Excerpt from the Saint Louis Story Stitchers book, Not Another One A Discussion on Gun Violence, 2015
Teen: How much gun violence is a problem caused by a lack of education?
Lieutenant Colonel Ronnie Robinson, Deputy Chief of Police, Commander of the Bureau of Community Affairs: We consistently see that individuals involved in gun violence are lacking in terms of education. The dropout rate is particularly high among individuals that are using weapons to commit criminal acts. Education is a big factor in the success of kids NOT being involved in criminal activity. There is definitely a relationship between lack of education and gun violence.
Rachel Smith, Chief Prosecutor from the Circuit Attorney’s Office and the Community Affairs Bureau: I agree with the Colonel. The lack of education is heartbreaking. We see the results every day at the Circuit Attorney’s Office, parents of young men, mostly under the age of 20, who have been killed. Sometimes the parents will be armed themselves. Sometimes the mother will say, “I asked him not to carry, I TOLD him not to carry,” while others will say he had to carry.
Sadly, we believe that often that decision to carry a weapon made by that young man is what led to his death. It seems that the lack of information among some parts of our community as well as that of some family members is a significant factor in the gun violence problem we currently have.
To become part of Peace in the Prairie contact the Collective.
Email storystitchers@gmail.com or call 314-899-9001.
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PEACE IN THE PRAIRIE
OPEN STORY COLLECTION: VIOLENCE AND PEACE
Drop in to the Stitchers Storefront Studio at 616 N Skinker Blvd in the Delmar Loop.
Audio Recording Sessions:
Tues., October 2, 2018, 11:00-2:00
Wed., November 7, 2018, 3:00-7:00
When a person lives in an urban area where sirens, screeching tires, and gunshots can be heard nightly, how will their sense of self and world view change when that person experiences and explores native prairies?
If you would like to contribute a story to the Peace in the Prairie project’s archives, about violence or peace that you have experienced in either the city or the prairie lands of Missouri, please contact Story Stitchers at storystitchers@gmail.com, call 314-899-9001, or drop by the Storefront Studio during one of the Story Collection sessions.
We’d like to hear from you.
Tell a story that relates to violence or a peaceful experiences in a natural setting, share an original poem or rap, share a phrase or proverb, or share your thoughts on what steps the community or country can take to stop violence.
Peace in the Prairie is supported by an Annual Discipline Minority Arts grant from Missouri Arts Council for the research and creation of a new conceptual work of art entitled Peace in the Prairie.
The project is also supported by a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. The Foundation is a resource for the region, working with communities and nonprofits to generate and accelerate positive changes in health. As a catalyst for change, the Foundation improves the health of Missourians through a combination of partnership, experience, knowledge, and funding.
To become part of Peace in the Prairie contact the Collective.
Email storystitchers@gmail.com or call 314-899-9001.
