GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In the southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood, dozens of signs reading “Stop shooting. We play here.” have been posted following the tragic deaths of two teenagers. The signs aim to raise awareness and urge the community to reflect on the impact of violence on future generations. The initiative is led by Cure Violence, a community violence prevention organization, whose site director, Jefferson Ridgeway, emphasized the need for children to safely enjoy activities in their neighborhoods.
After the recent shooting of 17-year-old Niles Murray, Cure Violence engaged with residents near Umatilla Street SE and Madison Avenue SE. Ridgeway explained that the signs symbolize the community’s desire to reclaim their neighborhood and enjoy peaceful times without fear. “They’re saying, ‘I want my neighborhood back. I want our front lawn back,’” Ridgeway said, as reported by WOODTV.com…