Chicago faith and youth leaders are taking back their streets and planning their own version of a teen takeover.
It’s all to prevent the dangerous trend that caused chaos in the city over the holiday weekend.
The leaders told NBC Chicago they’re trying to draw in as many teenagers as they can, get them to do the right thing, and to avoid gatherings that have escalated to violence at city beaches, including 57th Street Beach on Memorial Day.
They said the goal is to expose them to programs, mentorships and a different way of life, starting with their faith.
“We have to do something to try to stop this and show them something better,” said Pastor John Hannah of New Life Covenant Church Southwest.
Hannah is calling on parents, youth groups, and teens to join him for a 12-hour prayer session on June 12. He believes it will pay off.
“I seen the changes in some teenagers. I was a juvenile probation officer before I was a pastor, so I know what it takes to capture some of these young people and a lot of it is exposure. When you put them in a different environment you get different results,” he explained.
He said social media and the lack of parental guidance are fueling the trend. Marshawn Jackson graduated from Perspectives High School Wednesday afternoon and questions the actions of some of his peers.
“Sometimes I see my friends and I’m like, ‘What are you doing? Why are we out there?’ It’s just sometimes really sad,” said Jackson. “I think people just do it because they’re bored. I think sometimes people do it to feed other people’s drama.”
Youth leaders at St. Sabina Church are preparing for their peace takeover in response to the larger gatherings.
“It spreads a message of peace. I mean it works in this neighborhood. The marches at St. Sabina every Friday in the summertime, violence decrease, young people get involved,” said Lamar Johnson, violence prevention coordinator and brave youth leader at St. Sabina Church.
The annual anti-violence summer event will feature Chance the Rapper as they rally and march through the streets to bring programs, resources and jobs to the community.
“I know that our Friday night walks in the summertime have made a difference,” said Father Michael Pfleger with St. Sabina Church. “We’ve had people that used to sell drugs that are in jobs now from last summer.”
While Pfleger said accountability starts at home, he and other elected leaders know it takes a village to address the problem.
“We must continue to make critical investments that help build healthy, whole and safe communities throughout Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We know that when we step up for our young people, we can make real progress, and we are continuing to push our city forward.”
The peace takeover is at 7 p.m. on June 5. The 12-hour prayer session is scheduled for 4 p.m. on June 12 at the House of Hope.
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