AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/violence/)
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.
The #100blocks100churches campaign continues this summer throughout the West Side. Every Wednesday night at 6 p.m., the faith-based community takes a stand to end violence in Chicago’s neighborhoods by joining together and wearing red.
The Chicago Police Department and Austin mental health professionals will lead a two-part discussion on June 4 and 11. The public’s input is being sought to help shape a plan for addressing Chicago youth’s exposure to traumatic events.
State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford and the leader of the UIC Great Cities Institute will stand alongside victims of violence this morning to offer solutions.