Leaders, activists searching for ways to curb violence after incidents at Pittsburgh schools

PITTSBURGH — Community leaders and activists are speaking out and standing up against violence following a surge of incidents in the city of Pittsburgh.

“The events that transpired recently including the young man who unfortunately lost his life outside of a Pittsburgh Public School— that caused us to really say hey let’s get with folks that are on the ground in the communities,” said Jasiri X, Co-Founder and CEO 1Hood Media.

It was a meeting of the minds, all to silence the violence that is plaguing Pittsburgh’s youth and work to find some sort of solution.

1Hood Media Co-Founder and CEO Jasiri X says it starts with inclusion and opportunity.

“Do we have activities or different things for the community? Particularly for these young people to be involved in,” said Jasiri X, Co-Founder and CEO 1Hood Media.

1Hood Media partnered with local leaders and activists to host a virtual town hall addressing the surge in violence amongst children and young adults.

This all comes on the heels of a 17-year-old junior at Brashear High School being violently attacked in a school hallway and knocked unconscious.

Days prior-- a shooting happened outside Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide that claimed the life of 15-year-old Marquis Campbell.

Activists and organizers say the next step is taking the conversation offline.

The aim is to offer educational tools, leadership opportunities and mental health resources where it becomes a safe space to discuss your feelings before it ends in a physical altercation.

“We have to provide space and resources to our young people. We have to give them the ability to do the things that they want to do,” said Jasiri X, Co-Founder and CEO 1Hood Media

1Hood Media plans to host additional conversations and offer more outreach.

Channel 11 reached out to the mayor’s office for comment regarding the string of violence—a spokesperson said “Mayor Gainey looks forward to working with the School Board and Superintendent to combat this pandemic of violence.”

Disgust, outrage and anger: Parents, teachers give Pittsburgh board an earful over school violence

©2022 Cox Media Group