“Two Boys Killed, Thirteen Children Shot in Recent Milwaukee Gun Violence”

In the past 10 days, the city of Milwaukee has been plagued by a disturbing increase in gun violence, with 13 children under the age of 18 being shot, including two fatalities. The alarming situation has prompted community leaders like André Lee Ellis to take action. Ellis is the Founder and Executive Director of the André Lee Ellis & Co. Community Garden, also known as CAGE. CAGE aims to rehabilitate and empower young Black men through teaching them about agriculture and its benefits in their lives.

Kwentin, a 17-year-old who has been attending CAGE for a year, expressed his gratitude for the program, stating that it brings him peace and serves as a sanctuary from the violence in the outside world. Despite the painstaking work involved in tending to the garden, Kwentin acknowledges that it has helped him improve his life and move towards a better future.

The statistics regarding gun violence in Milwaukee County are alarming. So far in 2023, 12 children have been killed by guns, putting the county on track to match last year’s total of 24 fatalities. The numbers have dramatically increased since the start of the pandemic, with each year surpassing 20 deaths of individuals under 18. This rise in violence has prompted Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman to announce the launch of Operation Summer Guardian, a program aimed at increasing patrols and community engagement in 27 identified violence hotspots.

In addition to Operation Summer Guardian, the Milwaukee Police Department will enforce a stricter curfew for children from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Any child caught violating the curfew will face a $94 fine, while parents will be fined $195. The hope is that these measures will encourage parents to be more involved in their children’s lives and activities.

Both Ellis and Chief Norman emphasize the importance of community involvement and accountability in addressing the issue of gun violence. Ellis believes that by providing support and guidance to troubled youth, their behaviors can be positively influenced. Chief Norman hopes that holding parents accountable for their children’s actions will encourage them to take a more active role in ensuring their safety.

The efforts of individuals like Ellis and Chief Norman demonstrate the commitment of the community to tackle the issue of gun violence. By creating safe spaces and providing support, they aim to steer young individuals away from a life of violence and towards a brighter future..