How Chicago READI Works With At-Risk Men To End Gun Violence

By Jennifer White
Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands to the right of Chicago Police Superintended Eddie Johnson at a Thursday press conference where she unveiled her plan to battle gun violence over the Memorial Day Weekend.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands to the right of Chicago Police Superintended Eddie Johnson at a Thursday press conference where she unveiled her plan to battle gun violence over the Memorial Day Weekend. Patrick Smith / WBEZ
Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands to the right of Chicago Police Superintended Eddie Johnson at a Thursday press conference where she unveiled her plan to battle gun violence over the Memorial Day Weekend.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot stands to the right of Chicago Police Superintended Eddie Johnson at a Thursday press conference where she unveiled her plan to battle gun violence over the Memorial Day Weekend. Patrick Smith / WBEZ

How Chicago READI Works With At-Risk Men To End Gun Violence

By Jennifer White
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More than 40 people were shot, 5 of them fatally, in Chicago over the long Memorial Day weekend.

It was widely considered Lori Lightfoot’s first big test as mayor. Chicago Police assigned 1,200 additional officers on the streets. But Despite the rainy weather, the number of shootings and homicides since Friday night was on par with with 2017.

The mayor and city police are not the only ones focused on stemming gun violence in the city. Morning Shift talks to three community leaders from READI Chicago, a program from the Heartland Alliance that offers jobs, therapy and other support to the young men most often involved in that violence.

GUESTS: Eddie Bocanegra, senior director of READI Chicago

Marlon Chamberlain, Greater Englewood community project manager at READI Chicago

Floyd Stafford, North Lawndale community project manager at READI Chicago

LEARN MORE: Responding to Gun Violence in Chicago (Heartland Alliance 7/31/18)