Using Technology to Stop Gun Violence

A recent piece of legislation passed by the New York State Assemble is before the Senate to require all semi-automatic guns sold or delivered to New York State to be "microstamped." Microstamping is a process that stamps a code on a shell casing that identifies the gun that fired it. The technology is surprisingly simple and fits into the current manufacturing process at minimal cost, according to the inventors. According to New Yorker's Against Gun Violence, if widely deployed Microstamping would help to end the practice of straw buyers who purchase guns for criminals who would not otherwise be able to legally buy a gun. In New York City many of the guns used in local crimes are from out of state and were initially legally purchased. With micostamping law enforcement would be able to connect a shell casing at a crime scene back to the original purchaser of a gun.

To learn more about Microstamping and the current legislation visit the New Yorker's Against Gun Violence website.

You can read a brief on Microstamping here.

2011 National Gang Symposium

The 2011 National Gang Symposium, sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), will take place on June 7–10, 2011, in Orlando, Florida. This symposium will offer opportunities to learn about innovative and successful gang-related programs and strategies and will provide the latest information on youth gang activities and trends from national experts.

To register for the sympsium click here.

The First Annual Anti-Gang Violence Education Clinic

Yesterday evening, about 70 residents gathered at the Harlem State Building for The First Annual Anti-Gang Violence Education Clinic. New York State Assemblyman Keith L.T. Wright in conjunction with the Office of New York County District Attorney hosted the event. The event began with an overview from Reverend Williams about the Upper Manhattan gang homicides in the past few years. Reverend Williams encouraged residents to join his Save Our Children initiative. The event continued with Ms. Apparicio’s overview of the District Attorney’s Office tough stance on gun charges (explaining that a 15 year old caught with a loaded gun will automatically serve 3.5 years). Other panelists shared warning signs that a youth may be involved in a gang and how parents can get involved. The event ended with Q&A from the audience.

Panel Guests Included:
Tanya Apparicio- New York County District Attorney’s Office
Inspector Rodney Harrison- 28th Precinct
Reverend Vernon Williams-Harlem Clergy Community Leaders Coalition
Iesha Sekou-Street Corner Resources

Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. on the Topic of Youth Violence

At last month’s National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Summit, hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. Spoke about the need for action around youth voilence. In an article about the event, it states that in a study of inner-city seven-year-olds, 75 percent heard gun shots, 60 percent saw drug deals, 18 percent saw a dead body outside, and 10 percent saw a shooting or stabbing at home.

As a thought to solutions, Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. stated, “Today’s challenges demand that we educate both parents and kids; that we provide teachers, civic leaders, and public health officials with up-to-date information about youth violence trends and indicators; and that we train lawyers and law enforcement officers to respond more effectively when violence occurs." Read the full article here.

To learn more about this topic and victims of crime you can attend the 2011 conference hosted by the National Center for Victims of Crime. On June 20-22 in Washington, D.C., the National Center for Victims of Crime will hold its 2011 conference.

Summer Youth Opportunities Workshop

Last night the Harlem Community Justice Center partnered with the Children's Aid Society to present the Summer Youth Opportunities Workshop. Approximately 50 youth and parents participated and workshop topics included mediation, youth programs, summer employment, internships, AmeriCorps, volunteer and community service and HCJC services. The participants were engaged, attentive and focused. Youth received valuable information and we formed a great partnership with the Children's Aid Society which we plan to continue with future projects.

Casper Lassiter, Director of the Dunlevy Milbank Center, began the workshop with a great introduction and overview of the event. Wendy Flores, who works with youth at the Children's Aid Society, presented extensive information on the Department of Youth and Community Development's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and other employment options. Elena Sapora, Director of the Manhattan Mediation Center (soon to be the New York Peace Institute), gave a wonderful overview of mediation and internship opportunities for young people, as well as information about a career in the mediation field. Justice Center staff presented on our youth programs at the Justice Center and invited students to contact us with any questions about summer and future opportunities. Staff also presented on alternative summer opportunities including camps and internships in NYC, AmeriCorps and the New York Juvenile Justice Corps and the service available at the Help Center at the Justice Center.

Thank you to Omarax Rosa, Sonia Balaram, Lisa Tomlinson, Anisha Thomson, Mander Best and Deniss Jerez who helped to create a wonderful and successful event!

Post by: Tai Nickel, Help Center Coordinator and Susanna Osorno-Crandall

Youth In East Harlem Speak Out

Yestday, over 50 youth gathered at the Boys Club in East Harlem to speak about youth violence in the community. The event started with inspiring words from Mike Hines, who spoke about his years in prison for homicide. Mr. Hines who now has two degrees, encouraged youth to think before you act. Mr. Hines did not shoot a person nor stab a person, he got into a fist fight which lead to a death.

Following Mr. Hines inspiring words, youth had an opportunity to share their concerns around the violence in the community and then the youth broke out into groups to brainstorm possible solutions. Some of the solutions to gangs, bullying and cyber bulling were: more community centers and sport programs, more cops at night, more counselors available in schools to talk to troubled youth, awarness workshops on gangs and bullying, safe spaces for teens such as teen lounges.

This event was made possible by, El/Barrio/East Harlem Youth Violence Task Force: A collaborative initiative of the office of Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito with Art for Change, Barrio Media, Children’s Aid Society, City Year, Community Board 11, Council for Unity, Downtown Community Television Center, East Harlem Tutorial Program, Harlem Community Justice Center, Harlem RBI, New York Academy of Medicine, Scan, Steps to End Family Violence/ R.A.P.P., Transform America, Union Settlement, Urban Dove, Youth Action Programs and Homes, Inc.

Help Youth Stay Busy This Summer

This summer youth will have an extra hard time finding a summer job, with major budget cuts to the Summer Youth Employment Program. The Harlem Community Justice Center in partnership with The Children's Aid Society, will host a Summer Youth Opportunities Workshop. The workshop will offer youth the opportunity to learn about summer employment, volunteer opportunities, resume building, recreational activities, community services and summer camps. Please spread the word to our youth!
DATE: May 12, 2011
TIME: 5:30-7:00pm
PLACE: The Children's Aid Society, Dunlevy Milbank Center 14-32 West 118th Street

For more information, please contact the Help Center at (212) 360-4988.

2nd Community Discussion on Youth Violence

Don't miss out on the next community discussion on youth violence.

In March 2011, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito in partnership with the Harlem Community Justice Center and other community organizations kicked off a series of community discussions. The first community discussion attracted 100 Harlem youth. The community discussions are an opportunity for youth and residents in the community to brainstorm on strategies to curb youth violence.


Come out and be heard at the 2nd Community Discussion!

Speak Now! Act Now!

Date: May 5, 2011
Time: 4:30-6:30pm

Place: Boys Club
321 East 111th Street