CABQ’s Summer of Nonviolence initiative wraps up for the year

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The City of Albuquerque wrapped up its final event for the Summer of Nonviolence on Saturday. To send off the summer, families came together for the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.

“These types of things are effective,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers.

The idea was to host events throughout the summer in hopes of keeping children busy and off the streets.

City leaders said it began as a response to historical increases in violence during the summertime. The free event offered activities like a skate jam, break dancing performances, and mini golf.

“We know that the lessons aren’t more police officers,” said Commissioner Barboa. “We can’t arrest our way out of it. We need to make sure our families feel safe, that our families have resources.”

City leaders said more than 600 people signed the pledge of nonviolence this summer, pledging to avoid hateful words, physical violence, and self-destructive behavior among others.

“They’re getting the education about what it means to be nonviolent,” Councilor Rogers explained. “We also have passports, so that they can make sure they’re going to each of the resource partners to get those resources. So, yeah, I definitely think there is an impact, plus it gives youth a place to be, so they’re not in the street doing things they’re not supposed to be doing.”

Moving forward, Albuquerque Community Safety said they will continue to offer their school-based violence intervention program to help reduce violent incidents among kids.

“What we had to deal with going to school is a lot different than what our kids are dealing with now,” said Jodie

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