CHICAGO (WLS) — Beneath the music, games, and singing is a larger mission that takes place on the BUILD Chicago campus on the city's West Side.
“All activities that BUILD has to offer have been opened to young people over the last two days,” said the Chief Program Officer of BUILD, Inc. Monique Draper. “Just remember that we want all of our babies back by Tuesday.”
The facility opened its doors to teens through 12th grade for its Summer Kickoff, keeping them busy indoors and away from potential violence.
“Trying to spend time with them, showing them the positives and that there are better things to do here than just, you know, being on the streets,” said BUILD volunteer LaTee Smith.
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The effort is part of Johnson's safety plan for Memorial Day weekend, which aims to support violence prevention and youth outreach efforts across the city by funding the work of more than 250 grassroots organizations working in 24 communities on the West and South sides.
Johnson attended other events under his safety plan.
The Return of Prayer on the 9th brought hundreds of people out to walk 79th Street.
They spoke out against gun violence, supported parents who lost their children to it, and brought awareness to mental health.
The pain buried deep in China Houston's heart turned to action as she rallied with hundreds of others at 79th and Greenwood.
“We have to stop being afraid. We have to get out!” he said. “Say, ‘Our youth matters! Our youth matters!'”
On Saturday, Prayers on the 9th Peace Walk departed for the 79th Dan Ryan. They marched past 79 and Ellis, where Houston's son, Jalen Price, was shot and killed in September.
“I never thought that I would be part of the losing your children's mother's club until I went to my son's funeral,” said Houston. “And, I was like, ‘this has to stop.'”
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared those sentiments at the event.
“The soul of Chicago is deeply impacted by the work you all do. And the joyous part about this moment is that we don't have to do this alone,” Johnson said.
A united front highlights some of the city's most violent neighborhoods.
“So we can control the violence our children face,” said Jennifer Gilchrist, who lost a loved one to gun violence.
They joined the event's spearhead, New Life Southeast Covenant Church Pastor, John Hannah, in taking the walk back.
“This is what we call taking over our community,” says Hannah.
Those attending hoped that this Memorial Day weekend would not be repeated like last year.
“Fifty people shot, nine fatally last year. So we are confident that number will come down. It has a lot to offer our community and city so hopefully we can take full advantage of it,” Hannah said. “Your city and your community deserve to live.”
Back on the West Side, Saturday was the final night of Summer Kickoff at the BUILD campus, but organizers say they have been planning ahead to host more events throughout the summer in hopes of keeping young people off the streets.