CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In Champaign, the community came together Thursday night in a forum to combat youth violence.

The event took place at the Champaign Library. Approximately 30 attendees gathered for a meal and dialogue on ensuring safety for both children and themselves during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

The meeting was set up following the deadly shooting on Sunday in Champaign which left one 16-year-old dead and another hospitalized.

“Ultimately, it’s time for the community to take action,” stated youth mentor Banio Koroma Jr. “The community is exhausted by the ongoing violence, particularly our children being murdered, shot down on our streets. It’s time we rise and declare ‘not anymore.’ We’ve had enough and we’re ready for change, and right now we’re demanding it.”

“I always feel that unfortunate events occur around the Fourth of July,” noted organizer Chyna Figueroa-Dixon. “However, with the recent tragedy happening just a week ago involving an underage Black boy, we wanted to approach this weekend differently. We hope to wake up Saturday morning without the loss of another one of our community members.”

There is another community engagement meeting scheduled for July 13 at the Champaign Library. The public is invited to attend.