wbur.org
support wbur today!
Gang Violence in Boston

The so-called “season of peace” is a gang violence cease fire organized by street workers and ministers in Boston every year.  The official start of the cease fire is Thanksgiving, and it’s supposed to be in effect until the end of the holidays.  Back in November, we hosted a forum on gang violence at historic Faneuil Hall, and invited street workers, Boston police, and ministers.  This week on Radio Boston, we’ll revisit that program, and take a look at some innovative programs that hope to reduce violence among the city’s young people.  Tune in Friday at 1.

Comments
  • January 1st, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    It is no surprise to me that the “Boston Miracle” was media hype. Gangs will always exist, and will always have varying needs to cause violence. Societal bullying is arguably at the root of how and even why these gangs become violent. Parents do not need to be aware that they are perpetuating gang rivalry and hatred in order to be doing it, and neither do teachers or even neighbors. This is an ancient cultural disease that can fester and even grow, despite the best efforts of clergy, law enforcement and neighborhoods. We need to b e much more active in attacking the roots of gang violence. There is great truth to the phrase “the fastest way to stop a bullet is with a job”. And by job, we need to broaden our scope. Bikes Not Bombs has worked against gang violence for years, and is keeping kids involved and peaceable through bicycle activism. More operations like this are needed if we are to sustainably lower gang violence. Peace.

  • Paul Maguire says:
    January 1st, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    complex, but doable. comprehensive, fully-inclusive health education involving families
    working w/children birth-6 yrs., then 7-21 yrs., including students w/disabilities Creating cadre’s of healthy males to role model, teaching children (elementary and middle school) skills needed to retain good self-esteem, make smart choices, build healthy relationships, gain employment, etc. w/everybody on-board. We are looking at inter-generational change. “service to others” needs to be a critical element.

    Paul Maguire, PhD
    Creating Peaceful Neighborhoods
    Palmer, Alaska

Leave a Reply

Underwriting