In a daring move to combat the escalating gun violence in Chicago, a North Side community group, Native Sons, has proposed an unconventional solution.
The group is urging individuals to refrain from discharging firearms between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., a strategy aimed at reducing the risk to innocent bystanders who are not involved in high-risk activities.
The initiative, dubbed “The People’s Ordinance,” was recently spotlighted in an email newsletter by Alderman Maria Hadden of the 49th Ward.
This comes amidst a significant surge in shootings this year in Rogers Park. This is a situation which local law enforcement attributes to a rekindled gang feud between the Gangster Disciples and Black P Stones in Uptown.
Rogers Park group calls on gang members to cease fire from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. https://t.co/QoyAsh2og2 pic.twitter.com/tS3JKpG4K5
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) August 17, 2023
Tatiana Atkins, co-founder of Native Sons, expressed her conviction about the initiative.
“We have to start somewhere,” she said. “Our goal is to approach our city’s gun violence problem strategically and not all at once. Things didn’t become this way overnight, and change won’t happen overnight.”
Atkins further elaborated on the ordinance, calling for an end to the glorification of shooters and ‘switches’ – aftermarket devices that convert semi-automatic handguns into automatic-firing weapons akin to machine guns.
She also urged people to stop wearing ski masks, which she believes perpetuates their image as threats. Atkins emphasized when individuals living high-risk lifestyles mingle with ordinary citizens, they put everyone in danger.
The grim reality of gun violence in Chicago is undeniable. As Atkins pointed out, victims range from five-year-olds to 78-year-olds, pregnant women, young boys with promising futures, and fathers. This tragic loss of life is unacceptable and demands immediate action.
Wtf! Chicago Mayor is asking the gangs for a cease-fire.
Hey, I have an idea lock the gang members up and throw away the key!
Chicago is a lost cause under Democrat rule. 🙄
— maskless (@ATLGOP) August 17, 2023
While the Native Sons refer to their initiative as an “ordinance,” no formal legislation has been drafted to enforce enhanced penalties for those who choose to discharge firearms during the proposed ceasefire hours.
However, Atkins clarified they are not waiting for a bill or law to enforce what they believe needs to be done. Instead, they are leveraging social media and the media to drive their movement forward.
Alderman Hadden is reportedly supporting the group’s efforts, although her office did not respond to inquiries about her commitment. Atkins acknowledged the ideal scenario would be a complete cessation of gun violence in Chicago, but she recognizes this may not be a realistic possibility.
Atkins remains hopeful that more aldermen and police district council members will endorse the proposal. She revealed she reached out to active gang members regarding the ordinance and received more positive feedback than negative.
Some even posted the ordinance on their social media platforms. Atkins believes if more media, government officials, and community residents support and stand behind the ordinance, it is more likely that people will align with it.
