Working To Reduce Gang Violence

Rev. Leon Kelly and Brother Jeff Detail Local Efforts During Monthly GPHC Meeting

The Rev. Leon Kelly and Jeff Fard, known as Brother Jeff, delivered a presentation at the June GPHC, Inc. meeting about the work they are doing with different community organizations in Park Hill to reduce gang activity.

Fard noted the gang issue is not a new one in the neighborhood. Gangs endure generation to generation and members seek to attract young members. Outreach programs include former gang members who understand gang dynamics better than anyone.

Fard and Kelly noted several myths and misconceptions about gangs, including that young people join them because of a lack of employment. Many young people join gangs, Kelly said, as replacements for family and become places where they feel they belong and provide a sense of stability and validation. Many join up when they are just 11 or 12 years old. Building inter-institutional efforts between community organizations to give children spaces and activities where they can feel safe and cherished is critical, he said.

Fard and Kelly are implementing inter-institutional activities designed to reach at-risk children before they start having troubles with the law and even before they join gangs. One of these programs is “Safe Summer Safe Holly” at 33rd and Holly Street – the former site of many violent gang turf wars.  Community groups, including neighborhood associations, faith based organizations, law enforcement, schools, businesses and individuals, have joined to significantly reduce violence there and make it a safe place for children. Other area organizations that have teamed up include the Hiawatha Davis Rec Center, Boys and Girls Club on Holly, Pauline Robinson Library and Hope Center for Adults.

One activity is a “Friday 6 PM,” during which young men and women ages 12 to 17 gather to enjoy free food, games and movies in a safe space. Teens also receive guidance and hear success stories. Fard urged more individuals to develop positive relationships with young people, which lowers the chances that they will join a gang.

For more information about these and other programs go to www.brotherjeff.com and http://opendooryouth.org/                                       — By Janis Carrasquel Hernández