Published on 07/31/2008

Speak Out: What is needed to stop youth violence?

Many young people showed up and spoke out against violence during a youth peace rally held July 22 in Market Square, Downtown. They expressed their beliefs and opinions on what should be done to stop violence among the city’s youth. Here’s what they said:

“Young people need to stay around positive people that love and support you and do good things in and around your community”
Saeed, 14
Lincoln area

“Schools and the community need to be more committed and involved in our lives.”
Cashee, 14
Rally dancer
East End

“We want peace! Violence should be stopped!”
Kausar, 11
East Liberty

JASMINE

“It’s important for the people who don’t like each other to sit down and talk about their problems and what’s really wrong.”
Jasmine, 13
North Side

“Add more camera (surveillance) and more protection at schools and on the streets.”
Michael, 13
Northview Heights

“Time heals all things and in time, I believe, we will see peace in our streets.”
Fletcher, 13
Honorary rally emcee
Hill District

(Compiled by Asia M. Howell. Photos by J. L. Martello.)