The Fourth of July long weekend is a time for celebration and coming together with loved ones. However, for the city of Chicago, this holiday weekend has been marred by a wave of violence that has left 11 people dead and 55 injured by late Friday afternoon. This is a tragic and heartbreaking reality that we must address as a community.
One of the most devastating incidents occurred on the morning of July 4th, when a house on the 7100 block of South Woodlawn was targeted in a brutal attack. Three people, including an 8-year-old child, lost their lives and two other children were critically wounded. This senseless act of violence has left a community in mourning and has once again brought attention to the ongoing issue of gun violence in our city.
In the midst of this tragedy, there are individuals and groups who are working tirelessly to make a positive impact in their communities. One such group is Operation Neighborhood Safety (ONS), a small but dedicated group of mothers, fathers, uncles, and brothers who hit the streets every day to protect their community. They understand the importance of taking action and being a positive presence in their neighborhoods.
Former Chicago Police Officer Matt Brandon, a member of ONS, emphasizes the importance of being the faces that respond to these incidents. He states, “The people who live in the community, they know us. They see us. They believe in us.” This level of trust and connection is crucial in creating a safer and more united community.
However, ONS also recognizes that the world we live in today is vastly different from the one they grew up in. Organized gangs have now splintered into factions and are more violent than ever. Brandon explains that traditional street gangs no longer exist, and now a “gang” can simply be a group of people who don’t like another group. This shift in gang dynamics has contributed to the increase in violence in our city.
Moreover, the violence is often fueled by threats and taunts made on social media. This is a disturbing trend that highlights the need for better communication and understanding within our communities. We must work together to address the root causes of this violence and find ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
In response to the recent surge in violence, Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement expressing his condolences to the families and communities affected. He also promised to increase police presence and set up an emergency services assistance center at Fosco Park. While these measures are necessary, ONS believes that there is a lack of understanding at City Hall about the needs of their community. As Binion states, “The mayor ain’t living what we live.”
The group also questions the usefulness of crime statistics, which show a decrease in homicides from January to June compared to the same period last year. While this may seem like a positive trend, it does not negate the impact of one tragic incident on a community. As Brandon points out, “That doesn’t really matter to the communities where one incident like this makes all that null and void.”
Despite the challenges and setbacks, there are still glimmers of hope and success stories within these communities. ONS member Sam Binion shares the story of George Reed, a former inmate who turned his life around with the help of the group. Reed now owns a landscaping business and employs at-risk youth from the neighborhood. He states, “I am just trying to keep the kids out of trouble because it was hard for me.” These small but significant steps towards positive change are what give ONS and other community groups the motivation to keep fighting for a safer and better future for their neighborhoods.
In the face of such senseless violence, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. However, we must remember that change starts with us, within our own communities. We must come together, support each other, and take action to address the root causes of violence. Let us not forget the lives lost and the families affected by this tragic weekend in Chicago. Let us honor their memory by working towards a safer and more united city for all.
