Topic: Gang Violence

A report from The Guardian details the spike in gun violence in Chicago during the 2016-2020 period compared to historical lows in 2014. An outreach worker from Cease Fire explains that the current uptick is driven by the decentralization of gangs into smaller, unorganized "cliques" and "crews." This shift has replaced older, militaristic hierarchies with a more chaotic and violent landscape.

The story of 11-year-old Robert "Yummy" Sandifer is detailed as a catalyst for the 1990s panic over juvenile violent crime in Chicago. Sandifer, a member of the Black Disciples, was murdered by his own gang after killing a teenage girl, leading to comparisons with child soldiers in war zones.