By: Ashmar Mandou

The Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations (ICDHR) and From the Barrio Foundation formed a collaborative initiative, called “Safe Streets” to produce positive solutions and keep youth safe against violence.

“We are tired of talking about the violence, kids killing kids, putting bandages on bullet wounds, statistics, panel discussions, marches, and stand downs,” said Chairman of From the Barrio Foundation and Author of From the Barrio, Robert Renteria. “We are here to provide tools that will help influence the community in a positive way.”

On Wednesday morning, Renteria along with President of ICDHR Michero Washington introduced the initiative during a press conference at the Greater Rock Missionary Baptist Church. Created to help develop anti-violence education, “Safe Streets” will work with youth from neighborhoods ravaged by gang violence by fostering leadership with the help of joint efforts from community groups, churches, and the private sector.

“In order to create and sustain true change, we have to stop talking about the obvious and create and promote viable solutions to address today’s most critical issues,” said Washington. “It is imperative that we all make a commitment to initiate and take advantage of new opportunities to work with our youth in order to gain knowledge and insights on how to improve our communities. This process will help to introduce critical thinking strategies to begin an intentional leadership process for young people in preparation for their futures. This is the time to learn from each other and really apply best practices.”

According to Renteria, both organizations intend to develop grassroots interventions aimed to educate and promote harmony and diversity that transcends race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural divides between the inner city and suburbia. The “Safe Streets” initiative will also develop new ideas and embrace new models for solutions by combining the expertise of both Washington and Renteria.

The partnership formed at a time when gun control is a hot topic issue across the country and a time Renteria said is most critical. “We need to inspire, motivate, and teach teens and at-risk youth how to make better choices in life,” said Renteria. “Our intention is to help people and to address the “now” issues of guns, knives, drugs, needles, and booze,” concluded Renteria.

The Barrio Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to address youth issues through the Barrio Foundation and From the Barrio book series. The organization teaches youth to make better life choices by implementing effective educational tools. ICDHR is a non-profit organization and one of Chicago’s premier civil rights organizations. ICDHR provides programs and services that address conflicts across racial and cultural lines. If you would like to learn more about the “Safe Streets” program, visit www.fromthebarrio.com or www.icdhr.com.