Chicago: America's Own Warzone

While most around the nation were celebrating Father's Day weekend showering our beloved dads with gifts and plumping them up with cook outs and lavish dinners, the city of Chicago was once again under attack by its own citizens.  This past weekend alone, there were over 26 shooting incidents that resulted in 7 fatalities. Think that number sounds insane? Consider this. During the same weekend last year there were 15 fatalities, making this year's rampage a drop from last year's according to Chicago's Police Department spokesman, Adam Collins.

It is no secret that the city of Chicago, a once revered metropolis is under a lot of pressure lately. From the nationally covered teacher's strike to growing budget concerns, the city is steadily facing insurmountable challenges that hurt curbing the violence that is crippling Chicago's south and west sides. According to the Chicago Reporter, nearly 80% of the city's youth homicides occurred in 22 majority black or latino neighborhoods though they make up just one third of Chicago's population. 

The real question is what can be done to curtail the violence that plagues many minority American neighborhoods that are just like Chicago? Cities and towns all across the nation are facing similar events like Chitown's, but fail to receive the national attention. The escalation of violence both in Chicago and elsewhere forces us to recognize that the root of the problem has yet to be addressed.  Countless marches, vigils, and speeches have been attributed to the issue but little action has been put into place to ensure that we do our best to offer our children a chance at a life free from violence. 

Community efforts are paramount to rebuilding and revitalizing our youth. We must reach them while they are young, provide them with options and alternatives to their daily existence, and more importantly, avidly discourage glamorized lifestyles that are often dangerous and destructive. Depending on politicians has proven to be fruitless and only seem to provide them with more talking points. Communities must look to save themselves by ramping up the old school grassroots efforts that were at their peak during the Civil Rights movement. These include youth programs offered my churches, mentoring programs, and reopening community centers that offer educational and vocational opportunities in a safe environment. 

What do you think needs to be done to help with violence in our communities?