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* But they need more help…

When Tamar Manasseh formed Mothers Against Senseless Killings to patrol the neighborhood after a murder in the 7500 block of South Stewart last month, she hoped to stop any retaliatory violence.

So far, in the five weeks since a man opened fire on three women on June 23, killing 34-year-old Lucille Barnes, there have been no shootings on the block or on the 7500 block of South Harvard where the patrols have also been set up, according to a DNAinfo Chicago map of shootings in the city. […]

But Manasseh, who makes the trek daily from her home in Bronzeville to the neighborhood, said her group really needs more people in the area to join the effort, and that recruitment has been difficult.

“Recruiting and getting more volunteers has been quite the challenge,” Manasseh said as she sat on her folding chair on 75th Street and Stewart Avenue, watching over the block, not far from where she used to live at 55th Street and Bishop Avenue.

Right now there are about 15 adult volunteers who have pledged to be out there every day until Labor Day. That’s about the same number the group had when it started a few days after the June shooting.

Click here if you’d like to help.

…Adding… I saw this linked on Twitter yesterday and saw the late July publishing date, but didn’t notice it was from 2015. Oops. Still, it’s a good story.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 12:31 pm

Comments

It seems that these motivated people in Chicago have come up with several ideas that have worked in slowing down the crime rate when the local authorities have not. This is an example of what happens when neighborhood people have had enough. You can only hope it spreads. More power to you and good luck.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 12:48 pm
One comment. Really?

Where are all those people who regularly bemoan the factless claim that nobody ever protests violence in “those” communities?

How about stepping up? How about at least offering a tiny bit of verbal encouragement?

Instead… crickets.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Rich,
This is outstanding. It also goes to the heart of my suggestion from last week - that the criminals are much less inclined to act, if they think they are being watched.
Small indiscreet cameras in home windows monitoring the street (with BIG signs announcing how many cameras are on the block) can also offer those “eyes” that are needed by concerned homeowners. It also lets the “patrols” get some sleep.

Comment by Downstate Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 1:46 pm
@Downstate, I have a different take away. These mothers are not treating folks as criminals, but as youth he need adults. You’ll notice these folks are not armed and watching the community, they are feeding folks.

From a different piece on the same group “Our strategy is food, pure and simple. Even the toughest kid will come out for free food. It’s also strategic because people have to stand around and wait for you to cook. And, while you have them there, you can have meaningful conversations. It works every time.” http://observers.france24.com/en/20150804-chicago-gangs-violence-englewood-mom-patrol

Comment by wndycty Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 2:01 pm
I love this and what this woman has accomplished. Rich, people only like to talk about the “exciting” and dramatic stories of violence in neighborhoods like this one and the one I live in now. There are a lot of people trying to do better and make these communities better, but those stories don’t get much attention because they aren’t very entertaining or don’t make people feel morally superior.

Comment by Hard-working Art Student Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 3:01 pm
This is a good and noble effort, but they should have some official support. Increased police presence, targeted community programs etc.

Comment by downstate hack Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 4:04 pm
There’s been too much blood in the streets, too many pictures of tarps covering bodies, too many innocents shot by accident. Hopefully more of the inner city people affected by the violence will keep coming up with new ideas to stop the cycle of crime. It takes community involvement with the police and that’s not an easy sell. They have to keep trying though. There’s a lot at stake.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 4:32 pm
These grass root organizations are the heart of America’s success. I would love to see this deepen and strengthen.

Government needs to provide a supportive environment but to keep its distance. The goal is to support, not co-opt for some other purpose.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 5:57 pm
We need more Adults like these, and my donation has been made.

Comment by FormerParatrooper Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 9:48 pm
Wonderful people trying to do things to save so many innocent people.

Wow.

Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Aug 1, 16 @ 9:55 pm