14-Apr-12 – Earlier this month people of Chicago gathered as a “living prayer” to remember children who have died violently. Leaving their stylish carpeting behind to pound the streets of Chicago, more than 1,000 people participated in the “CROSSwalk” on April 2.

The walk started outside St. James Cathedral at Huron and Wabash. The whole route was four miles long, travelling through the Loop, stopping at Daley Plaza at Washington and Dearborn, then to Old St Patrick’s Church at Adams and Des Plaines, and ending on the lawn outside Stroger Hospital. Those that took part walked the whole route or part of it or just gathered at the various “prayer points.”

The Holy Week walk was to remember murdered youth. It was not intended as a march but as a vigil to respect those that have died and mark out opportunities for the future to prevent further deaths, protect children, and support struggling families. The walk attracted people from across religious denominations, those who have been affected by violence and those on the periphery.

Many of the participants carried signs that read, “632 children killed in Chicago in the last four years.” Even in the few weeks since those signs were made, eight more children have died at the hands of senseless violence.

Pam Bosley is the mother of murdered 18-year-old Terrel Bosley who was killed six years ago when he was gunned down on the steps of his Southside church. Her motivation to take part in the walk was so other parents would not have to suffer like she has and still does.

“Every child deserves to walk down the street without being shot” were the words of Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church in Chicago. The message behind the walk was one of hope that the actions of the walkers would help to make a difference, however slight. At the final prayer location local government officials joined the different religious leaders for final reflections and prayers.

Toy guns in Easter baskets

This is not the first time when religious officials have got involved in trying to end violence in Chicago. Last month Reverend Michael Pfleger waded into the debate when he challenged the sale of toy guns in Easter baskets. He believes there is quite enough violence out there without encouraging children to play with such toys, particularly at Easter. The Reverend, who is pastor of St. Sabina Catholic Church, wrote to toy retailer Kmart stating his opinion and outrage at the situation.

“With the increasing gun violence in Chicago and across this country,” he wrote, “I am amazed that you would choose to offer toy guns to our children to make them comfortable with playing with them. I am asking you to remove any baskets with toy guns in them from your store’s shelves immediately.”

The letter, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, was sent to the retailer in March. The Easter baskets start at $9.99 and contain Nerf dart shooters or plastic water guns in various sizes. (Left) Reverend Michael Pfleger, a Roman Catholic priest and social activist in Chicago. Photo obtained from McCormick Theological Seminary.

Pfleger, who was first alerted to the baskets by community members, encouraged not only his parishioners to lobby Kmart and other retailers that sell such items, but also those across the city to get behind the impromptu anti-violence campaign.

“As a Christian I’m insulted that Kmart or any store would use this celebration of life to have images of guns in Easter baskets, encouraging parents to buy them for their children…In a nation that’s plagued with gun violence, neither Kmart nor any other store should be selling guns in Easter baskets to our kids.”

Lucy Faraday is a freelance writer who lives in Chicago.