Campaign Against Violence Hosts ‘Put the Guns Down’ Festival

On Sunday, August 30th, 2009, Campaign Against Violence (CAV) will cap off its summer initiative with their 5th annual ‘Put the Guns Down Festival’, at Washington Park starting at 11am.

The non-profit group known for its leadership development and civic engagement efforts will keep things on a lighter note with this gathering.  The festival will be a family friendly event, aimed at bringing together and empowering community members.”This event is meant to unify the city of Milwaukee; it is a celebration of community, life and peace,” stated Lanisha Martin, a long time volunteer and member of CAV.

The festivities will include free food, games and live entertainment from various speakers, poets, singers and hip hop artists. School supplies will also be given away for students returning to class in September.

Over the past few months CAV has been working on mobilizing young people of color (ages 18-35), in low income communities to get them to understand how a green economy can create pathways out of poverty – Jobs not Jails.  The ‘Green the Hood’ campaign objective is to assess the community awareness of clean energy/green jobs and climate change while at the same time promoting civic participation and educating residents about the importance of the 2010 Census.

By agitating, educating and organizing, it is the mission of the Campaign Against Violence to inspire the hip-hop generation to take a proactive stance against interpersonal violence. The Campaign Against Violence is an affiliate of the League of Young Voters Education Fund (LYVEF) and is a Milwaukee based organization.