Referred by Sandra Campbell

Reprint from Chttps://www.audacy.com/wbbm780 Craig Dellimore

Mid-Day from City Hall, 9-5

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — While police prepare for potential crowds of teenagers in downtown Chicago, some Black community leaders say city government ought to be thinking about resolving the issues driving their anger. Shannon Bennett, director of the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, says the city treats rambunctious crowds at Lollapalooza differently than it does groups of African-American teenagers.

Assata Lewis, a restorative justice trainer with the group Good Kids Mad City, acknowledges some teens are carrying weapons and making trouble. “Hurt people hurt people,” she says.

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And she says there are a lot of people hurting and angry in disinvested and struggling communities. There are few outlets for that pain, Lewis said.

Her organization and others propose more investment and activities in the neighborhoods.

Jitu Brown. the Chicago-based National Director of the Journey for Justice Alliance, says the group is putting on some three dozen town hall meetings around the country this weekend to address quality-of-life issues in Black communities.

Confronting youth violence is one of them. He says officials must talk to young people and listen to their suggestions.

Youth, violence, and equity are discussed on this weekend’s “At Issue,” which will air at 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Sunday.