Chicago leaders working to provide jobs to teenagers who have previously broken the law. Especially the ones that had been arrested for precipitating their so-called teen takeover, terrorizing the community.

On Monday, an event took place at Jerk48, a Caribbean food restaurant in Chicago. Organized by Early Walker, CEO of I’m Telling Don’t Shoot, highlighted a community effort to employ teenagers in the restaurant industry. Many parents and youth spoke about the need for employment for young people in Chicago. They thought it would help stop the youth from doing criminal acts if they were employed.

Bronzeville

Many violent teen takeovers have occurred across Chicago during the summer, including the one at a gas station on Bonneville. More than a hundred teenagers met for a takeover on Tuesday night at a gas station in Bronzeville. They ransacked the gas station and caused destruction by breaking windows, flipping over shelves, and leaving all of the foods and goods all over the floor.

The gas station is located near East 31st Street and South Michigan Avenue. No serious injuries were reported at the takeover when it began around 9:30 p.m. According to the witnesses, the crowd gathered on the lakefront to the intersection of the gas station. They blocked traffic, in a few instances even climbed up on the hoods of cars as motorists were startled.

In addition, the Chicago Police Department was called in to diffuse the situation and disperse the crowd. CPD stated several juveniles were arrested and taken into custody. Five boys were charged with reckless conduct, two were taken into custody for curfew violations, and a girl was charged with illegal possession of alcohol by a minor. Furthermore, Residents are still in shock and wondering how and why this happened. “I’ve been here for 22 years now and like I said, I’ve never seen it like this,” Jones said. Zabrina worthy-Dennis said it’ll take a team effort of parents, community leaders, and others to provide more support and guidance for teens and young parents.

Chicago Mayor doubles down

Equally important, Mayor Brandon Johnson defends the teens that caused the violent takeover. Even with them rioting the city, beating down pedestrians, breaking windows and cars, He stated that the teenagers should be protected rather than punished. Mayor Brandon Johnson also says, “Look Demonizing children is wrong, they’re young, sometimes they make silly decisions, they do and so we have to make sure that we are investing to make sure the young people know they are being supported.” He prefers to protect the teens even after beating down pedestrians. This, of course, left many parents and teens furious. Many thought that he wasn’t doing his job right and the teens should be punished. Riots weren’t a silly mistake. It was a planned met up, which is no mistake. The damage done was too far than a mistake hurting families as well.

By Kevin Obregon

Sources

WGN9: More than 100 teens takeover Bronzeville gas station

WGN9: Chicago community leaders work to get jobs for teens involved in teen takeovers

FOX NEWS: Chicago pastors march to help teens who led violent ‘take over’ in city: ‘Moral and ethical thing to do’

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