The first item listed on my calendar the other morning was “School Ends.” I rejoiced and exhaled for a minute!
This is the end of the school year for my 15-year-old son. He made it through his first year in high school. It’s been an eye-opening experience as he faced many new challenges at a smaller school campus.
The school network celebrated the end of the school year with one of the largest student-led peace marches in Chicago’s history. More than 3,000 students, family members, staff and community leaders showed up. Many students are committed to keeping up the momentum this summer to be safe as they continue the initiative “I am for Peace” (#Iamforpeace).
As the weather gets warmer, and we embrace the longer summer days, I am concerned for our youth in cities across the country. Youth face more challenges than ever to play and live in a safe environment, to find summer jobs, attend safe schools or simply having fun with family and friends.
This recent news story of the Texas pool party where a police officer was caught on tape manhandling a teenage girl and pointing a gun at young Black teenagers is disturbing and points to an injustice we must try to remedy by advocating for peace. It was reported that the White friends of the teens recognized that police overlooked them, while antagonizing their Black friends with racial comments and arrests.
This situation and many others in the news lately point to how it is so important that we stand up for justice and peace in our communities? How are you doing that?
Eva James Yeo is director for membership for Women of the ELCA.
If eradicating gun violence is an interest of yours, check out Women of the ELCA’s updated Rachel’s Day resource.