Chicago youth urge city to invest in safe spaces as leaders examine causes of large teen gatherings

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Young people and youth advocates told Chicago aldermen Wednesday that large teen gatherings making headlines for vandalism and violence are rooted in a lack of safe spaces and resources for city youth.

During a City Hall hearing, five young speakers and several experts were invited to share firsthand insight into why the gatherings occur and what might help prevent them. The discussion followed a series of highprofile incidents across the city in which large groups of teens have damaged property or, in some cases, been involved in shootings.

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Youth leaders said the city needs to expand opportunities for teens to gather safely and participate in positive activities.

"The driver of these large gatherings of youth are the lack of resources and spaces for youth to just enjoy themselves," said Jailyn Mendez of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.

But some agree the city should be protected.

"Accountability is most definitely needed," 17-year-old Cherish Smith said. "We need to make sure that our resources and our city is protected. When we destroy it, we lose those resources, we lose that privilege. That's why we have curfew laws."

Another youth leader, Romya Simone of Communities United, said young people attend these events to find places where they "feel safe" and "can have fun."

As the hearing took place, UCAN Chicago held a West Side event called "Flip the Trend," aimed at offering a positive alternative for teens. The gathering coincided with the launch of the city's summer youth employment program.

"We also want to show the city that there are opportunities for you all to do positive things," said Dr. Paviella Foster, UCAN's senior vice president of prevention and empowerment services.

Alderwoman Pat Dowell said concerns from residents affected by the gatherings must also be acknowledged.

"We can't have this conversation with blinders on, because we've got people who are my age, for example, who are concerned about people jumping on cars and running into stores," she said.

Subcommittee chair Ald. Jessie Fuentes said the testimony from young people will play a key role in shaping budget decisions later this year.

"We're coming up on a budget cycle," Fuentes said. "When we talk about investing in young people, what type of programming are we investing in?"

Several aldermen said youth deserve increased investment. It's a message Mayor Brandon Johnson has emphasized throughout his administration. But questions remain about how much the city can afford and where the funding would come from.

The most recent teen gathering was at 57th Street Beach where Chicago police ended up arresting over 50 people. Officers say they also recovered guns that night.

"Youth need to be at the table. They need to be at the board meetings, their voice needs to be heard," Jahmal Cole with My Block, My Hood, My City said. "It's about creating spaces for young people to feel welcomed, accepted and connected."

Past proposed solutions include holding parents financially responsible for damage and allowing CPD to enact a temporary curfew downtown when crowds get out of hand.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not support either initiative.

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