Churches and neighborhoods across Chicagoland are helping some Chicago Public Schools students prepare for a fresh start to the upcoming school year. Parents and students are praying that this school year will be a particularly safe one.
Churches and neighborhoods across Chicagoland are helping some Chicago Public Schools students prepare for a fresh start to the upcoming school year. Parents and students are praying that this school year will be a particularly safe one.
Unfortunately, last year, violence struck nearly 300 residents, with 105 between the ages of 14 to 25 years old.
On Saturday, Pfleger held the 2nd Annual Family Peace Jam and Back to School Rally. The afternoon was filled with an atmosphere of celebration and high praise with hopes of helping students become empowered and confident as they return to classrooms.
“We need to focus on them,” Pfleger said. “Our children feel left out here in the streets. They have to know that the churches and the community are standing with them. We want to be the safety net for our children … we are all here in peace,” said the community activist.
The spirited celebration drew parents, community and church members along with top local officials including public schools CEO Ron Huberman, Chicago police Supt. Jodi Weiss, state Rep. Jackie Collins and Dr. Carol Adams.
______
To read the rest of this article, subscribe to our digital or paper edition. For previous editions, contact us for details.
Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
