An online, interactive exhibit called The Sisterhood explores ideas of grief, justice and healing through photographs and vignettes written by mothers who have lost a son to gun violence. The stories of 11 Chicago area women are shared in the free exhibit created by Unsilence.
No questions will be asked at the Aug. 8 event at Hope Community Church, 5900 W. Iowa. People who turn in a gan will receive $100, while those who bring a BB gun, air gun and replicas will be given $10 per weapon.
Free screening and linkage to care is available at the Westside Community Triage and Wellness Center (WCTWC) at 4133 W. Madison. Walk-ins are welcome, or residents can call the 24-hour crisis line at (773) 745-2610. “If people are feeling sad, depressed or hurt I urge them to take advantage of the free mental health support,” said state Rep. La Shawn Ford.
People gathered for a rally to remember a toddler and 13-year-old who were killed in separate shootings over the weekend in Austin. They were two of more than 100 people injured or killed in shootings in Chicago over Father’s Day weekend. Faith leaders and community groups are offering a $13,000 reward for information leading to the person who killed 3-year-old Mekhi James.
All are invited to gather at 1 p.m. June 4 at the former Emmet School, at the corner of Madison and Central, to pray and organize. Each of us is needed to restore justice and peace; rebuild West Side businesses; reduce violence and COVID-19; and strengthen relationships. Thursday’s event is sponsored by the Westside Health Authority, state Rep. La Shawn Ford, Alds. Chris Taliaferro and Emma Mitts, and faith-based leaders.
Raheem Cooper-Thomas, Cortez Watson Jr., Chukwuka John Okafo and Herb Howard have these questions on their minds: When do we fight back? How and when do we seek justice for all the lives lost? And when will we have any opportunity in this country?
Michele Clark Academic Prep Magnet High School has organized a classic vehicle parade that kicks off at 11 a.m. May 23. To promote life, uplift the human spirit, champion physical safety and support mental health, Saturday’s parade is the culminating event in the high school’s unity week.
The free event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Chicago Public Schools’ Network 3 office, 5101 W. Harrison St.
One of the experts featured in “FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence” is Jermaine Harris, a community policing sergeant in the Chicago Department’s 15th District, who talks about using social justice as a means of supporting the Austin community. The series launches Nov. 12 on WTTW.
State Rep. La Shawn Ford is serving chairman of the Illinois House Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, which will review the issue of gun violence and make recommendations designed to reduce violence.