Youth Leaders Join Chief Ralph Godbee and Councilman James Tate to Urge Metro Detroiters NOT to Celebrate the New Year with Gunfire
Local high school students, faith-based groups and law enforcement officials
to take a stand to end celebratory gun fire in metro Detroit.
- Detroit, MI (1888PressRelease) December 28, 2010 - WHAT: Youth Leaders of Neighborhood Service Organization's (NSO) Youth Initiatives Project (YIP), faith-based groups and the law enforcement community will team up with Chief Ralph Godbee and Councilman James Tate for the sixth annual "Hugs, Not Bullets" campaign kick-off on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. The kick off rally, aimed at reducing celebratory gunfire and gun violence in metro Detroit will take place in front of the Spirit of Detroit Statue on Woodward at Jefferson Avenue.
The yearlong youth-driven campaign will focus on student-led activities that involve community and classroom workshops on gun violence, celebratory gunfire, bullying and gang activity. Youth leaders of YIP will work with other high schools, middle schools and elementary schools to engage students on the importance of conflict resolution and productive ways to settle disputes. The campaign will also distribute trigger locks and gun safety brochures throughout the community.
NSO's YIP program gives future youth leaders the skills and knowledge they need to be the leaders of tomorrow. Participants include individuals who have experienced gun violence on some level. YIP members plan and organize activities designed to promote non-violence and substance abuse prevention.
WHY: In 2007, 3,067 youth were killed by a firearm in the United States for an of average of 8 children and teens ages 0-19 killed every day. In 2008, 20,702 children and teens ages 0-19 were injured with a gun in the U.S. In 2009, 82% of murder victims, ages 12 to 24 years old, were killed with a firearm. Community violence, including gun violence, has the equivalent emotional impact on children as war or natural disaster.
WHEN: Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: In Front of the Spirit of Detroit Statue - Woodward at Jefferson
WHO: Chief Ralph Godbee; Councilman James Tate; Frank McGhee, Neighborhood Service Organization Youth Initiatives Project; Youth Leaders of YIP
CONTACT: For interviews or photo opportunities, please contact: Jennifer L. Cherry /
Talitha Johnson, 248-855-6777 (office), 586-212-3122 (Jennifer's cell) - jcherry ( @ ) marxlayne dot com
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