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Detroit students speak out against gun violence at 'Hugs, Not Bullets'

Michigan Chronicle - 12/29/2017

Students from Cass Tech High, Osborn High, Henderson Academy and Burns Elementary were asked who knew of a family member or friend that was a victim of gun violence in the city. Nearly everyone in the group raised their hand, as the audience at Detroit Public Safety Headquarters gasped.

The students gathered to take part in the 14th annual "Hugs, Not Bullets" campaign, put on by the Neighborhood Service Organization Youth Initiatives Project. Cass Tech sophomore Dariane Vesey was the guest speaker, raising awareness on gun violence among youth in America.

"The issue our city and country faces with gun violence is very detrimental, not only to the future of our community, but more specifically, the future of our youth," said Vesey. "The largest mass shootings are a part of our very recent history. They have occurred in churches, nightclubs and at colleges. This leaves people, especially children, scared of what may take place in the near future."

Vesey is no stranger to having a peer's life taken by gun violence. Last year after Cass Tech's homecoming, 16-year-old Forest was shot and killed at an after party at Steve's Soul Food. Monday night, former Cass Tech basketball player Terronnie Cook's life was taken by gun violence. He had just graduated in June. Gun violence not only affects the victims, but those who knew them as well, as they have to live with that pain.

"Gun violence can mentally scar adults and children," Vesey said. "I was proud of administration at my school because they comforted all of us during that rough period. Our staff and teachers made a safe place for us to have an open dialogue, instead of ignoring or not speaking about what happened."

The "Hugs, Not Bullets" campaign focuses on student-led activities that involve community and classroom workshops on gun violence, celebratory gunfire, bullying and gang activity. YIP Youth Leaders work with schools to engage students on the importance of conflict resolution and productive ways to settle disputes. The campaign also involves the distribution of trigger locks and gun safety brochures throughout the community.

Frank McGhee is the director of the NSO YPI, and is proud of the work his young leaders are doing in the community against gun violence, to help ensure their future is safe. It is he only program at the NSO that was started by the consumers themselves.

"The 'Hugs, Not Bullets' campaign was formed to wrap ourselves around the future of our city," he said. "We need to continue to invest in these types of programs so that these young people can go about the business of being leaders. We need more leaders, and these people are on the right path."

The campaign was a perfect time for Detroit Police Department Chief James Craig to address some of the city's youth on gun violence, after the shooting at Noel Night on Saturday. Four teens were wounded. The incident stemmed from a previous argument between students at the Detroit Public School League city football championship game at Ford Field in October. A 16-year-old was arrested.

"That one incident should not define the city of Detroit," Craig said. "Should we stop doing the things that we usually do, like celebrating Noel Night? Of course not."

"These young people, the future leaders of the city of Detroit, we fight for them. So for them to stand up here and stand up to gun violence in their city is courageous. We have shown strides in reducing the violence, and it's important that the youth be involved in that process as well.

The NSO YIP is designed to encourage youth activism toward preventing gun violence and substance abuse in our communities. YIP's training and technical assistance provide youth leaders with the skills to plan and organize activities to make their neighborhoods safer and propel other young people toward success. Many YIP-trained peer educators are emerging leaders in the community, making a positive impact on young lives.

Vesey is a peer educator and has plans on becoming a doctor. She spoke on the connection between her future career and gun violence, and what she has done to impact the non-violence movement among her peers.

"According to CNN, hospitalization from gun wounds cost $700 million a year," Vesey said. "This news shocks me. Hospitals are being affected too because they must use and buy more medical supplies to fix the mistake of others.

"I've continued to spread the word on gun violence to my friends and peers. I've tried to speak to different schools as well as on social media. I usually just post short messages on my Snap Chat about gun violence, and ask my friends to share it."

Last year, YIP youth-led awareness campaigns impacted and inspired more than 5,000 young people, and nearly 150 young people found summer employment through YIP referrals. After the event was over, Craig was so impressed with Vesey's leadership that he offered her an internship with his media relations team.