In June 2015, a tragic event shook the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago when a woman named Karen Whitman lost her life while attempting to diffuse a fight at the corner of 75th and Stewart. The 34-year-old mother was caught in crossfire from a passing vehicle, a victim of the area’s rampant violence.
In the wake of this senseless tragedy, a fellow mother, Lisa Thompson, took action. Just three days later, Thompson gathered a group of dedicated mothers, all clad in bright pink T-shirts, and they set up lawn chairs on that same corner. With hot dogs sizzling on a grill, they hosted a spontaneous community cookout, aiming to reclaim the space for the children of Englewood.
Since that pivotal moment, this collective of mothers has established a consistent presence on that corner every summer. Thompson founded an organization called Mothers Against Senseless Killings (M.A.S.K.) with a clear mission: to restore the childhoods of Englewood’s youth. She understood that if no changes were made, the children would associate their upbringing with violence, arrests, and fear.
The M.A.S.K. volunteers do more than just provide food and fun activities; they engage with the community, bringing sidewalk chalk, sports equipment, and, most importantly, warmth and care. Their goal is simple yet profound: to foster a sense of community where children can grow up as friends, not adversaries.
The impact of their efforts has been noteworthy. As Thompson shared in a recent editorial, “After just three summers on the block, violent crime and gun-related incidents in that census tract have dramatically decreased, creating a positive ripple effect.” Improvements have also been noted in local schools, with better student performance reported, all achieved without any significant resources, new jobs, or government support.
However, M.A.S.K. is not limited to cookouts and camaraderie. Thompson and her team have actively sought feedback from the community on what is needed to combat gang violence. The community voiced their needs for resources, job opportunities, and skills training. “They emphasized the necessity of schools that can prepare their children for a future increasingly dominated by technology,” she noted. They are also advocating for a share of the $95 million allocated for a new police and firefighter training center, underscoring that the community often polices itself.
Thompson humbly claims she is not an activist but merely a mother. “This is the ‘village’ we often hear about but seems to have been lost,” she reflects. “These children have become my children too.” Her statement may downplay her significant achievements, as mothers have a remarkable ability to drive change. The influence of their involvement in the lives of children is undeniable, fostering a movement that interrupts the cycle of violence that has plagued their neighborhood.
“A mother’s love is selfless, persistent, and always present,” Thompson explains, capturing the essence of what M.A.S.K. stands for. “This is what mothers excel at—getting in the way of harm.”
Many successful initiatives have been spearheaded by mothers, from Mothers Against Drunk Driving to Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. M.A.S.K. has already begun to inspire similar grassroots movements in neighborhoods across Chicago and beyond, including Evansville, IN, Memphis, TN, and Staten Island, NY.
While gang violence is an intricate issue with no singular solution, fostering a neighborhood rich in love, hope, and community spirit can significantly address the socioeconomic and racial injustices that contribute to violence in underprivileged areas. Who better than a collective of mothers to nurture that kind of community? Their fierce devotion to protecting children is unmatched. As Thompson aptly puts it, “There’s a newfound hope that didn’t exist before, all because we’re mothers. Never underestimate the power of a mother.”
In summary, Lisa Thompson and her ‘Army of Moms’ are reshaping the narrative in Englewood through community engagement, love, and relentless dedication. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of how grassroots efforts can lead to meaningful change.
If you’re interested in exploring related topics, check out this post about at-home insemination kits or visit Modern Family Blog for insights from experts. For those considering pregnancy options, Johns Hopkins Medicine offers excellent resources on fertility and home insemination.