[lang_en]
On Saturday May 9, over 400 people took part in the 14th Annual Walk For Peace in Humboldt Park. Beginning at Roberto Clemente High School and concluding at the Humboldt Park Boat House, participants called for a summer without violence. Sponsored by the Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO) and La Capilla del Barrio, this year’s peace walk drew participants from various CeaseFire communities throughout the city and residents of Humboldt Park.
Also present was youth from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s (PRCC) after-school program the Barrio Arts, Culture and Communications Academy (BACCA). In preparation for the event, and in conjunction with their underage drinking prevention campaign, BACCA youth engaged in a discussion about the connection between alcohol abuse and violence. During the walk they disseminated postcards-created and designed through BACCA-with messages against underage drinking.
The peace walk also coincided with a fundraiser for the Roberto Clemente Robotics Team, one of the top robotics teams in the City. In a show of support the PRCC made a $200 contribution to the school, emphasizing that programs like BACCA and the robotics team provide positive alternatives for youth, helping to reduce urban violence and making the walk for peace a reality.[/lang_en]
