[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REGARDING THE CEASEFIRE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for the 
CeaseFire Chicago program and to celebrate CeaseFire week. Some of our 
nation's youth faces gangs, drugs, and gun violence daily. As we 
proceed through CeaseFire week, from June 4-11, we acknowledge 
community events such as peace marches, memorial services, and other 
civic gatherings held throughout Chicago. We must keep in mind the 
sheer violence our children encounter, and the direction we must take 
to solve this increasing problem. Programs such as CeaseFire help to 
steer at-risk children away from such pressures towards graduation and 
college. Indeed, CeaseFire Chicago sends outreach workers, clergy, and 
community leaders into rough neighborhoods to mentor, respond to 
shootings, hand out fliers and encourage the students to stay off the 
streets. Today, 70 outreach workers volunteer their time to search for 
at-risk children in the Chicago area. And it works! In my district, 
where CeaseFire is most active, violence has been reduced by an average 
of 45 percent.
  I believe by taking a more active stance on the issue of gangs and 
gun violence, we can help protect the children of tomorrow. CeaseFire 
has even been acknowledged and supported from the First Lady Laura Bush 
on her current trip to Chicago. This program has had a phenomenal 
impact on the children of Chicago, and the success would only be 
replicated in other cities. Therefore, I urge my fellow colleagues to 
support such programs as CeaseFire Chicago. With our continued efforts, 
we can continue to provide safe neighborhoods and successful 
opportunities for our children.

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