Anti-Violence Summit Prompts Day of Service

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By Lesley R. Chinn

Combating major issues such as violence was among many themes highlighted during an anti-violence summit held last Saturday at Malcolm X College.

High school students and their parents participated in a Cease the Silence Day of Service organized by the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). The SNMA teamed up with Rush Medical College and the Chicago Public Schools to bring attention to tackling issues impacting low-income communities.

The summit kicked off in the auditorium with a panel discussion featuring guest speakers that included Terry Peterson, director of Government Affairs at Rush University Medical Center; Michael Shields of the Chicago Public Schools; Tio Hardimon, director of CeaseFire Illinois; Judge Carl Walker; James B. Jackson, assistant superintendent of operations for the Chicago Police Department, 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti; and Sue Moehn Hoen, a domestic violence specialist at the Jane Hull Addams Hull House. The speakers encouraged the students to make good life choices.

The event continued with medical students nationwide speaking with high school students overcoming challenges to become successful in the medical field and the role they can play in stopping the violence.

High school students also had the opportunity to participate in discussions and activities with Steven Jackson and Michael Nolan of R.I.T.E. (Reentry Initiative Through Entrepreneurship), the Chicago Police Department, and SNMA members. The presenters warned students about peer pressure, encouraged them to succeed, and told them to stay away from drugs, gangs, violence, and out of prison. Children ages 13 and under participated in safety presentations by the Chicago Police Department and the Berwyn Police Department.

A number of vendors were available on campus featuring groups such as the Boys and Girls Club which provided information about after-school and summer activities, job opportunities and additional anti-violence resources.

Throughout the day, students and faculty from Rush University performed health screenings for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer while the Chicago House provided HIV/AIDS tests and counseling. The National Marrow Donor Program and the University of Chicago Emergency Medicine Residency Program educated the community on the need for minority marrow donors and encouraged individuals to sign up to become donors.

While the goal of the event centered around health and anti-violence, the day also offered lots of fun and educational activities for children ages 6 and up, including Zumba dance lessons, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, an anti-violence art corner, and a nutrition and fitness boot camp.

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