Four years ago, Tamar Manasseh founded the group Mothers Against Senseless Killings (MASK) to stamp out the violence in her Englewood neighborhood.

Each summer, the so-called “Army of Moms” has staked out 75th and Stewart, turning the street corner into a community hub. Their work led to a drop in shootings in the area.

On June 23, the group will open Block Academy, an education center that will allow teens and young adults a chance to finish their high school educations and find internships.

Meanwhile, Manasseh has leveraged her work in her community to set up a meeting with Mayor Lightfoot so she can share her expertise on non-policing solutions to gun violence.

Morning Shift talks with Manasseh about the message she wants to get across to Chicago’s new mayor as gun violence begins to surge.

GUEST: Tamar Manasseh, head of MASK, Mothers Against Senseless Killings

LEARN MORE: After Years Of Keeping Kids Safe On 75th Street, ‘Army Of Moms’ Bringing Education Center To Vacant Lot (Block Club Chicago 5/30/19)