Solutions to gun violence often focus on laws, public safety and politics.
However, a group of Chicago teenagers are using their voices to focus on the power of peace.
Stream NBC 5 for free, 24/7, wherever you are.
They held a peace walk in the Bronzeville neighborhood to empower youth, bring community members together and encourage meaningful conversations about violence prevention.
“They are tired of gun violence and losing their friends,” said Marquinn Mcdonald with It Takes a Village Leadership Academy. “They are tired of hearing these gunshots out here. They are tired of the reports.”
The students encouraged people to walk with them and participate in other violence prevention efforts. This summer, they have been researching the root causes of gun violence and are urging the government to take them seriously.
“We want people to know that we care about gun violence, and we did it for self-healing,” said Naseer Jacocartman.
“We just want to make the world a better place and spread peace throughout our area and neighborhoods,” added Naomi Young.