August Peace Table in Humboldt Park

Union Star Missionary Baptist Church in Humboldt Park hosted our second Peace Table gathering. It was intentionally a smaller group of clergy and high risk youth, with about 40 youth and 30 clergy and CeaseFire workers.

There was a frank discussion of perceived urban myths, or things people often say or assume about youth violence that are not true.

One youth commented, “We’re not all gang-bangers,” and another lamented that he cannot walk down the street with a group of friends without being hassled by the police. There is the perception that any group of young black teens is a threat. Also the fear that increased police presence – that “community policing” as it is currently practiced – places everyone on edge. For the youth, many neighborhoods feel at times like occupied territories.

This distrust extends to CeaseFire. One persistent myth is that CeaseFire works for the police. That’s not true. CeaseFire is neutral in their efforts to interrupt violence – to convince youth that retaliation is not the answer. When violence escalates, everyone loses.

Union Star were great hosts. Associate Pastor Collier Baggett shared from her own experience on the streets with violence before she found faith. Sadly, like so many in Humboldt Park, she continues to live with this violence. Her grandson Jimmel Cannon was recently shot eight times by police, who allege he threatened them with a BB gun. Once again, Sister Baggett called for peace (not retaliation), urged parents to get more involved in the lives of their children, and exhorted all involved (youth, families, clergy, police) to work together to rebuild communities of trust.

More event photos on Facebook.