Champaign Beat the Streets event aims to curb youth gun violence [Video]

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Kids in Champaign were at Centennial Park on Saturday afternoon for a very important message.

Mentors from Angel’s Youth Center and parents shared the dangers of gun violence. Sa’kinah Williams, a teacher and mentor with the center, said the message was conveyed through a day filled with fun.

“There’s more to life than the gun violence; than, you know, some of the negativity that’s going on in the community,” she said.

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Angel’s Youth Center hosted their fourth annual “Beat the Streets” event. Center Executive Director Angelica Johnson said the event was created to educate kids about the dangers of gun violence.

“To be honest, our youth is leaving here soon,” she said. “They’re leaving really soon and you know, they’re not having a fair chance at life. And so I don’t think, sometimes, the students and the youth know how dangerous it is and know that …