Anti-Violence Rally Sparked By Student's Death

CHICAGO (CBS 2) -- tudents at Simeon Career Academy took a stand against violence Tuesday after one of their classmates was gunned down in front of the school over the weekend.

As CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports, students took part in an anti-violence rally in front of the Thompson Center. As many as 500 students had been expected to attend.

Kids who say they do not want to live in fear anymore joined the anti-violence rally. Simeon students came in buses, in commemoration of their classmate, Chavez Clarke, who was shot dead in front of the school after leaving Saturday classes this weekend.

The students are leaving their campus at 8147 S. Vincennes Ave. to get a lesson outside the building in grass-roots change.

"I received a number of calls and e-mails saying that (students) wanted to go to state and local legislators, because this type of violence has to stop amongst our peers," said Simeon principal Tamara Sterling.

"They're starting a movement," Sterling added. "I'm extremely proud of them."

"When the youth get involved and show that this is a true concern to us, that change is evident," added student Ronnie Mosley.

At least 20 Chicago Public Schools students have been shot and killed so far this school year, most recently the students' Clarke, who was in school on Saturday while working to make up missed credits so he could graduate on time.

"He was a cool guy; real smart," said Jeremiah Winston. "I'd always see him at the library with his brothers playing chess."

Two teenagers face murder charges in connection with Clarke's death. Samuel Hill, 17, is being held without bail, and Ronald Little, 19, is being held on $1 million bond.

Students are taking the message against violence on the road.

Student Cory Buckingham prepared a sign simply reading, "stop" in white block letters on a black background, with a red stripe across the bottom.

"This represents that I want the crime to stop," Buckingham said.

Mosley said easy access to guns has been a plague to his generation.

"There's a lack of conflict resolution within our generation, so with the easy access to guns, we're acting on our emotion," Mosley said. "We don't have time to think, so if you have a gun in your hand and you're still under that emotion, you just shoot people."

Like the pictures of positive role models that hang on Simeon's walls, the students hope to influence their peers and adults who might be able to help.

"Gun laws need to change," Winston said. "A lot of stuff starts at the home."

"Thirty students that passed last year won't die in vain, nor the 20 (this year) or the two that were shot last night," added Mosley, who was to be a featured speaker at the event. "No injuries, deaths or wounds will go in vain."

Mayor Richard M. Daley had also been expected to attend.

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