'We are looking to stop the violence in our community;' Champaign residents rally to find solutions for gun violence
Share this @internewscast.com

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — In Champaign-Urbana, community members are seeking solutions to the problem of gun violence. This initiative follows a recent incident where two teenagers were fatally shot.

A meeting on Wednesday marked the third meeting on this topic in the last seven days.

An organizer mentioned that last week’s meeting aimed to give a platform to the relatives of gun violence victims. While acknowledging the importance of this, she stated that Wednesday’s focus was on developing long-term strategies to ensure community safety.

“We are looking to stop the violence in our community,” Chyna Figueroa-Dixon said.

Figueroa-Dixon said she took a step back after a shooting on June 29, where two 16-year-olds were killed.

“I used to share my thoughts on social media, but I wasn’t taking action or getting involved on the ground,” Figueroa-Dixon said. “This realization motivated me to organize the meetings since last week.”

The continued effort is taking in the thoughts of people from all backgrounds.

“I have a segment called Perspectives where moms give their perspective just in case it might be a different perspective than the next mom,” Figueroa-Dixon added.

Figueroa-Dixon said they’ll take these perspectives and use them to build a plan to move forward, one that the people at this meeting hope takes root beyond this weekend and into a Champaign-Urbana free of this crime.

“I want to make this a long-term thing. We can’t just go have one weekend, no kids dead. Well, how about we go one month, no kids dead? One year, no kids dead?” Figueroa-Dixon said. “Now we’ve got to redirect our energy to just really saving our kids, saving our streets and not allowing gun violence to take people out of our community. We want to put a stop to it.”

Figueroa-Dixon said that for anyone who couldn’t make this meeting, there is a similar event planned for Sunday at the Champaign Public Library at 3:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Family of RFK Jr. Urge His Resignation, Label Him a ‘Threat’ to Public Health

WASHINGTON – Members of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s family are urging him…

As Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen reignite their MVP contest, can either quarterback finally make it to the Super Bowl?

One of the most anticipated head-to-head matchups of the 2024 NFL season…

Many of Trump’s Immigration Policies Challenged by Lawsuits and Court Rulings

President Donald Trump has vowed to deport millions of individuals from the…

How Illinois Democrats are Proactively Countering Trump’s Potential Chicago Crackdown

CHICAGO — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker set in motion a campaign against…

“Community Unites Almost a Year After Flooding with ‘Hope After Helene'”

Community members convened on Saturday afternoon to honor those who have passed…

Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, Announces Resignation

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation Sunday in order to…

Senator Durbin Criticizes Trump’s Comments on Chicago as ‘Disgusting’

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit…

Mark Volman, Co-Founder of The Turtles and Flo & Eddie Performer, Passes Away at 78

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mark Volman, one of the original members of the…

The 54th Annual Broom Corn Festival Kicks Off in Arcola

The Arcola Broom Corn Festival is scheduled for this weekend in Arcola,…

Will the $1.8 Billion Powerball Winner Ever Be Revealed?

(NEXSTAR) — The long wait is finally over: two tickets purchased in…

Uninvited Wedding Guests Arrested for Stealing $60,000 in Cash at California Reception

GLENDALE, Calif. (KTLA) — Police reported on Saturday that they have apprehended…

Police Reunite Lost 5-Year-Old with Family After Wandering to Chick-fil-A

Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit…