CHICAGO (WLS) — Hundreds of students turned out as the community came together to prevent gun violence. Strides for Peace held its third annual Gun Violence Prevention Expo Thursday on Chicago’s Near West Side. Organizations supporting young people in the city promoted solutions to violence. They also celebrated those on a mission for peace who are helping to build a better Chicago. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch The Chicago nonprofit hosted the free expo at the UIC Forum, looking to unite youth and the community in an effort to stop the violence. Expo attendee Deonte McClinton, 18, is looking for ways he can make a difference especially after his younger cousin was shot and killed. “I just want the best for us kids to be able to go to higher schools and stay out of trouble and keep away from guns,” McClinton said. The Chicago Bulls College Prep senior is among the more than 500 students from across the city who attended this year’s Strides for Peace Gun Violence Prevention Expo. The forum looks to encourage partnerships, connecting neighborhoods and equipping people with strategies to promote peace in their communities. Now in its third year, the theme of the event was “bridging divides, building safter futures.” It is hosted by the not-for-profit organization Strides for Peace, whose mission is to create unity for lasting change and safer neighborhoods. “In a time, particularly recently, when young people are discouraged and almost demonized, we’re showing a different side of them young people who are seeking resources were young people to go to school and being the best that they can be and contributing to safe communities,” Strides for Peace board member Chris Patterson said. SEE ALSO | Stop the violence: Chicago youth programs, resources Over two dozen community based organizations also participated in a pop resource booth. “We’re doing a great thing across the CPS district,” Chicago Public Schools restorative justice specialist Jasmine Sullivan said. “And we want people to know we are here, that we love them, that they are valued that they are appreciated that you matter.” For the first time ever, the expo honored local faith and community leaders and others with their **CHAMPION OF HOPE** award. Social media influencer Korporate was one of several recipients acknowledged for their efforts to contribute to making neighborhoods safe. “Whether blessing with something putting something on my spirit or enhancing my thought process, so to grow up and be in a position where I’m doing the same for others people is actually a dream come true for me,” Korporate said. The expo, in collaboration with Kids First Chicago, also offered parent-focused information to help support families. Organizers say they believe they are making a difference as they make an effort to bridge the gap and put an end to the violence. Strides for Peace honored ABC7’s Evelyn Holmes with its inaugural “Champion of Hope Award.” She’s receiving it for going above and beyond her commitment to create safer, stronger and more equitable communities.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-violence-prevention-strides-peace-holds-annual-gun-expo-kids-first-uic-forum/18182580/
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