One boy’s view of violence in Chicago

 Murder and violence were up in Chicago this year, especially for children and teenagers. It’s sad — and it makes me angry — that kids feel scared to leave their homes, that they think being shot is an inevitability.

The Associated Press followed a 12-year-old boy and produced the following video. (You can also watch it here at Iserotope Extras!) I’m happy that his school offers a safe place. Peace Circle allows students to share their trauma and experiences so that the rest of the day can be spent learning. It’s an important and necessary aspect of many urban schools across the country.

What do you think of the video?

Leadership High School, where I taught for 12 years, has an excellent Advisory program that understands the importance of building a strong community. When students feel that school is safe, that their teachers care about them, and that their peers are family, we can build peace.

Update: If you’d like to read more about youth violence in Chicago, check out this excellent article from The New York Times.