The Black Star Project: Parents failing to save kids

The Black Star Project says the Chicago community must take an active role in curbing gun and gang violence, because new policing strategies will not work on their own. The culture must change.

The Black Star Project held a memorial for the 108 young people killed in 2012 Tuesday night, in partnership with Black Parents United and other groups. The bell-ringing ceremony honored each and every victim.

The groups also presented their "Report Card on Violence," where they said parents are failing their kids when it comes to providing the infrastructure for a life without violence.

But they did propose a four-point plan to improve this failing grade, which they said should be implemented in conjunction with policing strategies to stop the violence – because those strategies will not work on their own.

Phillip Jackson, head of the Black Star project, joined Good Day Chicago on Wednesday morning to outline the four-point plan:

1. Rebuild families, with strong parenting units. If children feel well-supported and secure, their value of life improves. If kids are shown that they are valued, they will value others' lives that much more.
2. Provide better mentors. In the absence of far-reaching church programs and youth organizations, kids in high-crime areas are finding mentorship from gangs.
3. Improve education. Jackson said kids in areas where gun violence is rampant are receiving a third world education. They are not given the foundation to fully participate and succeed in the present economy, and so they resort to violence to get what they want and need.
4. Focus not only on getting gang members off the street, but also on preventing others from trying to take their place when they are gone.

For more information can be found on The Black Star Project's website, or by calling 773-285-9600.