Months of forums culminated Tuesday when a Mayor Rahm Emanuel-convened commission revealed their recommendations on how to curb youth violence.
"This is not the end point. This is a milestone, a road map, an action plan. I really don't want to see this gather dust," Mayor Emanuel said of the report put together by 130 religious and community leaders, experts and residents.
The commission, convened earlier this year, focused on five key areas: youth employment, health and healing, crating restorative school communities, safety and justice, and safe spaces and activities.
Tuesday's meeting came as a number of teens were charged as adults in the weekend shooting death of Demario Bailey. The sophomore at Johnson College Prep was walking with his twin brother to basketball practice on Saturday when they were approached by four people who demanded money and Bailey's jacket. One of the robbers then took out a gun and shot Bailey in the chest, killing him.
Tuesday is the boys' 16th birthday, and Emanuel was clearly moved by the teen's death. He said he spent about 45 minutes with Bailey's family members on Monday evening.
"Every child in the city of Chicago deserves a childhood, and that childhood cannot be stolen from them," he said.