FIRSTHAND: Gun Violence

The number of gun violence victims in Chicago may fluctuate, but the psychological trauma in many neighborhoods is constant. How do wounded communities heal? FIRSTHAND: GUN VIOLENCE explores the personal stories of people whose lives have been affected and how each, in their own way, is transforming pain and struggle into hope and action.

The number of gun violence victims in Chicago may fluctuate, but the psychological trauma in many neighborhoods is constant. How do wounded communities heal? FIRSTHAND: GUN VIOLENCE explores the personal stories of people whose lives have been affected and how each, in their own way, is transforming pain and struggle into hope and action.

How does our society support community members after the loss of a loved one to gun violence? Noemi Martinez, who lost her son (and her brother) to gun violence on Chicago's streets, channeled her experience into helping other mothers dealing with similar situations at the nonprofit Chicago Survivors. Noemi's grief remains at her side but she is learning to live beyond her loss.

For Chicago youth, going from one block to the next can be a high-stress or life-or-death ordeal. India Hart witnessed a shooting in her neighborhood that left her dad wounded. It wasn't the only time she experienced gun violence; her uncle and friend were both killed - leaving India and her parents having to deal with her PTSD. What do you imagine a safe and healing community could be?