Rev. Jackson and Education Leaders Unite Against Gun Violence

CHICAGO-(July 3, 2007) – During this week’s live internationally-broadcast of the PUSH Saturday Morning Forum, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., founder and president of Rainbow PUSH Coalition is calling for summer jobs and summer programs as a key to end gun violence.

“We have drugs and guns coming in,” Rev. Jackson said. “There are no jobs and job training coming in.”

Joining Rev. Jackson will be Paul Helmke, president of Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; representatives from Ceasefire and Million Mom March, anti-gun violence organizations, to talk about ending senseless murders due to gun violence.

Dr. Lynn Walker, president of Truman College and Clyde El-Amin, president of Kennedy King College will discuss the benefits of city colleges by enabling students to seek a successful future and to keep their focus off gangs, drugs, and gun violence.

Rev. Jackson said the current laws are insufficient for protecting the nation's youth. In Chicago alone, more than 34 children under the age of 18 were killed this year.

“We have the right to live safe and secure no matter where we live in America,” Rev. Jackson said. “Our marching does not kill people; people who buy guns from gun shops kill people.”

There are several gun shops outside of Chicago city limits, and Rainbow PUSH Coalition plans to march on all of them.

Also during the program Simeon Career Academy’s basketball team will receive letterman jackets as congratulatory gifts for their back-to-back Illinois’ State Championships.

Source: Rainbow PUSH Coalition