Chicago Violence
Violence in Chicago
The truth of the matter is that Chicago is in a crisis and has been for some time now. There are some great people and great organizations who are trying to end the violence in Chicago, but it hasn’t been enough. More actions need to be taken by the higher authority in order to make this beautiful city a safe one. Just between 2011 and 2012, crime rates in Chicago rose a staggering 38 percent (The New York Times). It is apparent that not enough action is being taken to protect the lives of civilians roaming our beautiful city.
As we waited on the corner for our bus, my head started rumbling with thoughts: thoughts of anger, thoughts of sorrow, and thoughts of hope. After leaving Precious Blood, I was in utter disbelief for what I had just heard has never occurred to me living in my little safe suburb of Chicago.
I reluctantly woke up at 7am that morning and commuted to DePaul University for my Discover Chicago class. This class focuses on visiting communities and people who are attempting to eradicate the reputation of violence in Chicago and ultimately save lives. Today’s agenda had us visiting the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in a dangerous South Side Chicago neighborhood called Back of the Yards. This neighborhood borders Englewood Chicago which is infamous for its crime rates
We first spoke to Father David Kelly, who runs the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Father Kelly dedicates his life to his cause; which is to turn around the lives of those who lack opportunities for success and settle for violence. He works with many gang members who are trying to turn their lives around. Father Kelly has had much success with his cause. At the ministry he provides a safe haven for people to get off the dangerous streets and maybe acquire some tutoring, or participate in extracurricular activities. It really moved me hearing him speak and seeing how he dedicates his life to bettering human
The truth of the matter is that Chicago is in a crisis and has been for some time now. There are some great people and great organizations who are trying to end the violence in Chicago, but it hasn’t been enough. More actions need to be taken by the higher authority in order to make this beautiful city a safe one. Just between 2011 and 2012, crime rates in Chicago rose a staggering 38 percent (The New York Times). It is apparent that not enough action is being taken to protect the lives of civilians roaming our beautiful city.
As we waited on the corner for our bus, my head started rumbling with thoughts: thoughts of anger, thoughts of sorrow, and thoughts of hope. After leaving Precious Blood, I was in utter disbelief for what I had just heard has never occurred to me living in my little safe suburb of Chicago.
I reluctantly woke up at 7am that morning and commuted to DePaul University for my Discover Chicago class. This class focuses on visiting communities and people who are attempting to eradicate the reputation of violence in Chicago and ultimately save lives. Today’s agenda had us visiting the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in a dangerous South Side Chicago neighborhood called Back of the Yards. This neighborhood borders Englewood Chicago which is infamous for its crime rates
We first spoke to Father David Kelly, who runs the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Father Kelly dedicates his life to his cause; which is to turn around the lives of those who lack opportunities for success and settle for violence. He works with many gang members who are trying to turn their lives around. Father Kelly has had much success with his cause. At the ministry he provides a safe haven for people to get off the dangerous streets and maybe acquire some tutoring, or participate in extracurricular activities. It really moved me hearing him speak and seeing how he dedicates his life to bettering human