One hundred kids, age 17 and under, have been shot in Milwaukee, the first 7 months of this year. Of that total thirteen have died. This past weekend two kids were shot within 12 hours of each other. First a 14-year-old girl was shot and then a little later a 11-year-old boy shot a 7-year-old boy after they were playing with a gun they found. One group is trying to change all of this. The United Neighborhood Center of Milwaukee is giving away gun locks. They are free for anyone who asks. Renee Logee, the executive director of United Neighborhood Center of Milwaukee, states “gun locks can save lives.” She continues “this is really an important tool in reducing these accidental shootings with children.” They are giving out 1000-gun locks at this time. The last two kids found an unsecured gun in their home and started playing with it. The 11-year-old ended up shooting the 7-year-old. Logee continues “this is heart breaking but we can do something about this.” “No one ever thinks it is going to happen to them that’s why it’s called an accident”. Her organization is partnering with the city of Milwaukee and the Office of Violence Prevention to give out the locks. Just walk up and ask for a lock without any questions. They are free and available at 10 locations throughout the city.
Recently a news conference was held at Sherman Park to address the violence occurring within the youth of Milwaukee. Mothers in attendance stated they want to see a change in how violence is addressed. One lady in attendance runs a support group for children experiencing danger or loss from violence. She sees herself as a voice for Black mothers. Also in attendance were Sheriff Denita Ball, Police Chief Jeffery Norman, and County Board Supervisor Felesia Martin. The common theme was that parents need to take more responsibility for their children. This is especially important when kids are exposed to gang violence. They have a commitment to keep kids safe, but they stated it starts at home. Chief Norman again stated this cannot be done with first responders alone. Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Supervisor Martin talked about how much Sherman Park has changed over the past several years. Social media is affecting our youth. Another suggestion stated that the faith-based community needs to step up and help out. James Barnett, Director of Public Relations for the Milwaukee Sheriff’s Department, talked about the app Atlas One. It allows citizens to make anonymous tips about crime, even if they just suspect something. It is available for all smart phones. It can help authorities stay on top of threats.
Some of our hottest days are coming up with lots of activities going on throughout the city. We all need to pull together and try to get a handle wherever we can. You might need to go outside your comfort zone to help. A man in Sherman Park stated he tried to break up an argument among youth in the park. There were a few other adults there but no one else stepped in. Eventually someone was shot and seriously injured. As adults we need to set an example for the youth, they are watching us.
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