Grieving mother calls for an end to the violence in Chicago

FOX 32 NEWS - After the deadliest August in Chicago in two decades, some are saying enough is enough.

A grieving mother joined politicians, activists and religious leaders in a call for action to stop the violence.

“If you want to help me, say something. I want them to go to jail, and I want them to think about it every day what they did to my son,” said Sharita Galloway.

Galloway is the mother of 16-year-old Elijah Sims, who’s the Oak Park River Forest student that was shot and killed on a street corner in West Austin Monday night. 

“I do not want any more violence. I don’t want anyone to feel this feeling that I’m feeling,” Galloway said.

Galloway appeared with West Side leaders Thursday. They announced that nine town hall meetings will be held in the weeks ahead that will deal with violence.

“It's unacceptable. And anywhere else there would be a declaration of a state of emergency, that's what we need here in the city of Chicago and the County of Cook,” said Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin.

Elected officials and activists who spoke Thursday say the violence is likely to continue until jobs and educational opportunities are brought to these neighborhoods where the violence is taking place.

“Why? Why are our kids constantly shooting each other? You know why, because they're angry,” said 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts.

The town hall meetings will be held on Tuesday nights, starting September 13 in West Garfield Park.