Children and Gun Violence

Myleatta Wilson
Senior
Osborn University High School

Children should be protected from gun violence, not affected by it. A child should never be the victim of a bullet or any form of violence whatsoever. But too often on the news, in the daily paper or on the radio we are informed that a child has been the victim of a brutal murder, or grazed by a bullet and bled to death because the intentional victim was the parent. This issue needs to be addressed by everyone.

The safety of our children is important for the success of our future. The children are our future, and as parents and guardians we must instill in them the basic values of life that will ensure them to become responsible law abiding citizens, instead of murderers or criminals. It is important to be aware of what today’s youth are engaged in and to make sure that whatever activity they are engaged in is positive and acceptable.

Neighborhoods should join together in ensuring the safety of youth. Everyone should work together in making neighborhoods safer places to reside in. Schools should take more precautions in the safety of the classrooms of our local schools. We will need the assistance of everyone to change the violence to youth, and with this in mind the world could be a better place for everyone.

Gun Violence

Dimitris Yang
NSO/Youth Initiatives Project


Do guns kill people? Or do people kill people? That is the question that many people ask. Yes, people kill people, but with guns it’s quicker and easier. Gun violence has changed many peoples’ lives because of accidents and murders. I, myself have endured the hardships of the result of gun violence. It’s nothing to joke about and playing with guns really isn’t so fun. No one should fire a gun at anyone, unless that person is a threat to other innocent individuals. Still no one deserves to suffer through death.

Gun violence causes damage and catastrophe to the human society. It wounds, injures and kills millions of people each year. Not only that, but gun violence also brings destruction to buildings and owned property which costs money to repair and replace. Gun violence occurs among gangs which disturb the city and sets the surrounding environment in fear. In many cases, innocent people are often injured or killed in a gun war. Friends and family members then suffer the sorrow of their loss loved one because of this meaningless gun violence.

Children these days become very familiar with gun violence at an early age. They then become very interested in it also and imitate hand gestures. We should encourage parents to not buy such violent games for their children and also encourage them to not let their children watch violent television shows that involve guns. Children should be taught the dangers of gun violence and the outcome of what its effects are. They are the future and in order to make the future brighter and a safer place, we have to start with our younger generation.

New Years is the time where gun shots are fired into the air because the joy it brings to people. Unfortunately, sometimes a bullet may hit a very unlucky someone. That’s why guns shouldn’t be fired during New Years. No one deserves to be hit randomly by a bullet while celebrating the start of a new year. New Years can be celebrated in many different ways instead of gunfire. People should be aware of the consequences of firing a bullet in the air because it puts everyone around them in danger.
In closing, gun violence should be stopped. It really isn’t possible but we may decrease the gun violence around our community by telling others the dangers and outcomes of it. Although stopping gun violence sounds a bit too good to be true, we can all help one another to put it to an end. It may seem like a very ambitious thing to do, but the reward and conclusions are worth more than anything. There is not one person who doesn’t want violence to end. We all do, and together, we can make a difference.

Stop Using Guns

Marvin Hatten
Columbus Middle School

We can end gun violence by not using guns. GUNS KILL! Let's start a petition in the community to end the violence!!

Stopping Gun Violence

Jasmine Mims
Columbus Middle School

We can stop the violence in our community by having more police officers on duty. The police can place individuals in jail who commit crimes. Posters can be placed in our communities, and advertisements in the city paper. If people can get the word out, maybe more people will open their eyes and stop the violence.

Gun Violence Should End

Kevin Adolph
Columbus Middle School

There are some things that we can do to stop gun violence in our community. We can begin by starting a petition, not only in our schools, but around the community. The more signatures we get, the more effort is shown that the gun violence should end.

How To Reduce Gun Violence

Taylor Ellington;
Kijuan Miller;
Jesse Richie; and
Brinique Shorter-Collins
Columbus Middle School Students

-Tell people to stop taking their anger out on the wrong person

-People should not have guns

-Help people tell their feelings and express themselves

-The police should stake out alleys in the neighborhoods

-Stop people from selling guns on the streets
-Encourage the police to crack down and stop gun violence on the streets

-Prepare younger kids to inspire their peers to help end violence

-We can speak and make sure that our voice are heard to make a change

-We can speak out not and not after a death has occurred.

We Need More Street Policing

Bryce Evans
Columbus Middle School

We need to have more police officers patrolling our streets to help end gun violence in our community. As you walk through the streets of Detroit, you see “trap houses” on every corner of each block. All people who sell drugs carry guns which is dangerous to our friends, family and neighbors in the community.

Regarding New Years Eve, I feel that everyone should stay in their basements until the shooting ends. Every day, two out of 10 people across the Metro-Detroit area die from gun fire. Across the world, at least 20 people die every day. So it is time to take a stand and fight back against gun violence.

How To End Gun Violence In Our Community

Niyah Thurmond
Columbus Middle School

Gun violence is causing problems in our community. We can stop the gun violence by speaking up and making a stand and coming up with a program for stopping gun violence in the community. People who have a guns should not use it for violence or just to be using them.

What Can We Do To End Gun Violence?

Shayarra Miller
Columbus Middle School

What Can We Do To End Gun Violence

-Show kids what gun violence can do to them

-Help people solve their problems and get out of the trouble they’re in

-Have people lock up their guns so that everyone can feel safe on New Years Eve, and be happy that they have lived to see the next year

-Stop the violence just for the safety of the children, because when they grow up the only thing they will know is to commit violence in our communities. This includes selling drugs, steeling cars and carrying weapons.

I want to be safe and when I grow up, I want my children to be safe and not scared or committing crimes of violence.

We Can Stop Gun Violence

Regine Stevens
Columbus Middle School

I think that we can stop violence by trying to be on the news. I believe that we can get people to put their guns away on the holiday and stop the violence. I believe that people shoot on New Years Eve because they think its cool. Just because it is New Years Eve does not mean that you should shoot a gun. People in the community could be hit by a stray bullet. Instead of shooting, people should just have parties with their family and friends on New Years Eve.

Gun Violence In Our Community

Sherice Moore
Columbus Middle School

Gun violence is the reason why many of our friends, family and neighbors die. How can we help? We can help by going around knocking on the community resident’s doors, and telling them about the risks of gun violence. We need to ask them not to shoot on New Years Eve and New Years Day. We can also get other people in the community to hang signs and posters that say “No Gun Violence.”

I Will Speak Out!!

Bradley Stokes
Columbus Middle School Student

PEOPLE OF DETROIT, we need to stop shooting on New Years Eve!! People are getting shot from stray bullets. These stray bullets can hit kids, dogs, mothers, fathers, and grandparents.

Why do we shoot in the air? We don’t need to shoot in the air. We all need to listen to the campaign, and give hugs not bullets.

Stop The Violence Today!!!

Keirra Warren
Columbus Middle School

In my community, I can hear shots flying in the air on New Years Eve. This is very dangerous. I will work to stop gun violence on New Years Eve by telling the police to go around and watch the neighborhood and make sure that no one shoots on this day, but if that plan doesn’t work, then I am going to try my best to ask everyone not to shoot on New Years Eve on my own.

Gun Violence

Micah Maria
Freshman

Detroit School of the Arts


Whenever I think about gun violence, I think about a lot. For one, I start to think about how children are getting shot and killed at younger and younger ages. Secondly, more and more people are feeling the need to carry around guns. Lastly, to stop these things, people should give hugs, not bullets.

One good reason why I feel that people should give hugs instead of bullets is because I notice that children are getting shot and killed at younger and younger ages, for some of the craziest reasons. Children, even at ages like 3 years old, getting shot just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time while people are shooting to bring in the New Year. A child could be out at night while something like that is going on, and unfortunately could get shot. It is extremely sad when some things happen that way. However, if people decided to hug one another to bring in the New Year instead of shooting, we could all be safer.

Another thing I notice is that more and more people are feeling the need to carry around guns. I understand that sometimes people may feel that they need to be protected, but some people take advantage of their right to carry around a gun (if they have a license for it.) Some people feel that they need a gun to show others that they are not to be played with. Whatever the reason, it does not make it right. People these days do not understand the consequences and affects of their actions. They don’t realize that when you take a life, you’re taking someone’s child, sibling, best friend, etc. Some people also don’t take gun violence seriously, but it definitely is not a joke.

A way to calm all of the hype about guns is to simply give hugs, not bullets. Even if it takes a bit more for you to believe that, think of it as, being a lover, not a killer. Whatever it takes for you to feel it and believe it yourself, whatever it takes. Just stop the gun violence!

New Years Shootings

Gary Thomas
Senior
Pershing High School

If I could stop New Years shootings, I would try my hardest to do so. There are a lot of ideas I have in my head on how I would stop it. Many people are into shooting on New Years Night and look forward to it as a holiday "tradition".

First, I would ask for many people's opinion on how they feel about changing it. There are a lot of changes that can be made depending on their feelings. I hate to see things happen that are not meant to happen.

My thoughts on people shooting on New Years Night is really nothing to write about. I have been around the shootings most of my life. Things can definately be changed. I think strongly that I can be a part of that change.

My changes consist of working with organizations, clubs, leadership programs, etc. The programs would explain how many children and adults get killed unintentionally. The people who participate in the shooting obviously don't understand what can happen.

Last but not least, I think I can change the tradition with my ideas. I will try to make that happen. I will focus on a change, if not everywhere, then at least in my community. People will understand some how where I'm coming from.

Time for A Change

Shaniqua Madison
Senior

Catherine Ferguson Academy

Have you ever been that little child who stayed up all night because you was scared that a bullet might come through the window at 12 a.m. on New Years Morning. Many children not only suffer with these same thoughts, but some actually die from things like this. The Hugs Not Bullets Campaign is here to prevent this from happening again. This campaign is trying too stop the shooting on New Years Day. Many people may think this is stupid and a waste of time, but just think about it. What if your little brother, sister, or even your child came to you crying because they’re scared that a bullet might come through a window. You as the older sibling or parent will tell them that it’s okay and to go to bed. A couple hours later you go to see if they’re sleep and you find them dead because of a bullet came through the window. Imagine the pain you’ll feel. Now imagine the pain people are actually going through from a situation like this. This is all because people want to shoot on New Years for the fun of it not even realizing the pain it may cause others. The Hugs Not Bullets campaign is here to prevent that. We feel that children and parents should not have to fear what might happen on New Years Day. Yeah, New Years is a time to celebrate, but not when it comes to someone’s life. So if you feel the importance of keeping someone from experiencing this pain, join this campaign because it’s time for a change.

Solutions To The Gun Violence Epidemic

Jasmine Dixon
Westside Academy


I’m a 17 year old Detroit Public High School Student surviving in a violent environment. Although gun violence happens most of the time, it is not the only violence I am subjected to. Within the last few months, at my school alone, we have had three students listed in critical condition from gunfire. In the United State, there were 64,319 people that died from gunfire over the last thirteen years. You should make a stand right now and show us you care. Show us that you’re ready for a change.

Guns are easily accessible. They are sometimes left unsecured in our homes, and more times than not, within arms reach in our neighborhoods. Just because the neglect or lack of responsibility does not rest solely on your shoulder, doesn’t mean you’re not contributing to the problem. Simply saying “NO” and taking even the smallest of actions can save someone’s life. People have purchased guns to feel safe and to protect their families. However, when ignorance has a stronger presence than responsibility and knowledge, not only is a false sense of security born but yet another opportunity for senseless gun violence. Let’s not make it easy for our society of young adults to succumb to peer pressure. Instead, teach us how to follow your lead, and to lead by example as well.

As a teen I know what it’s like to be under peer pressure. I know now how to say “NO” and I want to challenge my peers to say “NO” as well. Most teens are afraid of being rejected and of not having friends. But if we don’t stand against gun violence now, it will only become more difficult to make and keep friends. Just as the gun violence epidemic didn’t evolve over night, neither will a resolution. But we have to start somewhere with someone, so why not right here with you.

Facts:
-In 1996 the most recent year for which data are available, 34,040 people died from gunfire in the United State.
-Homicides involving firearms have been the leading cause of death for African American males age 15 to 19 since 1969.
-In 2005, there were only 143 justifiable homicides by private citizens using handguns in the United State.
-Each year during 1993 through 1997, an average of 1,621 murderers who had not reached their 18th birthdays took someone’s life with a gun.

Personal Responsibility: It's Up To Us

Mariama McGhee

Sophomore

UPREP High School

Hugs Not Bullets is a campaign led by young people who want to celebrate New Years Eve without hearing any gunshots. It’s important for them to have fun and hug their loved ones without having to duck every time a neighbor pulls the trigger. Unfortunately, there are people who do not think of the kids. They only think about themselves.

This campaign is also for the communities residing in metropolitan Detroit. Gun violence has affected our happy homes in more ways than one. Some adults are using guns irresponsibly, while teens are using them to solve their problems. Seeing all of this would make you think that everyone here has lost their mind. Apparently, some have while the rest are simply troubled.

There was a time when we solved problems without having to use violence and now that kind of solution no longer seems to exist. A few months ago a group of students were shot by someone who also had help from the son of a police officer. One died while the rest were wounded. Apparently there was some kind of “beef” going on and the boy decided to gun down his enemy. Even the children of heroes are hurting others.

As you can see this campaign is our bright light to the future. We want to create a world where our children can live happily. If we don’t start convincing people to lower their weapons, then there won’t be a future. I’m part of the next generation so it’s still my duty to help build everyone’s future. If you ever read this remember that there are people who care for your well being.

"Save Our City"

Ryan Anderson
Senior
UPREP High School

As a Detroit citizen, I experienced a lot of violence. I reside on the east side of Detroit where just walking to the corner store can be life threatening. It is imperative that we addrees the issue of gun violence. There has been a lot of young people killed this year over little or nothing. It seems like it's not safe to go anywhere anymore. There was even a lady killed in a church. It is for these reasons that I support the "Hugs Not Bullets" Campaign.

I have been in situations when guns have been pulled out on me and I didn't know what to do. Gun violence has been going on in Detroit for so long that it has been accepted. I feel like it's terrible that this has been accepted and is normal in Detroit. Gun violence shouldn't be accepted anywhere.

If gun violence is not addressed and stopped, the city of Detroit will just get worse. It seems like everywhere you look a young male or female is wearing a "Rest In Peace" shirt or hat. Young people are dying because it has become so normal that it has turned into fashion. A lot of the time teens are killed at events like parties. A shooting or fight is usually how a party ends and I find that terrible. I find it terrible because a party is supposed to be fun. You shouldn't have to fear for your life when you come to have a good time.

All of these issues can be stopped if gun violence or just violence is stopped in Detroit period.

Let's Find A Better Alternative To Violence

William Brown
Senior
UPREP High School

Why are people so quick to be violent towards one another? There are so many reasons why people can be violent but one of my issues is teen violence. Teens can be so quick to react to what a person says about them but we won't help one another in time of need. The main thing is that we must find a better alternative for this problem.

Since last week, two boys where fighting because they were "repping" there "block" and they had a "beef" with one another. So the two of them fought and one boy breaks the other's nose. I feel that exact moment proved that the fight didn't need to take place because they were in school and they should have been in class. So the boy with the broken nose gets his boy with a gun and come backs to the school to find out were the boy was. They find him start to argue shoot in the air, then shoot him in the leg and in the neck. The boy dies. So that issue could have been prevented from ever happening by the two young men not speaking to one another or even just walking away.

So how many people you know have a gun that is theirs or someone elses that used it or say they will use it on some one? These are some of the reasons why we must be careful, because that person can be very dangerous. It starts with the teens today and we can't have this going on.

Teens today have it hard just living their normal lives day to day, but now that can't be the case when teenagers start endangering other people's lives. I think I can find a way to keep teens from having guns and not be as violent towards one another. I have to get this message out to all those that want to make a change with me. So join the Hugs not Bullets campaign and please help make that change.

Negativity of Gun Violence

Chelsea Thomas
Sophmore
UPREP HIGH SCHOOL

Gun violence is becoming more and more popular with teens and young kids. The reason is because guns are just out there. Most young kids know where to go and buy a gun(no questions asked). People don't really care as long as they are making their money. Also, guns are just being left around as to where anybody is capable of getting to the gun.

Most shootouts or any type of gun violence are carried out by teens. You hear about adults shooting or getting shot, but it is more so the teens. I feel that the Hugs Not Bullets Campaign is good to get teens out of the habit of always going to get a gun. The campaign just needs more activities and more advertisement. If we can build up this campaign more, maybe we can get more people to listen to us.

The shooting at Henry Ford was a big deal. It's a shame that most people were not shocked by this act. It might have hurt a lot of people, but no one was really shocked. Why? The reason is because of the fact that it happened before and that really is an issue. We can't just have teens out here killing everytime they have a problem. Too many lives will be a stake if that's the case.

In conclusion, kids should be taught in better ways on how to deal with gun violence and violence period. Something has to be done about gun violence, because we are losing our people. And it's not getting any better. If it's not better now, what's going to happen later? Are we just going to continue to watch our people destroy and kill others or can we do something about this issue now?

Guns in the Hands of High School Students

Alexander Ussery

Senior

UPREP High School

Gun violence is a major issue today. This issue is a national and local issue. The national issue is that minorites are being killed at an alarming rate. The local issue is that youth in my own community are dying every day. One of the main reasons is because guns are so available.

Half of the students in high school can get a hold of a gun or have or had one already. I feel action has to take place to change this problem.

Some ideas I have are stricter gun laws. Strict gun laws will decrease the amount of people who are willing to risk jail time. Also we can do some thing about the pawn shops and gun shows selling guns with out. I think most teens end up with guns that were purchase illegaly in the first place. The reason I say this is because they would be less likely to sell the gun to them if it's registerd to them or some one they know.

I have been affected by gun violence. I have lost friends and family to senseless violence. In conclusion, I think if the guns were harder to come by the amount of people hurt or killed by them would decrease dramaticly.

Speak up and Speak Out

Kieshia Muhammad
12th grader
UPREP High School

BAM BAM, are the loud sounds that I hear at night when Ii lay to rest my head at night. While the noise disturbs me I lay and wonder how can people find any joy in shooting someone? Why do we make people feel like they have to resort to violence in order to make a point. So many people in my life have been affected by gun violence. So many that I can't help but be affected by this issue.

I have watched my brothers being carried away in police cars all because they decided to help take someone's life. My mother was a vicitim to gun violence and my father was the one who shot her because they couldn't agree to disagree. I have been a witness to my cousin crawling around begging for god to just give him another chance at life because he has been shot messing with the wrong people at the wrong time. Even though he didnt die his life will never be the same.

I think so deeply about this issue that sometimes I just cry- not because the people in my life are being hurt by this visious crime but because the issue of gun violence just doesnt seem to be getting across to the people in the world. It is as though people are afraid to press the issue. Kids my age are being killed over nonsense. Family members are being murdered just because the can't agree with one another and it's sad.

The press and the people of the world talk about what happened at Henry Ford High School. They talk about how crazy the situation was and how the people were killed over something so silly, but they fail to talk about how a 16 year old boy got a firearm without any trouble....... and how could a 16 year old boy be so angry to kill someone? Sometimes I wonder how people can be so mean and selfish. How could they kill someone not thinking about how their life affects so many others. This issue is big and it is something that needs to be stopped............. but the only way that it can happen is if we speak up and speak out-not just for your friends to hear but so that the world can hear that its time for a change and that change starts with you.

Willing To Change

Willing To Change
K.C. Goines
Crocket High School


I didn’t have it good growing up. I mean, I’m one of seven kids – with only one person working
in the house. And I didn’t have everything good like others did. Six of the seven of my brothers
and sisters dropped out or didn’t finish school. So, I take the subject of high school dropout rates to
heart. I’m willing to change, to break that trend and to be the first out of my family to go to college.
Because I just can’t sit there and let my life drift away like that.
I have a brother who recently dropped out of school. I just can’t be like one of my brothers and
sisters who dropped out, because there’s nothing out here for you in the street. All the street’s going
to do is chew you up and spit you right back out.

Not Another Statistic

Not Another Statistic
DeShawn Parks


I was born and raised in Detroit. I had a pretty good childhood. Growing up, I was always the quiet
kid in school who never got in trouble. I always kept my grades up. My teacher used to always tell
me how intelligent I was, and I was on the honor roll. I was the kid who always smiled, was never sad,
and helped teachers and classmates around school. My life before middle school was perfect. I got
rewards for being a good student. I took part in many school activities, enjoyed going on school field
trips and was one of the principal’s favorite students. Things changed when I got to middle school.
I lost two close relatives to gun violence. That had a heavy impact on me. After that I got into a
number of fights and got expelled. I had some anger management problems.
I transferred to a charter school in Warren. There I found myself having to deal with problems
associated with drugs and safety. I had two fights and was expelled. Then I transferred to a Detroit
public school where I encountered gangs and, once again, safety issues. Anger was still a problem for
me. I had two fights in that school also, and was expelled from there as well.
There was a time where I felt like giving up on school. But I decided to continue because I thought of
my future and my life, I don’t want to be another statistic, another number added to the dropout rates.

When In Doubt, Leave It Out

My name is D'Nae Hearn, I am a sophomore at Cass Technical High School and I would like to talk about gun violence. It isn't exactly the best way to solve problems, but it sure can cause alot of deaths. So my opinion is when in doubt, leave it out. The Youth Initiatives Project (YIP), of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), is a program that is trying to get the word out to everyone in the Motor City to help us prevent gun violence and bullying. I would probably say that the best choice (if you or a parent posess a gun) is to get rid of it. Although, if the family is in need of a gun for protection then another choice would be to lock it up in a safe place where no one can get to it and use it for needless purposes.

Gun voilence are one of the cause of African American deaths (mainly black males) today. It is also tied with the selling or use of drugs, which usually result in drive-bys. If I were a parent, I would teach my children about gun violence, drug and alcohol abuse so that they can be safe and make the right choices. If someone goes up to them and ask "Are you in?", they should already have it in their heads that the answer is clearly "NO". They should also be able to teach themselves right from wrong on making their own decisions when I'm not around or without my help. This is an idea parents today need to accept in their homes, teaching their children about the safety of guns and drug/alcohol abuse.

March 26-28, 2008, the 5th Annual FIX Conference & Minority Male Exchange will be held at the Fellowship Chapel on 7707 W. Outer Drive. Some of the topics of the FIX conference workshops will be the following: Daddy Hunger, As Real As It Gets! and The Four Pilars of A Man's Heart, "Male Spiritual Development For The Soul".

It is FREE for the youth of ages 10-18 with advanced registration and/or on a first come, first served basis. For adults it is $45 per day or $105 for the three-day package. Paid registraion includes a continental breakfast and lunch. We hope to see you there!

The Journey to Manhood

My name is David Bellomy. I am a senior at Cass Technical High School, but more importantly I am a mentor to young African American Males in Southeast Detroit, under the Male Initiatives Project. Yes, allow me to reiterate that point. I, a 17 year old black young man, am a mentor to other young men who have found themselves in uncompromising positions. The Male Initiatives Project is a program centered on the young males in our community. It is a program with a goal to not only educate our young men, but also to prepare them for the world. The beauty of the program is that it is youth driven. It’s just the fellas. We come together and do something that is almost un- heard of. No, we don’t gamble, get high, or drink, we talk, and not about girls or sports. We talk about life decisions, leadership, the makings of a man, and most important of all we talk about our future. My job is not to tell my guys how to live there lives, but rather to get them to see that they have control over their lives. I have come to the conclusion that the problem is so many of the young men in our community are afraid to take responsibility for their own actions because at the end of the day they want someone else to blame for why they have found themselves in a bad situation. One of my biggest challenges with working with the young men has been trying to get them to realize that when its all said in done its not, “The Man’s” fault, mommy’s fault, that teacher’s fault, or anybody else. It is your decision on whether you go to school, your decision on whether you get a job, and move out of momma’s house, because it is YOUR LIFE AND YOUR FUTURE.
I don’t want you to get the wrong idea and think that I am this all mighty perfect individual because the truth is I’m not. I have found myself in some of the same situations as a lot of these young men. The only difference was that I got a second chance or didn’t get caught and learned from it. That is why I am so passionate about helping my brothers, because I could have been in their same predicament.
This program is not here to teach a boy how to be a man, because the truth is I’m not a man, but I am on my way. I have the potential to be a great man. This is what the Male Initiatives project is for; to help young men discover and build upon there potential so that in the future they will be able to do the same. One of my favorite quotes, which I live by and have told my guys before, is from 1 Corinthians 13 “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” This quote says it all. It holds the message that I believe is the key to every boy reaching manhood, and it is the message that I believe will change the lives of many.

A Snapshot of the Next Generation

Mariama McGhee
Youth Initiatives Project/University Prep High School

I’m a photographer in training and I have decided to take pictures of the activities occurring during the Male Summit, scheduled for Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Grace Church of the Nazarene. Before I explain the photography part, I would like to explain the Male Summit. The Male Summit is for teen males who want to learn how to develop as leaders. Male Peer Educators from the NSO/Youth Initiatives Project (YIP) prepare them to become positive role models. A lot of the teen males attend a leadership class so they can talk about the problems males face and do group work. Everyone has to participate and work together.

The reason why I wanted to take pictures of the Male Summit is because I love male leadership. It’s great to see young males step up to take charge. We hear a lot about female leaders, but we rarely see enough of teen male leadership. In this generation we are trying hard to help the teen male regain his ability to do something important again. What is life with no bright future?

The Male Summit will be both challenging and fun. Young males have to attend so they can develop a goal. Their leadership class provides speech training and leadership skills, but the summit gives them a chance to present their work to the community. It’s all about practice and focus.

Soon more and more males will join YIP and pass on their teachings to others. Our generation will be renewed. More male leaders will make Detroit’s future brighter. Maybe they will change the world for the better. They can put an end to chaos and violence.

As you can see, I’m not looking for the perfect shot. I want to capture young males having discussions with each other. I also want to capture the work of our male Peer Educators as they lead the discussions. After the event, I hope to take a group picture of the youth who planned the event, our moderator, Charles Pugh of FOX 2 News and our guest panelists. When I set my pictures up for display, I want people to realize the hard work our male youth are doing to help the city of Detroit. It’s not just the picture itself; it’s what’s represented in the picture.

Violence

Tikresha Warren

Columbus Middle School/Youth Initiatives Project

Violence is not always the way to solve a problem. Violence can lead minors 12 and under into bad situations if they see people handling things with violence. They might end up doing the same thing because they’ve seen that person or gang do it.

I think that teens should stop the violence and become mentors like V'Lecia Hunter a.k.a. (The Queen). They would see a much brighter future coming their way. That is one way to handle violence.

I believe that violence will not help you. It will just bring you to things like negative peer pressure. Violence will not follow you through life and help you make it through school. Violence will just start more fuel to your fire.



In conclusion I believe in STOPPING the violence because in my neighborhood people just keep doing violence and I want to stop it because Martin L. King wouldn’t like it. Rosa wouldn’t like it. So I believe that you shouldn’t believe in violence. You should just believe in yourself and trust you will make it very far in the future. So people stand up if you don’t believe in violence!

In Society today.......

Mark Simmons,Senior

Youth Initiatives Project/University Preparatory High School

In today’s society there are many issues that the black community is faced with everyday. The effects of racism, single parent homes and the number of African American families on welfare are among some of the major issues we face today but the biggest issue of all is black on black crime. A study shows African Americans kill themselves more than any other race and for what cost? More African American males are being killed than born. It is very shameful to see African Americans eliminate their own race.
Black on black violence is getting worse everyday. In today’s society an African American male can get killed for saying the wrong street name or even wearing the wrong colors. This makes me wonder what have we become? How can we go from fighting for our rights as a people to fighting each other? It’s sad to know that if I walk down an unknown street at a certain time of night it’s a possibility that I could get jumped or if I happen to wear some thing of value I could get robbed and killed.
The African American communities in known for coming together as a whole so why are we so separate? People have said that African American males are quickly becoming extinct and we are proving that fact each and everyday. We are destroying a dream that many of our civil rights have made a reality. We are defeating the purpose of our freedom.
How it is possible that we have came so far to just throw it all away so easily? African American males feel as if they have to live a certain life to be accepted by their piers. They do not seem to understand that it is ok to do well in school and go on to have successful careers. I believe that the mindset that we have is all wrong and we must change our way before the whole African American race become extinct.

10 Recommendations

V'Lecea Hunter, Senior

Youth Initiatives Project/University Preparatory High School

Due to all of the violence that has been happening at different schools, I would like to give out some recommendations on promoting peace in schools. I believe that a child shouldn’t have to go to school feeling scared or obligated to fight just to fit in. I also believe that school is a place where a child receives an education so that they can go further in life, but with all of this negativity happen it’s a big problem for some people to focus.

Recommendation #1: Community/ School Leader~ someone who is willing to step up
and speak out for what they believe in.

Recommendation #2: Adult Ally~ a staff member that is not afraid to be heard and is
willing to step up and help the students

Recommendation #3: After School Programs

Recommendation #4: Support Groups

Recommendation #5: Mentors

Recommendation #6: More consequences instead of always suspended the student

Recommendation #7: Encouragement

Recommendation #8: Positive role models, when a teens is around negativity, then he or
she will be negative, so having positive role models will direct the
students in the right path

Recommendation #9: More Community Programs

Recommendation #10: All students should learn how to respect one another!!


All of these recommendations, I have tried and I have turned people around. So, with my outcomes I feel as though they are useful and can bring peace. When a person wants a change, it should start within them. So, if you want to bring peace into the schools, it won’t hurt for you to begin speaking up.

The Big Picture

Jasmine Ancton

Youth Initiatives Project
University Preparatory High School
Senior

When I think of hugs not bullets. I think of small children. I wonder how they feel and think when they hear those gun shots. I wonder are they scared or are they happy. Have people ever really thought about the young children and what they do when they hear the shots every year. I guess people never really notice how some families get on their floors at night. Why can’t we wish everyone a Happy New Year on the phone and have to wait until the gun shots are done. We can’t even bring in the New Year with hugs because we don’t want a gun bullet to creep into our homes and hit on of us.

I don’t know if people really understand the purpose that Hugs Not Bullets hold. We would like the citizens of America to stop the tradition of shooting in the air on New Years Day. Instead of shooting why not start the year off with a friendly hug? When shooting in the air on the first day of the year, that basically means you want to start the New Year off with violence and negativity. But when giving a hug that’s positive and to start off that day/year with that type of attitude is great.

American children are more at risk from firearms than children of any other industrialized nation. In one year, firearms killed no children in Japan, 19 in Great Britain, 57 in Germany, 109 in France, 153 in Canada and 5,285 in the United States. (Centers for Disease Control)

America is losing too many children to gun violence. Between 1979 and 2001, gun fire killed 90,000 children and teens and America.
(Children’s Defense Fund and National center for Health Statistics)

In one year, more children and teens died from gunfire than from cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, and HIV/AIDS combined. (Children’s Defense Fund)

The rate of firearm deaths among kids under age 15 is almost 12 times higher in the United States than in 25 other industrialized countries combined. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Look at those statistics……get the picture?

More Leaders Needed

Norman Jones
Youth Initiatives Project
University Prep High School

One of the the biggest problems with our city is the is the lack of leadership we have. I say this because to many terrible things goes on in the city and we need people to step up and stop this from happing. In a single year, 3,012 children and teens were killed by gunfire in the United States, according to the latest national data released in 2002. That is one child every three hours; eight children every day; and more than 50 children every week. And every year, at least 4 to 5 times as many kids and teens suffer from non- fatal fireman injuries. ( Children’s Defense Fund and National Center for Health Statistics)
America is losing too many children to gun violence. Between 1979 and 2001, gunfire killed 90,000 children and teens in America. In one year, more children and teens died from gunfire than from cancer, pneumonia, influenza, asthma, and HIV/AIDS combined. The rate of fireman deaths among kids under age 15 is almost 12 times higher in the United States than in 25 other industrialized countries combined. ( Children’s Defense Fund and National Center for Health Statistics)
I feel that these statistics are terrible and that they should be addressed by people stepping up. In a typical house hold its ran by the man, woman, and the child. Its ran in that order so I feel that’s the way it should be ran by the city. The man is the head person in charge and makes the big decisions. The woman is the person who makes sure everything is together and is going right. The woman is also there to be there for her man. The child is there to be a good child and learn from there parents so they can do the same when they become adults.
I just feel that everyone in the city needs to step and make a difference in the community. I just think it needs to start with the MEN! To start that off Y.I.P is having there 2nd annual male teen summit March 8, 2008. Come out and help make a difference in the city and also be a Leader.

Being A Leader Is The New Fad

Joshua Pelt University Prep High School

I wonder what it is that makes youth ashamed to be a positive leader. I have noticed that it’s not hard to be a leader as a young lady or man now, but why must youth be influenced to follow the negative leaders? For example gangs are one of the most negative ways to become a leader, but are continuously becoming the most popular way to be a leader. It’s time to make a difference! I feel like if I can make a change anyone can do it. I stepped up to change my life and become a leader of Youth Initiative Project and to make a difference in youth and the future. “Being a Leader Is the New Fad”. Everyone wants to be a leader so make the right choice-- become a part of Y.I.P today.
For Further Information Contact us at: (313) 965-6924

SPEAK UP

It's that time of the year for YIP to have a Male Teen Summit and Resource Fair. This summit is for males for ages 12-18 years of age. Some big topics will be addressed heavily at the summit. They are Education, Employment, Health Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Those are some of the challenges facing young black males and we feel these issues should be addressed now before it’s too late.

The summit will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The location for the summit will be Grace Church of the Nazarene at 18020 Hoover in Detroit.. I had the privilege to attend the summit last year and I can say that I was very proud of the people who came out to support our campaign and YIP. Roughly 250 young and grown black males spoke about issues going on in their community and what needs to be done about it.

People such as Deputy Chief Ralph Godbee, men from college, and directors from youth programs were also there. The resources networking will be a big thing at the summit and our males need to take advantaged of it. So I invite all teen males around the city to come out and speak out. Your voice matters. So let it be heard and help make a change in your community!!

Young Males Must Take the Initiative for 2008

Joshua Pelt
University Prep High School

Youth Initiatives Project

It is time for a change not only in Detroit, but all over the United States of America. Youth Initiatives Project (Y.I.P) which is a youth driven program has a primary focus to reach out to youth in the community. Speaking from a males point a view, Detroit needs a lot of support in shaping boys into young men! Males in Detroit are losing the battle to live and are falling like soldiers. More than 93 percent of homicide victims in 2006 were black males. In response, Y.I.P has put together the second Annual Male Teen Summit and Resource Fair which will address employment, education, mentoring, entrepreneurship and health. Males from ages 13-19 are welcome to attend. It will be held Saturday, March 8, 2008 at The Grace Church of Nazarene 18020 Hoover road from 10am-2pm.

For further information please contact us at: (313) 965-6924

Making A Change

V’Lecea Hunter
Youth Initiatives Project


It is a disgrace to look at the local news and see people loosing their lives to gun violence. I wonder why people use guns to gain respect, make peace, or even feel as though they have power? That is the question I ask. I believe no one could ever give me a valid answer. Of course I have been told by others who have stated “that’s how I was raised” or “that’s the only way I can survive”. When saying these phrases, one is simply giving in to apathy.

I want everyone to stop and think. Think about your child, your sister, your brother, your mother or any other close relatives you have. What if they were shot and you had to do something to prevent that from happening to someone else in your family, but you could not retaliate with any type of weapon. What would you do?

Would you give up. Would you use a gun anyway, or would you gather up a group of people that’s against gun violence and make an end to the situation.

Well, I think the best result is to form a group that’s against gun violence and speak up. Speak up for what you believe in and don’t give up. For example, the Youth Initiatives Project (YIP) has a campaign that goes on every year called “Hung Not Bullets” and it’s to discourage people from using firearms on New Years Eve. YIP just completed its fourth year of the campaign on December 30, 2007 and it was a great turn out. The youth were able to state their opinions towards gun violence and we got the message out.

By supporting our campaign, a lot of people are saying they believe in us and know that we are capable of change. We want to see people enjoying life, loving who they are and doing the things they want to do peacefully.

Enough is Enough by Aaron Archie

Imagine you are gathered with your family. There is laughter, talking, food, music, and a little dancing. The grown folks, as they are known are in one room, the teenagers are off to themselves, and the little ones are playing in another room. There is laughter to be heard everywhere. Everyone is waiting for that one special moment, that time or second that will never come again. Everyone is counting down 5,4,3,2,1, HAPPY NEW YEARS, everyone shouts and in that split second as the New Year begins, a child screams! All the family members runs to the room where the little ones are, and there they find a 4 year old child lying on the floor in a pool of blood, dead from a stray bullet to the neck.

This is a scenario no one wants to think about, no one wants to imagine that a time of togetherness, new beginnings, and happiness can quickly change to a time of sadness and mourning. Well I am here tell to you that this can happen to any child who lives in a community where the tradition is bring in the New Year with a hail of bullets. I know as a child growing up in the city of Detroit this is a sound often heard on New Year's Day at 12:00 am. I am here today to let everyone know that I'm tired of it and enough is enough. Guns being used to bring in a New Year is a negative message that is being sent to the youth of our community saying that its okay to use guns, and it needs to be stopped. There is a campaign around town that should be known and practiced by every person in this city who is as feed up as me, and that campaign is "Hugs Not Bullets". Hugs Not Bullets is centered around that basic idea of bringing family together while keeping the overall community safe. Our community is suffering from gun violence as it is. However, it particularly becomes even more dangerous when there are thousands of stray nameless bullets flying around. Hugs Not Bullets is encouraging every man, woman, and child to bring back what has been forgotten in our community "respect and love thy neighbor". Its time to bring back the unity of our community by reinforcing the belief by giving a hug at that magical moment of 12:00am is special!

Hugs Not Bullets, is sending a message to the youth that you can have a good time without bringing violence into the home. HUGS NOT BULLETS, is reinforcing the belief of TOGETHERNESS. HUGS NOT BULLETS, is bringing back "LOVE BETWEEN ONE ANOTHER. HUGS NOT BULLETS, is insuring the lives of our mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters,and most important of all our children going into the New Year. Hugs Not Bullets, is a phrase we can say to each other when we want to encourage others to put down that gun on New Year's.

We at the Youth Initiatives project are making strides to creating a safer environment for all people, but the truth is we can't do it alone. We have had help from sources such as the Police Department and K and G fashion Superstore, but that is not enough . We need your help to make your community a safer one for you and your family. You have to want this to end and if you do, and make efforts to stop it, it will.