Milwaukee community spreads message of non-violence

Group works to bring positivity to Milwaukee community

Group works to bring positivity to Milwaukee community

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's creative arts community spent Saturday, September 14th searching for ways to get people to put down their guns by focusing on doing something positive.

The group feels those who are turning to violence as an answer just don't have a direction in life and while their problems may be complex, curbing the issue can start small.

Alexandria Ellis tends to a community garden on 9th and Ring St. that not only feeds those in need, but also makes a difference in others' lives.

"I just can't be the person that does nothing anymore," said Ellis. "Everybody has a purpose and it's not to kill each other."

Others fed up with the summer's violence expressed themselves through their own "gardens." For Mark Phillips it was music -- spreading the message of hope and positive reinforcement.

"To have an outlet and a healthy supporting cast system is one of the most key things that helps young people within their decision making," said Phillips. "Where they don't have to feel the necessity to pick up a gun but learn how to talk out their issues, learn how to talk out their problems."

Milwaukee Alderwoman Milele Coggs says gun violence can't be solved over night, but there are small steps that anyone can take to help prevent it.

"I think too often people feel like some people are too far gone," said Coggs. "It may not be an event, it may be a conversation. It may be mentoring. It may be volunteering, but that's what people should begin thinking of."

Those involved in the effort say they're optimistic that 2014 will be a better year. They hope with events like the one Saturday, people will begin to realize the pain this summer's violence has caused.