Salute to The Neighborhood House for their effort to bring awareness to gun violence in Milwaukee!

http://fox6now.com/2014/02/22/teens-at-the-neighborhood-house-work-to-end-gun-violence/

The Neighborhood house held a teen community forum: Gun Prevention Summit on Feb.22. The teens, under the supervision of Teen Program Coordinator James Austin, organized this event, after a recent shooting in their neighborhood.

The group of teenagers danced and preformed a skit depicting a real-life conflict and how quickly and easily it can escalate into gun violence.

The hostess of the event Maya McCullough explained the purpose of the skit to Fox6 News, “It will help make a picture in their minds so they can actually see what might go on at a scene of a shooting so they can connect in that way,”.  She explained that the goal was to; “To spread awareness of gun violence in Milwaukee, because people need to understand they have the power to stop it in their community.”

Guest speakers included several officers from district 3 and Mayor Tom Barret who spoke of statistics and making the right choices.

More moving and memorable, were the guest speakers who shared there own personal experiences.

A young man talked about how a trip to the gas station turned deadly for his uncle due to gun violence. He went on to preform a song he wrote, with the lyrics "I know we'll meet again... someday we'll meet again." and "If I die mama don't cry...we'll meet again."with so much emotion and conviction that I was deeply moved.

An amazing, inspiring, young woman spoke of having been shot in her face and upper chest with a shotgun. An innocent woman minding her own business in her own home. This beautiful woman spoke of how she felt so ugly for so long because of the physical and emotional scars that she was left with. She has since graduated with a bachelors degree and has 3 children with one about to enter college. Her attacker was recently released from prison. She said she used to fear running into him but she no longer does and that she has no hate towards him.

Program director Jame Austin talked about the "no- snitching rule" and encouraged young people to stand up and say something about gun violence.

Everyone was encouraged to Take the Pledge!

"I am a citizen of the city of Milwaukee. This is my home Gun violence nor violence of any kind is welcome here. I vow NEVER be a participant in any activity that will cause harm to myself, my family or my community. I will report it. This is my home. I take this pledge in honor of those who have lost their lives and to cherish the lives of those who are still living."

Topping off the event was a live performance by a local rapper Quintes "Que" Austin who gained national recognition for his anti-bullying song "Can't keep running away". Quintes has since appeared in Ebony, Jet, Billboard and on BET. Among other songs Quintes preformed S.T.O.P.



Props to the Neighborhood center and everyone who participated!

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/musicandnightlife/124028034.html
http://fox6now.com/2014/02/22/teens-at-the-neighborhood-house-work-to-end-gun-violence/
http://nhmilw.wordpress.com/