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City RoomTM Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff

Daley Pledges More Police and Programs for Youth Violence
Produced by Linda Lutton on Thursday, October 08, 2009

At a press conference at the south-side arts group Little Black Pearl, Daley said the city needs more afterschool and Saturday programs (WBEZ/Kate Gardiner)

Mayor Richard Daley doesn’t like one plan to curb violence near Fenger High School. That’s where a 16-year-old went to school before he was killed in a mob fight.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson and some parents from the Altgeld Gardens neighborhood say their children are crossing into hostile territory by attending Fenger. They want their kids to be reassigned to nearby Carver Military Academy.

But Daley disagrees.

DALEY: The day that the city of Chicago decides to divide schools by gang territories , that’s the day we’ve given up the city.

Daley says he’ll increase police presence at schools during dismissal and is pledging $1 million from the city’s parking meter lease for youth jobs.

Meanwhile, police superintendent Jody Weis says the number of child killings is down significantly from last year.

KMC, southside/chicago // Friday, October 09, 2009 @ 12:54 PM

I have read through the comments on the different stories regarding youth violence and cuts for CPS and I find myself completely amazed. If i could quit my job and become a mentor to Chicago youth/CPS schools i would. Youth violence is now an epidemic. Our kids aren't properly supported, they are undereducated, and they are exposed to too much to soon. We have become so tied up in our own wants and desires(adults) that we are neglecting the socio-emotional needs of our youth. It saddens me. Children desire guidance and support. Children thrive when they are supported. I would much rather not have any material possessions and instead have all the love and support of my parents, peers, and folks in my community. We have become so self- absorbed, all of us and we've allowed television, music, gaming systems, and the streets to parent and raise our youth. Is it asking too much to really love your kids and be there for them as a parent? Is it asking too much for parents to regulate in a more strict fashion their child's comings and goings and the company they select as friends? Why aren't we out rallying to get the social programs, i.e. park district programs back in our communities? Why aren't we being responsible as adults for not only our on child/children but others that we come accross. Our kids have no respect for one another because we show them everyday by our non-action that we have no respect for them. They don't love one another or themselves because we don't show and give them enough love. Things aren't love! It may not be your child today but it could very easily be tomorrow. I don't have children but i care about my neighbors kids, my colleagues children, city youth in general. I'm tired of waking up in the a.m. and listening to the morning news and hearing about Chgo. youths being slain. I'm tired of ending my days this way. Aren't you? Self-destruction. We have to start doing things differently. We have to rally for what we should have. We have to care about one another.