Chicago City Wire

Chicago, IL — Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) was joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8th), Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderperson Jessie Fuentes (26th Ward), Congressman Danny Davis (IL-07), IL State Senator Robert Peters, and Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood at IL-03’s Puerto Rican Cultural Center (PRCC) for a community-based conversation about dedicated resources for youth opportunities as part of a holistic, transformative framework for community safety.  In the convening, Alderperson Fuentes and community leaders with the PRCC shared the success their Violence Prevention and Intervention Program has had in minimizing violence in the communities of IL-03 through strategic community intervention and restorative programs in art, education, skills training, internships, and paid job opportunities.

“Alone, there is very little we can do. It is together - in coalition - that we can get something done about community safety. This is why yesterday was such a beautiful moment; people from the community leading the conversation on violence prevention. Convened in the same room, we have our Mayor, our Alderperson, our state leaders, and our Congressional Representatives, including our House Democratic Leader, here to work together on our shared values: good-paying jobs, access to education, a clean environment, and access to resources. In IL-03, we are doing the work,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “I can’t thank enough Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries for bringing us together. Coming together is how we thrive together. Thank you to the Puerto Rican Cultural Center for welcoming us into your special space for this important conversation.”  

"I am thankful to Rep. Delia Ramirez for welcoming me to historic Humboldt Park for an engaging roundtable discussion about community safety and the need to support youth empowerment initiatives," said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. "It was inspirational to hear firsthand from civic leaders and community organizers at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center who are providing opportunities for traditionally under-resourced young people to survive and thrive. Congresswoman Ramirez is a leader who understands that when we invest in our youth, we invest in the future of America. I am also grateful to Mayor Brandon Johnson, Alderperson Jesse Fuentes and Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood for their efforts in addressing community violence on the northwest side of Chicago in such an enlightened manner.”

"Chicago was proud to welcome Leader Jeffries to discuss strategies for violence prevention and youth engagement with community leaders in Humboldt Park," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Working with Rep. Delia Ramirez, who has long been a champion for our youth in Chicago, I am confident that we can create strong, safe cities where our young people feel supported and valued," said Chicago Mayor Johnson.

"The organizations leading the VPI work in the 26th Ward are showing young people and adults that alternatives exist, and that there is always a positive resolution to conflict. By meeting people where they are at, accepting their lived experiences and providing opportunities to flourish will ensure our communities thrive. It is our responsibility to garner support and resources that will continue to support VPI work," said Alderperson Fuentes.

"This conversation was a shining example of collaboration and cooperation across federal, state, and local leaders. I'm grateful for the leadership of Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Alderperson Jessie Fuentes. We have a unique opportunity to reimagine community safety and ensure everyone, no matter their zip code, has what they need," said Illinois State Senator Peters. 

Congressman Danny K. Davis said, “Work is a virtue, and learning its place and value is very important for youth development. A summer job is a lifesaver, and as many of our children as possible  should have the opportunity to benefit from having one.”

"Through collaboration with Leader Jeffries, Rep. Delia Ramirez, and other local elected leadership, we are uniting in our commitment to intentionally invest in our youth by providing abundant opportunities and creating safe spaces for them to flourish and thrive,” said Deputy Mayor Garien Gatewood. “When we offer our youth a chance to dream and grow, we pave a path towards a better, stronger, safer Chicago.”

“Community work is not just about funding and resources, it’s about building relationships and investing into the people, so we can come to our common goal-peace in our community!,” said PRCC Co-Director Samuel Santana.

“Giving young people services doesn’t mean cutting corners; it means meeting them where they are and giving them effective, all encompassing care so they can live and thrive,” added Natasha Brown, Director of PRCC Human Services and Housing Initiatives

For photos of the event, click here.

Issues:Economy Education

Original source can be found here.