Highlights >> HSTF Youth Take on Street Violence
HSTF Youth Take on Street Violence
At the end of a week marred by more killings in Jamaica Plain, over 50 youth gathered on the steps of the Curley K-8 School to turn back the rising tide of violence with nothing but paint brushes, a message of hope and the strength of numbers. After a brief press conference, youth from the Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF), Beantown Society and other members of the Hyde-Jackson Square community painted an enormous dove on the steps of the Curley School in an effort to establish a culture of non-violence on the streets of Boston.
The press conference, held on Friday, April 25th, capped off Paint for Peace—a week-long collaboration between Sidewalk Sam and the Hyde Square Task Force’s Community Development Artists to raise awareness about the current crisis of youth violence by painting doves of peace on sidewalks, in front of schools, parks, libraries, bus stations, and local businesses throughout the Hyde-Jackson Square area.
Paint for Peace allows youth to take an active role in the civic and public life of their community and set an example for adults in Boston to act to address this issue. And already, voices of support from the community are ringing out.
Representative Jeffrey Sanchez (D-Suffolk 15th) cheered the youth, asserting their work shows that “…violence won’t be tolerated—we love each other, we’re together in this effort and even amidst tragedy, we have young people who care.”
What began as a project to paint 25 doves around Jamaica Plain is now spreading like wildfire across Boston—organizers hope that over 600 doves will be painted on sidewalks throughout the city and maintained for one full year. In addition to keeping peace on the minds of community members through the year, Paint for Peace stirs hope among the youth in the wake of violence.. “This helps brings closure to youth who have lost someone,” says Stephany Trinidad, a youth community organizer with HSTF. “It helps us be active—to do something for [the victims of violence] and their memories.”
By publicly affirming peace in places where it is desperately needed, these youth leaders also contribute to the public debate around this complex issue. Stephanie Baez, a Community Development Artist, hopes that Paint for Peace will “…open people’s eyes and show them that there are young people who are trying to make a difference.”
Where are the doves? Click here to view an interactive map.
View additional photos of Paint for Peace here.