Apr 13, 2008 10:55 pm US/Central
KRS One Wants To Stop The Violence
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Rapper and anti-violence activist KRS One speaks out about his endeavor to curb violence among youths in Chicago April 13, 2008. He was joined by local politicians.
CBS
A hip-hop concert had one simple message this weekend: stop the violence.
It's been hip-hop pioneer KRS One's message for 20 years. Now, after the murders of 23 students in Chicago, he's bringing his movement to youth in the area.
"If you keep perpetuating violence, aggressive behavior, that's what people are going to gravitate toward," KRS One said. "But if you turn the volume up on peace, people will gravitate towards that as well."
Some state lawmakers are behind KRS One in his efforts to talk peace to those who want to hear it.
"We as a society are becoming numb to this and when you have that apathy, it's going to continue," said Rep. John Fritchey (D-11th).
Fritchey and Rep. Dave Miller (D-29th) say street violence is nothing new. What needs to change is the way parents, teachers and society approach it.
"The real root of gun violence and these tragedies are a lot of our young children don't know the options and the things they can do with their lives," Miller said.
"There's domestic violence challenges we have, there's child abuse challenges that we have, these things are violent as well and they come under our agenda," KRS One said.
While in town, KRS One will be talking to Chicago students, including students at Crane High School, about non-violence options. Last month, a Crane student was shot dead near the school and another beaten on the steps.
But will his message be heard?
"If we don't give them the opportunity, what is there? If you give them the choice, let them make that decision," said Chicago resident Kenton Williams.
"It's all about planting the seed," said Chicago resident Jay Weaver. "It's better that one brother stands alone, than he not do nothing at all."
KRS One will also release a new single during his endeavor called, "Self Construction," a follow up to his 1989 song "Self Destruction," which helped him launch his anti-violence movement.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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