Dear Evanston,
On Sunday evening, Evanston experienced another tragic shooting of young people. This time the violence happened at a gas station on the corner of Green Bay Road and Asbury. Carl Dennison, 17, was killed. Aniyah Guy, 14, is fighting for her life. Three other young people, all 14 to 18 years old, were injured.
This year alone, there have been six homicides in Evanston--all of them shooting deaths and most involving young people. Among those were Jose Francisco Sanchez Guerrero, 21, and Demarcus Cokley, 20, who were shot on Hovland Street in March and Stanley Butler III (Avery), 21, who was shot and killed in his mother's apartment on Dodge on September 4.
Evanston is mourning ... again.
To bring the community together, Evanston Collective will hold a healing circle tomorrow, Wednesday, December 1 at 5 p.m. and at 7 p.m. at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center (1655 Foster St, Evanston).
Mental health professionals, clergy from Evanston Own It and representatives from Evanston organizations that work with youth will be on hand to provide resources and help during this difficult time.
Evanston Collective includes: City of Evanston Illinois Government's Youth and Young Adult Division; Connections for the Homeless; Curt's Cafe; Erie Family Health Centers; James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy; PEER Services; Infant Welfare Society of Evanston ; Youth Job Center; and Youth & Opportunity United (Y.O.U.).
Separately, and planned prior to the most recent violence, the Evanston Police Department will partner with Mount Zion Missionary Baptist, Evanston Community Foundation, and Evanston resident Carolyn Murray on Saturday, December 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., for a gun-buyback event.
The buyback event allows residents to turn in unwanted guns that could be stolen, used illegally, or be accidentally triggered. This event is amnesty-based, which means that no arrest will be made for anyone who turns in a gun.
The event is open to residents of Evanston, Skokie, and the north side of Chicago and residents must show an ID at the door.
The event will take place at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 1113 Clark Street in Evanston.
Please note:
Weapons should be UNLOADED and transported in a case, box, bag or vehicle trunk. This event is first come, first served.
Compensation is $100 per gun and $25 for ammunition.
Masks are required.
Guns that are turned will be destroyed in accordance with local and federal guidelines.
Comments